Mol_PMB

NIR 111: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167303724993

Agreed. I don't think 21mm gauge track is a licence to print money. Imagining IRM's point of view, promoting 21mm gauge adds extra challenges and costs to design models to suit multiple gauges, which may compromise the design of the more numerous 16.5mm gauge versions. Doesn't feel like good business sense, so I can appreciate their position. For those of us who do like 21mm gauge, whether for 4mm scale 5'3" or 7mm scale 3' gauge, there are a host of different wheel and flanegway standards in use. However, for the flexitrack most of those don't matter, it's only the actual track gauge that needs to be agreed*. And that's 21mm, right? I've seen mention of 20.2mm as a theoretical EM-equivalent but is there anyone actually using it? For comparison, here's an example plastic sleeper base for 22.2mm gauge, Swiss metre gauge in 1:45 continental O scale (one of my other projects). In that scale there are multiple standards too, the older RTR stuff was 22.5mm gauge with coarse wheels and flangeways, but more recent RTR models and most high-end models and scratchbuilt models use a finer scale and 22.2mm gauge. This track base takes Peco code 100 flat-bottom rail. * there may be other issues such as bullhead vs flat-bottom, sleeper spacing, wooden vs concrete etc, but those are matters of appearance not compatibility.

Thanks DJD, a good summary. For flexitrack, it's worth remembering that the part needed is one moulding, of maybe 8 sleepers and rail fastenings connected by webs. It can be made to fit standard Peco rail, which the user could buy separately and feed into the sleepers. A dozen of those mouldings would make up a yard of track. To build 10 yards of track would use 120 of those moulded parts. If there's a few people interested, the numbers add up quite quickly, and would probably tip the balance towards injection moulding rather than 3D printing. But even the availability of a 3D printed part would be very welcome. By just supplying the mouldings they would be a small and lightweight product, easy to ship.

I've had a read.

Wheel standards are one of the challenges, I agree. But not impossible. Worth a discussion.

I’m idly wondering what to do next. NIR 1 class is another notable gap to fill, but the lack of dimensions and drawings is a problem. Something else built at Inchicore at the same time as the E401s? Very niche but arguably better than 36001.

Excellent! So it’s surely only a very small step for IRM to offer 21mm gauge wheelsets for the Irish locos?

Many thanks. I have to confess this is going together better than I expected. There are a few minor issues I would change with the benefit of hindsight but nothing major so far. Just waiting on IRM to piss on my chips with an RTR version! Seriously, I don’t think there will ever be a mass market for an E401 but maybe there’s a handful of people on here who might be interested in making one, and I could mention it on RMweb I suppose. Once I’ve finished the body kit I will have to develop the chassis. Several options and that will depend on who is interested and what gauge they are working in.

Next up - IRM models in 21mm gauge? Accurascale offer P4 wheelsets. Just saying…

Very nice! I have bought some of their rat buffers for my E class.

This morning I've done most of the footplate and fuel tank subassembly. Quite pleased with how this has worked out, especially the steps. I still need to tackle the cosmetic frames and a few other details, as well as writing the next chapter of the instructions. However, I couldn't resist bolting together the main parts to see how it looks. I'm sure there will be some more fettling needed but this gives the right sort of impression I think.

The Atlas O EMD switcher exists in a version with flexicoil trucks, which are similar to but not identical to the Irish locos. But once you start looking at the details and dimensions the body is very different from a 121. Plus US O scale is 1:48, though that makes 32mm gauge track more like broad gauge. All this will be irrelevant when AS/IRM announce their O gauge range for you.

Attached are a completed set of the bonnet top instructions (including the plumbing) and a newly-written set of instructions for the cab. Making an E401 - the bonnet top and exhaust cowl.pdf Making an E401 - the cab.pdf Now I can start work on the footplate and frames.

That would be intriguing, though none of those prototypes really belong together. Maybe they could repaint a Heljan O gauge class 33 in orange and black to go with the Mk2 coaches? They've also made noises about the BAC Peckett, which is 3' gauge. They could do that in 7mm scale, but it would need some more of that damn 21mm gauge track

I don't expect all of those will be delivered in the coming year, so you have some time to save up! I'm intrigued to see what's coming. I wonder whether there will be an announcement of something once the warehouse move is all done and dusted?

Many thanks for the update, it’s good to understand the reasoning. Incidentally on the IRM website I had registered to be emailed when surplus grain vans became available, but I guess that may not work if the new stock will only be listed on Accurascale. I’ve re-registered my interest on the Accurascale website too. If my IRM and AS points get merged I might even have enough points to pay for a pack of wagons Cheers, Mol

I've got the cab assembly virtually completed now, and we can begin to see what the loco's going to look like. The cab headlight parts turned out to fit perfectly and were much easier than I expected. They were a tricky detail to reproduce. Tomorrow, the footplate and frames...

Very nice indeed! Looking forward to seeing these completed and the loco started

Some more progress to report. I have added the plumbing to the bonnet: And I have made a good start on the cab: Next job is the cab headlights. I have also found the first mistake in the etch. Fortunately it's a minor one and easily corrected.

They don't need to - the courier will see to that! But please don't give them ideas - I'm looking forward to these H vans turning up. At this rate I'll have my E class ready to haul them...

Yes please!

Now that could be their first complete trainset! C class loco, brake standard coach, H van, corrugated open and brake van. Circle of track and a siding.

Very interesting to see the driving trailer in use. I had imagined that it was intended for a short 2-car power+trailer set, but the photo shows it as part of a 4-car set with the pair of railcars at one end, rather than sandwiching the trailers. Presumably this required less shunting when the normal 2-car set needed extending to 4 at busy times. It's also a reminder that the 1950s CIE modernisation wasn't limited to the main lines, and even the W&T received a modern fleet. I hope all goes well with your other commitments and I look forward to the future batches of photos.

I do like the concept of a 'a-tiny-bit-shite' car! I've never had a car, but I live in the suburbs of a big city and I can get by without. It does place limitations on what I can do, but saves a huge amount of money which can be spent on toy trains instead. Though I don't have as much orange as DJD does, and mine are mostly stacked away in the 'cupboard of shame' rather than displayed. I tend to just display the stuff I've made myself. But I have to say that DJD's wall of display cases is mighty impressive! Maybe you need to get yourself written into DJD's will before the sausages get consumed?

Lovely - especially in two scales. Also very interesting to see the original plans. But where's the model privy?