west_clare_wanderer

That is a really interesting plan. I'd like to know whether people are still building layouts like this in the USA, or whether folk have switched (no pun intended!) to Mindheim style, more minimalist approach. It seems these 'old fashioned' 8x4 layouts have a lot of play value. Any Irish or UK house generally hasn't had room for anything like this since the 1960s.

Great news! I've just completed my 'set', having acquired the North Kerry book (thanks to the kindness of Mol). They are undoubtedly my favourite series of railway books. I cannot wait for the next one

Sorry for being late to the party, but that is stunning Darius. What absolutely inspirational stuff

Thanks very much Mike, that's really helpful

Thank you very much Enda. I'll get myself sorted for an order. I want a couple of brakevans too. Dave

I'd say the IOM was the middle island.... the rose between two thorns if we want to flatter the Manx folk

This is fantastic! What's the origins of the chassis and body? Is it a 3D print or something else?

Fantastic! @Past-Avenue - are you able to ship to the right-hand island Enda?

Thanks Paul. I do! I have bid but it's just creeping towards my limit....

Just giving this an update..... I've managed to fill some gaps in recent months, but there are a few things I'm still after... The hunt for the elusive Supertrain A Class locos goes on. So, 018 and 027 remain top of my wish list. Alternatively, 007 in IR Supertrain. IRM wagons... The brown grain van pack, any of the oil tanker packs, and the diesel fuel pack are the priority. Perhaps fertilizer wagons too. I understand that these are a longshot, but if you don't ask you'll never know! Thank you very much for looking. Dave

Like Mol said, this sounds absolutely fantastic! I've just posted on another thread about how I love a 'system' layout... Well this is exactly what I mean! I'm really looking forward to seeing this develop. Thanks for sharing

I know very little about American railroads, but I love the shortline concept. I also love the idea of a large layout based on a whole branch line. Not filled with track, but a sparse scene with a handful of sidings on the way to drop wagons off. My dream one day is to have something such as this based on an Irish setting. It's one of the reasons I love Dugort! Large, complex layouts in a home setting may need a team of people to operate. They can also require a team of people to actually build or (and perhaps more so) finish them. Few us have the time, space, money, or number of friends(!!) to be able to do such a project. I really enjoy reading about these type of 'system' layouts though. I suspect they are increasingly rare in Ireland and GB. When it comes to exhibitions, @Mayner has made some excellent points. To add in my own thoughts, that's why the best shows have a variety of types and styles of layout. I'd say it's for the larger, mainline, roundy roundy layouts to keep things moving and keep folks entertained. Especially kids. For smaller layouts - cameos, micros etc - then that isn't so important, but it's the intimacy that gets people hooked. The chance to chat with an operator, or even occasionally have a go yourself, is part of the appeal. As a fan of the bucolic and 'off the beaten track', I prefer the latter, but we need a range of layouts to entertain visitors.

Although most people will know about them, it's worth flagging Enda's O gauge stuff: https://ckprints.ie/page/o-guage With Shapeways, I always got the impression that the vast majority of stuff in there never got made into anything (or even printed). My problem with it - aside from the sky high costs in latter years - was the sheer amount of stuff. I found it overwhelming! With the price of 3D printers coming down, it's probably fair to say we don't need something exactly akin to Shapeways these days. There are plenty of people out there doing their own thing, but is it worth compiling a thread as a resource for 3D printed products, and also including links to companies/individuals that can print them? (If that list doesn't already exist of course, and pardon my ignorance if it does). Just my thoughts. Dave

https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0806/1586818-irish-rail-tea-trolley/ Quite a lot of chat about this on the radio today. Hopefully it won't be too long until we can get a cup of tea again!

Thanks! I was going to ask exactly the same question. Personally, I like the second option. It looks more natural.