RedRich

Plastikote Suede is another option worth considering and should be available in DIY stores. I've seen it used on a few layouts and it looks really impressive when painted. Rich,

Having looked at Stephen's pic of 217 is it just me or does the original 201 livery look more authentic colour wise on the Lima model, as opposed to the newer MM version. Rich,

That looks really well worth the effort Tom and well executed also. Rich,

I remember a similar question being asked many years ago regarding class 20's on a BR forum and someone had also asked Bachmann the same question regarding a DRS pair at Warley.. As Fran has said the answer was, it would cost as much. As far as a twin pack is concerned, I think a twin pack of 124 and 134 as they were before being withdrawn would be nice. Rich,

It has been a sad sight to see how many locos have been withdrawn in recent times, and with the stored 201's now looking like they could fall into that category it is looking like the end of an era. I can't say I could have foreseen this happening in the mid 90's to mid 2000's. Cravens, MK11's, MK111's, a huge downturn in freight. The railway certainly seems a lot less interesting to enthusiasts these day's. I find it hard to even find anything worth photographing on the rails now. Rich,

Enjoy the Birthday and the new year festivities Pat. Rich,

Happy Birthday young man, and here's to many more. Rich,

Richie that sounds exciting, I say that because I know how much you research things, and how much prototype to model accuracy you strive for. I am particularly intrigued by the ballast ploughs and MK111 push pull parts. Now if a correct chassis for the ploughs (was also adaptable for 21mm) could be produced it could open up a viable niche in the market. Utilising it for other wagons that have a 20 foot chassis would open up a big playing field. Roll on next year. Rich,

It will be in his DNA Seamus, he'll find it. Rich,

The very best of wishes to all for Christmas and the new year. Rich,

I'll echo what Eamonn has said Diarmuid and many happy returns to you. Thanks for not only joining,, but thanks for also contributing with your post. Rich,

I was taking the Christmas decorations down a couple of weeks ago and there were some Airfix MK11's that were earmarked for some surgery many years ago in the attic. I threw them down to be able to get better access to the decorations. Anyway when the deed was done I noticed that the coaches weren't there. The boy had them in the kitchen and played with them for hours, now this is a kid that you can't keep away from X Box and the Wii. Lad's I was proud of him. Playing games may give you good dexterity and eye to hand coordination but nothing beats actually doing something physical and I do hope that this will spur him into pursuing the hobby. Rich,

If he does Ivan I wonder will there be a finders fee. Rich,

Seamus having had a good few parcels from you I can honestly say that the care and attention taken to pack an item (items) is second to none. Thanks for the great service this year, and I will be back next year. I hope you and yours have a very peaceful Happy Christmas and all the best for 2014. Rich,

I see that we have our 500th member on the group. I've been on all the groups since the MSN group and I have to say that this is without a doubt the best group we have had. I would also like to thank Stephen, Fran, and Pat for the great work they do in keeping the group running smoothly, and Dave for the work he has done in the mods section and his fantastic MM Lima thread. For anyone that hasn't posted yet please do, tell us your preferences, don't feel a certain question might be seen as silly. We all learn something new everyday no matter how much or how little knowledge we have. There is something here for everyone. Long may it continue. Rich,

That's sweet Eamonn a well worked looking loco and not over cooked, just right. The level crossing looks great, Des did a superb job when designing it and top marks for the build. Rich,

Things are always busy Noel, and that is what appeals to me most about Tara Junction. No chance of ever getting bored or running out of ideas. Rich,

Lovely shots as usual Wanderer. I enjoyed Commander Chris Hadfields interview on the late late show last Friday. I wonder did Bowie ever think he would hear Space Oddity sung in Space when he wrote it. Did you get a chance to speak to the man himself. Rich,

A chap in Waterford has a magnificent model of Plunkett in 00 Gauge. The cabin is one of the stand out features on the layout. Rich,

Hopefully everyone concerned will be ok. The winds are atrocious in Waterford today, a couple of neighbours roofs have blown off their sheds, I can't begin to imagine how bad it is in Cork. Rich,

The fact that the Hornby MK11e's are going up against the the Bachmnann MK11f's, is the only difference the size of the roof hatches or are there any other little details. The Midland Mainline HST set should prove more popular than the later version they released some years back. Rich,

Happy Birthday Richie I hope you have a good one. Rich,

It's interesting that they are going head to head with Bachmann re the MK11e coaches. Rich,

I love it Tom. I bet it feels equally at home with the rtr models, and the fact that it is all your own work makes it that little bit special. Rich,

That is sweet Des, a great choice and another great addition to the SSM stable. I'll have to invest in one myself in the new year. Rich,