Mol_PMB

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?

I'm feeling old now. I remember when the 'new' station signs were the IR set of points logo!

https://www.kennellyarchive.com/m?search=Tralee+1966+pigeon+

Strange, the link worked for me. I blame cookies! I’ll try to post a more specific link.

And They're Off! Tralee-Dublin pigeon race, 1966: https://www.kennellyarchive.com/-/archive/years/1966/page/167#media_70915795-034f-485f-9890-08ff73166d6c

I think I was lucky to snag the last pack of Bulleid flats a few weeks ago, they turned up out of nowhere. Full price though, as were the corrugated wagons I bought with them. The odd thing about the current sale is that there's no GB shipping allowed, so actually I cannot buy anything from IRM at present, either via IRM or Accurascale websites. Models are selling out but I can't buy them, even at full price! I suppose it will save my bank account but I hope this won't be a long-term restriction. If only people in Ireland are allowed to model Irish Railways then the market will shrink...

I have had some custom etched signs done for my 7mm layout. Not sure I'd have deliberately fake ones done though!

Firms like Rails of Sheffield, Ellis Clark etc are also likely to take a significant cut - it could be up to 50%. I've had this dilemma myself - I can't be bothered to spend the time listing and posting it all myself, but the consequence is that effectively I have to pay someone else to do that for me, and they don't work for free. Whether you sell to a dealer or via an auction house, they all take their cut, and that's fair enough. If you want to achieve the maximum price then list it yourself on eBay or similar, but you'll have to do a lot of the legwork yourself.

Given that it would be a long way away, that plate could be smaller, and hence cheaper to make?

Here's the next section of the instructions, as far as I've got in reality! Making an E401 - the bonnet top and exhaust cowl.pdf Busy day at work tomorrow, but I'll try and finish the last two steps of bonnet plumbing after work, and then I'll have some model photos to illustrate those stages too. The next build stage after that is the cab. When I received the etches today, I actually got an etch and a half. It looks like there had been some sort of production problem with the first one and so they had re-run the job. They sent me the duff bit anyway, nicely gift-wrapped! The full etch I received was perfect, but I also have a free spare bonnet etch. So I do have the option to repeat everything I've done so far but with some of the other design options, such as the later grilles and no exhaust cowl. I get the impression a few people might be tempted to build one of these for themselves. Possibly one or two others might like me to build one for them. And there have been noises (OK, whispers) about a 7mm scale option. Early days yet, let me get a complete prototype first. I'm sure we can work something out. I have a full time day job so there are limits to what can be offered. Cheers, Mol

Attached are the instructions for the bonnet sides and ends. This should give you an idea of what's involved in building it. My next task is the instructions for the bonnet top. Making an E401 - the bonnet sides and ends.pdf