RedRich

They are amazing models Seamus but that little beauty really stands out. Rich,

Great Ernie I really need to familiarize myself with the steam era and the history of our railways before the diesel era. Rich,

There are some really good shots in that collection that can be referenced for future projects. I particularly love the shot of 25067 at the junction in June 2005. Little oddities and difference's like on that one make the wagons stand out in a rake. I love the shots of Muine Bheag, what a really lovely set of buildings. It would make for a fantastic project to model the station with lot's of traffic to make it really interesting. Thanks for adding that collection Ernie I've really enjoyed looking at it. Rich,

From the pics they look amazing Fran. They look meaty like they are on the prototype. Very clean castings also. Rich,

Sounds great Seamus Trains a TK red and a pack of peanuts = a good day out. Rich,

That'sounds amazing JHB it's a shame that there is no colour cine cam or video footage around of a movement like that. Rich,

Was your Dad a railway enthusiast also Seamus. Lovely memory by the way and also very nice to see someone refer to their parent in a loving and respectful way, you don't see much of it these days on forums, maybe only on here. Rich,

Pat knowing the diligence among the the four of you lads they were investigated thoroughly. TBH I can't find any record of another one neither and I have tried. Rich,

Good look to you even though you don't need it, you'll be fine and enjoy it. Rich,

I have to say that I have boundless respect for n gauge modellers it really takes patience and dedication. What is so good about this is that it will be good enough to be exhibited. Top work sir. Rich,

Oh definitely pack B pack Seamus I love 25195 with the Bulk Cement stencils. I love the smaller CIE broken wheel models also. It's not that I don't like the Irish Cement logo I just can't remember ever seeing one out shopped in that livery or before the printing disappeared behind the dirt and cement dust. I seem to always associate the Irish Cement logo with the bogie cements. Either way they will all be weathered in time. Richie's weathering of his model is where the bar is and I would consider it more special effects than weathering it is that good. Rich,

Got my four A B C D packs today. I have had a good look at them and having loved the prototype it was time to look at photos and notes taken many years ago. First if anyone has ever worked in metal fabrication they will know how tube and barrel shapes can be constructed especially when they have rounded ends. They tend to be welded together in segments while the center parts can be rolled and seam welded. This is the way that the prototypes were constructed and the models capture the look spot on. The chassis itself is like the ballast but differs hugely underneath the solebars. The amount of pipework is testimony to IRM's standards of wanting to produce a model that sets the bar each time and they have done it again. The livery the printing the etched parts are all quality but the most important thing is capturing the looks and producing an accurate rendition that is as physically and mechanically possible. Well this model is all those things. I am mentioning the weathering job Richie has done on his model and apart from that, changing couplings , and re-gauging there isn't anything that could improve it for me. A top model gents top marks to all four of you, and I hope the other three lad's won't mind me giving a shout out to Pat for the graphic design work and packaging, it looks great. Rich,

Get out of it Seamus you have less hair than that, mind you I have less hair than you. Rich,

The etches look amazing Des I really like the hopper windows. Rich,

Fair play Des I have no doubt they will be greatly received and bought in huge amounts. Rich,

That's excellent news Fran ! . Can't wait for the knock on the door. Rich,

Ah Halling motors I remember seeing them used for tram models. Rich,

Superb Eoin, also it's the pace that the build is moving at that really has you say wow. Those that model the steam era and build locos are among the best of all modellers irrespective of gauge. Rich,

In fairness I think the Lima model of the IE version captured the orange livery better than the more recent MM version of the same livery. Definitely not worth that price though. Rich,

Look forward to seeing what it is when it launches Pat, and the best of luck guys. Rich,

Nice work George. Were the MIR kits supplied with Gibson wheelsets. I remember seeing some dodgy ones over the years. As an aside is that the portakabin. Rich,

TBH George having seen your recent work especially on Des's ploughs and flats it has been really inspiring too. Rich

You obviously learned from a master Eoin. Rich,

Truly amazing work sir. It's so interesting as well as it makes you think, surely that's the essence of model making having someone watch and say I would love to have a go. Rich,

I remember seeing Ballybeg down in Wexford a few years ago. My youngest lad was in raptures watching and listening to the sounds. It is a fine layout and is always busy so it keeps you interested. Rich,