RedRich

Excellent pics Tom. I would urge anybody with a camera and some spare time to try and get as many shots of the coaches before they are scrapped like Tom has done. Otherwise it will be a bit like some of us trying to explain what LP's are to our kids. Rich,

They are my own personal favourite class closely followed by the 141-181 class. Taking into account the standard of technology today in the production of models, and what can be achieved, I seriously hope that there are enough of the other classes of models sold so that MM will be able to push ahead with a 121 model. Just looking at the pic of 121 it's made me wonder were 121-123-124-134 the only members of the class to have had the two central windows on the bonnet end of the cab plated over. Rich,

To hard to make a decision without seeing all the coach painted. Is it just me or does it look like the black from the original livery is showing through behind the green paint as it looks a bit darker in that area. I wonder why the bogie is also painted grey. Cheers for the pic Richie. Rich,

Good man Des. Richies description makes it worth the wait. Rich,

That's a shame as they were a sight to see double headed with another one of the class or a 141-181, especially on beet or cement duties. A 121 was the first class of loco of which I ever travelled in the cab. It was a set of empties to Wellington Bridge to be loaded. The trip along the Suir causeway, the Barrow bridge, Campile, Ballycullane viaduct, I'll never forget it. Rich,

Fran I just listened to it with the nephews beats audios, he was waiting here to be collected from training. It sounds like a building falling down. The last scene with the 4 locos must have really sounded amplified in the cutting and with the hills behind it. Rich,

The lads have given the correct advice. Des's kits will be beauties, and the Dapol wagons are great for getting a train up and running quickly. They are also lovely wagons. Don't go for the ancient Hornby Freightliner wagons as they are so dated and require surgery to shorten them. You would also have to add buffers, and buffer housings. Rich,

Have a good one Seamus, 21 again. Rich,

Cheers Fran, really interesting that the Norfolk and Western would have specified that the locos run long hood forward to replicate the experience of driving a steam loco. This must have been at the time of the change over from steam to diesel.The limited knowledge I have is of the B&O. I remember reading a book years ago from a guy that had worked in Keyser yard in the 50's. I like the dark blue livery and the B&O in yellow on the bonnet sides it may look dull but it looks powerful. I'm off now to check out some SD45 action on youtube now. Rich,

Looks good Fran. Where would we be without the cottage industry to add bit's and pieces to rtr models. Most American prototypes I have any (mostly limited) knowledge of switchers, GP's SD's, all seem to be single cab. I have seen footage of single cab locos working alone cab forward on consists, but is there a reason behind the fact that most seem to be single cab. Is because they are mostly double headed and multi consisted. I really haven't been a huge fan of US motive power even though five of our own classes have come from accross the Atlantic, but I am looking forward to seeing this progress and get a lesson in US railways at the same time. Rich,

Will that be for behind the bridge. Rich,

Cheers Richie, I'm intrigued. Rich,

Fantastic photos and thankfully not a scene we see too often these days. It reminds me of the derailment on the Waterford Rosslare line years ago when 1509 was destroyed. The more I look at the black and tan era the more I like it. Rich,

Those wagons are amazing David. The scenes look so right, almost as if the viewer is right there at trackside. I could see myself walking along the track stepping on the sleepers. Rich,

Is it the 22000 green silver style Richie. Rich,

They started taking it out in 2012 Des, The signals were moved forward a few feet while the work was being done. The signal man told me that they needed a wider bridge to accommodate the traffic. I have fond memories of crossing the bridge when going to Fethard, I suppose it was more appealing to me instead of using the by pass. It's a wonderful station and a beautiful building. I can see the inspiration in Carrick and Clonmel for the SSM level crossing and signals. Rich,

Lovely Eamonn, as the lads have said the SSM detailing kit does wonders for the Silver Fox model. The headlights like nice also. Even though I have no need for them, I think I will have to invest in a Bell 20' to pose it in a scene, as you see them located in plenty of places around the country. No matter which model from any era, Gerry's layout seems timeless. Rich,

That is quality John, it's definitely going to be a winner. Rich,

It breaks my heart seeing all that lovely bullhead track being ripped up in Clonmel. The new road bridge is a mess compared to the old one. However it is nice that they are starting to put in windows on the platform side of the two storey building. It is also nice to see the per way trains in action. Rich,

Top marks Fran for the work, and the tutorial. One point that you have made and it is worth repeating, is adding extra weight to the models. Adding the weight over the axle's or bogies (depending on the model) as you have done is the place to put it for better road handling. Putting weight in the middle of a wagon, coach, or loco doesn't really benefit the model as much or give it better adhesion. Rich,

I think it has been a great success Eoin. It is one of my favourite Suburban railways and there is every kind of scenery on it. A mainline Station Inner city Stations County Dublin and Wicklow Stations Some marvellous coastal scenery I remember one of Michael Palin's Railway journey programs from the early 90's featuring himself and The Edge on the Dart before he travelled the East Coast to Rosslare. Swifty a Waterford based Bus Eireann driver gave him a spin to Waterford on the back of his Harley as there were no trains on a Sunday. Rich,

That looks a good example to use as a reference Eoin. It would be a great project for the group bringing members from all parts of the Island together. Rich,

Fairview Depot would be a nice module to show off those Darts Eoin. Rich,

The last point Dave is the most important. If you were to supply the baseboards for the build it would keep things uniform. Would it be possible to put some brass pins at the ends of the boards. People could then solder the ends of the rail to the tops of the pins and this way the track would align when the boards are brought together. If people are interested in doing it commitment will have to be top of the list as you say. If and when the modules would be ready to exhibit the last thing anyone would want is for some people not to be able to attend, leaving the project short of some boards.. It would need huge planning and maybe those taking part could form a committee to launch the project and oversee it's build. Rich,

You're right Richie, what was I thinking. You could have a Northside scene with Damo jumping the wall to hitch a ride without paying, and Ivor standing on a Southside platform looking aghast at having to travel on the Dart. Rich,