RedRich

I think the Irish Aircon's are actually closer to the MK2 E's where the toilets are on opposite sides.. The roof hatches on the MK2 F's are larger than the C-D-E coaches. Rich,

The last prototype that I would have expected to see in model form was a Dart. The fact that they are in N & 00 makes it even more remarkable. For a one man show it is amazing to see such fine models. Rich,

Having seen one of these BPM models in Balfour Beatty livery they are amazing models. Bit expensive rtr for some but worth it. Rich,

That look's like Howard Bolton's Minories Fran. I've spent hours on the Scalefour Forum watching this masters work. He has a fantastic thread on the building of the track and gives huge encouragement and advice also. Rich,

Decals is the way to go. You need to get a glossy area to apply the decal to. When it's in place for a day you can seal it in with your preferred varnish. Factory finished models are tampo printed. Hand painting or stenciling numbers would be a bit stone age when there are perfectly good decals available. Have a look on youtube and you will see plenty of how to do it on there. Rich,

One of the finest 00 coach models from any manufacturer. It looks right and that's one of the key features of any model. Rich,

John I would would prefer the scale length versions. These coaches look so unique with the extra width that it would be a shame not to have the option. Rich,

Very nice Leslie, a fantastic looking model of the prototype and fairly priced also. The chassis really captures the look of the original frame. I hope these sell by the bucket load for you, they are a bit before my preferred era, however I am looking forward to seeing the double bodied wagons as they are well within my chosen era. If they look as good as these you will be on to a winner. Rich,

Good man Des. Where do you find the time. I'll definitely be having some. The missing bars of the cage on the bottom narrow side is a good spot. It wouldn't be noticed when the cages are in situ on the wagons. I love that attention to detail. Rich,

Cheeky Dave, but a nice upper cut. Rich,

It reminds me of a scene I saw many years ago with a Lima 08 tarted up to look like a D. In fairness the guy had added some extra bits like extending the roof over the cab and an attempt was made to give a good representation of the different boxes. It feels a little like if they repaint a Heljan class 33 into CIE liveries for their next Irish model. A much better looking and running model than the Lima effort, but still fictitious at the end of the day. It does nothing realistically in pushing the hobby forward in a positive way which is a bit disappointing Rich,

I strive to model what I see in the prototype and the real railway, does that make me a rivet counter. I want to run prototypical models of the prototype not repaints, does that make me a rivet counter. Please explain to me what or who is a rivet counter Noel. Some of us we take the hobby seriously and marginalizing people into a group and calling them rivet counters is a bit below the belt on a forum where all people of all tastes are welcome and not pigeon holed. Rich,

Noel I assume you have 141-181 class and 071 class models. Both models were produced in the same manufacturing plant by the same people. The cabs, the antenna's, the glazing, the roof horns and, buffer's have been re-used from the 141-181 models. The buffer's on the 071's are actually slightly different and heavier than those fitted to the babies on the prototypes. It doesn't bother me that they were reused as I love the models. If or when a 121 is produced it won't be by Bachmann it will be by MM. I feel supremely confident that a 121 from the MM stable will be a fantastic model. If it would be possible to make the side grilles see through without any of the chassis block showing, it would be amazing. Rich,

That's looking exceptionally good Fran. No matter what rtr you have bought or will buy, they won't give you the same feeling as a kit built model. Especially a loco. Rich,

That is railway modelling in a nutshell Richie. Rich,

4 You mention the word alleged like it is an allegation and not a fact. I have seen some and the paint separation is very fuzzy and not straight from end to end. I do feel sorry for MM as he is left with the stock. However the factory are at fault for sending out poorly painted models. As for spraying the 3 inch white lines there are the correct decals available. You won't however get away with applying decals and logos and passing these coaches off as IE or IR coaches as the main colour is wrong for that livery. Therefore if a full repaint of one of these into a correct shade for the Supertrain livery with the correct shade of paint and crisp separation between colours is what you want, you could be talking about €90 if they don't drop in price. It is a shame it has happened but that's the risk when the product is being produced on the other side of the world. Rich,

I was Fran, and I did to much too young because I took one step beyond. I had a nice mirror in the bathroom though. Rich,

It happens Seamus and having seen the order form on their website I can understand how it could happen. Rich,

Five years John wow. If there is any truth to the saying that times goes fast when you are having fun we must be having a ball. Thanks for the dimensions and other info. Rich,

Whoever had it really butchered it. If you manage to completely remove the paint you could try and anneal the brass to soften it and see if it can be made reusable. There will be huge brownie points up for grabs if you pull it off. I've not seen an MIR EGV or Restaurant kit as it comes, are they pre rolled. I am all for encouraging people to have a try, however practice before tackling it otherwise more often than not the sides as you received them will be the result. Rich,

Vinny Byrnes is an auto factors and would only mix paint if the right Ral code was provided. Rich,

Thanks John, hugely appreciated. It is a seriously nice piece of engineering and the finished model is a smashing job. It looks even better running on the 21mm track and runs sweet in both directions. Shunting movements in forward and reverse are such an integral part of the real railway and she looks right at home doing both. I'd say she runs just as flawlessly running through crossings. Once again top work. Rich,

Thank's John I bet it's a looker and smooth runner. Any pics of it in action if you have some spare time would be appreciated. Rich,

Cheers Seamus, top man. Rich,

Just as an aside Richie, would Hollywood Foundry produce a chassis in 21mm. Rich,