west_clare_wanderer

That cobbled area is looking fantastic. I really like those low relief buildings too. Inspiring stuff!

Hooray for capitalism....

Really wide selection of IRM and MM stuff. Also includes this: https://ebay.io/m/yHpK7w Whilst interesting, it's an awful lot of money for a plastic sign!

Thanks. She's looking rather resplendent!

John, Thank you so much for such a comprehensive review. I'm very grateful. As with a lot of things, I feel I made my return to the hobby a few years too late! It seems that there isn't anything available nowadays in this particular niche. I missed out on your own products and @leslie10646's while in modelling hibernation. I must say, your own standard Irish 12T open wagon, and selection of vans, is exactly what I was looking for. It's such a shame that you didn't get the necessary support to the take the project further. I'd have definitely had a selection if I'd been around then. They could provide some much needed variety to what IRM produce. Thinking of an alternative approach, regarding the 12t open wagon in particular, is there any kit of a British prototype which could be used as the basis for a passable representation of such a wagon?

Definitely. I've got a good stash of 00n3 stuff, built from Ninelines and Dundas kits (CDR and T&D wagons). Although mine are 12mm gauge, they work equally well as larger 9mm gauge stock, matching the Welshpool and Llanfair and other bigger lines. Nothing to stop RTR locos being similarly capable of both. It's much easier with diesels though. So I'd suggest the big West Clare ones are a prime candidate. Just musing out loud...

Thanks very much Lots of links to explore there and things to keep me busy. I couldn't find some of things that people reference, but that makes sense if they are no longer available. I suppose indicative of changing times and growth of 3D printing rather than more traditional kits. I'll cease with the questions for a bit and give you all a rest! Apologies. Especially to you Paul. Thank you very much again.

Thank you very much Mol! As ever you're a mine of information

Hi all. I've accumulated a nice selection of stock now (with hopefully some more items to arrive soon), basically all from the IRM stable. However, I'd like to supplement these with some kit built stock and would like some recommendations for kits for other opens, vans, or other types of wagons. I wan to add some variety. My chosen time period is mainly early Supertrain era, but I'd also like to have some stock to model the mid/later 1960s too. What should I be looking out for to supplement my corrugated opens and H vans to add some variety? And whose kits would you recommend? I'm thinking that variety will be much easier to achieve in the 1960s compared to 1970s. Maybe some wooden open wagons and some earlier types of vans. Any suggestions gratefully received. Thanks as always for your help. Dave

Wonderful Paul!! What's the origin of your flat wagons with containers in your Supertrain cabinet?

Thanks chaps, that's really interesting and helpful. Yes @MOGUL, perhaps what I should have asked was the date of demise of the traditional loose coupled goods services, with H vans and corrugated opens predominating. Absolutely fascinating replies. Thank you!

Thanks as always Paul for a comprehensive and informative answer. It chimes with my understanding, but always best to get a proper response from an expert. I'm trying to justify that I can run my traditional 4 wheel stock with Supertrain liveried locos into the later 1970s period. It's just about do-able from photos.

Is there a de facto date for the end of wagonload freight and the H vans and replacement with liner trains? I'm guessing there was quite a bit of overlap between the two and that it wasn't uniform across the country? Any guidance is much appreciated as always!

Thanks, that's useful. I'll have to keep my wits about me over the coming weeks!

I'm the same Patrick. Ordered one and quite fancied a second. I presumed that, as they are all showing as sold out, that was it and there would be no further stock (unless a second run was done one day). I am working on the basis that all sold out on preorder. PS - your digestives are safe. I prefer a hobnob!

Look at what Hornby did with the Ruston 48ds in 4mm scale. So a Deutz is easily possible. I'd trust IRM to make a great job of a G611. I'd love to see it, but I just doubt the market is big enough. I want to be proved wrong though! I suppose there's opportunity to get a market from us here, but also from 009-ers who fancy something different. Mind, one thing I have always thought is that a problem arises with the majority of (Irish) standard gauge modellers using 16.5mm gauge track... If paired on the same layout with 12mm gauge for our narrow gauge, it will just really accentuate the narrowness of the standard gauge. Look at photos of anywhere where they interchanged and the difference in gauge is striking. That would be lost if 16.5mm track is used. Just a minor inconsequential musing....

Lots to look forward to then JB. I better make some room on the bookshelf!

Maybe IRM should start a line of such jumpers...... Thanks, that's really helpful. It is lively to see your stock displayed like that. Well, if you do decide to part with 018, can I please have first dibs!

Please, please say you've still got it!?

If it is good enough for you as a master modeller, then it's more than good enough for this amateur bodger!! PS - what a jumper!!!

Just as an aside, was the only difference between the original Supertrain livery and the Irish Rail one the logo? If so, as an alternative approach, I'm guessing an IR one could be modified with a broken wheel decal.

That's great news! Thanks for the clarification. It's the Kerry one I haven't got then. I must try to track down a copy. They are absolutely wonderful books.

Fab, thanks very much Paul

My wagon quest is slowly progressing thanks to a very helpful chap in Dublin... I'm also looking for a few locos to complete my roster. Most importantly, a couple of Supertrain A Class locos (non sound). It was 018 and 027 which were done in this livery. So if you have one (or more) languishing and in need of a new home, please let me know. After that, a couple of Black and Tan 141s would be nice too. Those aren't high priority until I've secured some A Class locos though. Thank you very much for looking. David

Apologies for dragging this thread up from the past, but how many 'Rails through......' books are there? The West. North Kerry. Tipp. Wexford. Are those four the ones to date? I'm trying to complete the set and want to make sure I haven't missed one! Many thanks for any help you can provide. I really appreciate it. David