west_clare_wanderer

Thank you Mol. You're an absolute gent!

Trump is only interested in himself and this own self-interest. And by extension, the tiny minority elite who he represents. If that means opposing Putin today, but then supporting him tomorrow, so be it. I honestly don't think he has any moral compass. His only motivation is money, power, and influence. And let's face it, at his age, he doesn't give a flying f#€k about the consequences for future generations. What does it matter if his tarrifs screw the world for the next couple of decades, he won't be around to see it. Unless of course he is cryogenically frozen and lives forever. Or indeed is injected with bleach to make him immortal........

That is a wonderful photo. Crying out to be modelled! What type of van is that first one on the left? The colours in this are simply superb. The muted weathered tones are so subtle. Nothing - from track, to loco and rolling stock, from the grass to the sky, even the background buildings - stands out in a garish manner. As a whole composition, capturing the time, it is stunning.

Hi Mol, Well, I'm sure some questions are more stupid than others! But seriously though, I don't want to annoy anyone. Folks have been so helpful here since I finally stuck my head above the parapet and started posting. Time is precious, and to share it is very kind. Thank you ever so much for such an comprehensive and informative reply. I'm extreme grateful. The more I'm learning, the less I'm getting worried about grey/brown, snail/roundal in my chosen period. I often forget that it would take years to repaint wagons (if they ever did so). I really appreciate that explanation about the different types of flat wagons. I had noticed a difference, your reply sets out the reason brilliantly. Thank you so much again! David

Thank you very much for confirming

Hi all. Another stupid question from a newcomer... I'm going to order a pack of IRM flat wagons. The options are for the grey 'livery' or the brown one. In common with H vans, I'm presuming the brown one is the later one, introduced in the (mid?) 1970s? Whereas grey would cover both the 1960s and 1970s (flying snails and Supertrain). Sorry for asking such basic questions. My research would suggest the above, but flats aren't as easily found in photos, and given there is very little wagon to paint, it's sometimes difficult to see whether a wagon is grey or brown! Apologies for taking up people's time, and many thanks in advance for any advice you can provide. Take care, David

Thanks for the tip off Dave. I seldom come across MRJ, so I'll have to actively seek it out. Photos of Chee Tor still amaze me today. It's still at the pinnacle of everything 2mm scale modelling can be.

Having belatedly read an email from Rails of Sheffield this morning, i see their pre-order deadline for the unfitted H vans has now passed. I presume we are still able to place our preorder directly with Accurascale/IRM?

I feel exactly the same. Putin is a horrible man too, but he is cold, hard, and calculated. Trump on the other hand... well he's a scattergun who changes his mind on a daily basis. I fundamentally oppose his politics, but its not that I'm particularly worried about. It's the random, incoherent approach which worries me more. One morning he might get up and, over his bowl of Coco Pops, may just feel like setting fire to the world.

My pal is there with his 009 layout, featuring excuisite hand built track, and flying another flag for narrow gauge. Looks like he will be in the best of company if Northport Quay is there. I wish I was there in person now, but look forward to seeing the photographs of the weekend.

Couldn't have put it any better! He's a complete idiot. But unfortunately, a very powerful, very dangerous idiot

Yes please! That is simply superb. Words fail me...

I love it! This is exactly what model making should be about... Fun! Good to get them hooked early. If your grandson is anything like the 3 year olds in my world, then I think the colourful DART will be just the distraction you need!

Do you cut your own sleepers to size? If so, what do you use? I hope you don't mind me asking.

That is something it would be interesting to try to model. It could actually help to mask the inaccuracy if you are using 16.5mm gauge by hiding the wrongly spaced, wrongly sized sleepers.

Thanks guys, that's really helpful. When I got home from work I remembered this book, so dug it out. Similarly, there's a list of all 48ds and 88ds locomotives and where they went. I'd forgotten it included those for export from the UK, so the Irish ones are listed.

That's fascinating. Do you know what type of Rustons were used?

Thanks for sharing, those photos of Larne are absolutely fantastic. A bit of a counter to all those who think that the only narrow gauge in Ireland was 3' common carriers. Industrial systems are not what most normally think of.

You've got a great space there. Keep sticking at it and keep us updated on your progress.

Thanks very much for sharing this comprehensive description. It's amazing work! The photos are particularly useful. It shows how much goes into converting a piece of rolling stock to 21mm gauge. Thanks again, David

Fantastic stuff. It's inspiring to hear that you have finally got underway with a layout. It looks great. Keep on sharing.

Good stuff. The operating potential should be excellent. But man, many can only ever dream a layout this size, never mind a bigger one!

You've got a fantastic space to work in there Tony. I'm going to enjoy following this. Where/when is the layout set? It looks like you have come up with a track trackplan with lots of operating potential. Keep on sharing!

That's absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much for helping. I think ebay and Amazon are going to be my friend for a little while! The "Rails Through..." books look excellent. It seems some of them are available online. I think I'll prioritise some of them for starters. "The West" and "North Kerry" ones could be particular relevant. I've come across Martin Bairstow and this books before. So I know they will be good reads. They might also be good at covering a larger geographic area. I'm definitely interested in the history, and not just photos, so I'll keep an eye out for those authors you have suggested. Thank you again for being so helpful. I don't take it for granted. Thanks very much David. One to add to the wishlist.

Thank you ever so much for your reply. I'm extremely grateful that you've taken the time to do so. Firstly, thank you for that link to Ernie's Flickr page. What an absolutely amazing resource! A very quick look has confirmed that I am going to lose many hours of my life down that rabbit hole! It looks like there are some absolutely fantastic albums in there. Exactly the kind of thing I was after. Thank you! I'll definitely join the IRRS. As you say, at €50 a year, it looks like it provides a wealth of resources. The journal will be nice to receive too. I'm sorry for being so vague in my original post, I realise it hasn't really helped. In terms of interest, it's in the south. I'm trying to soak up as much inspiration as possible, but the lines radiating from Limerick are favourites. My family origins are in Kerry, Clare, and Cork, so I feel a pull to that area. I've always been fascinated with the western railway corridor too. And the Kilkenny line is another I like. Thanks again for being so helpful. I really appreciate it. David PS - I better not start looking at Ernie's Flickr page now, otherwise I won't make it into work today!!