RedRich

Excellent George, a great tutorial. I love the wipers on the new 071 livery, the etched ones look a lot finer, and the decal on the steps is a nice touch. I am toying with the idea of a portacabin to house my layout when the time arrives for the build to begin. Sharon's folks are builders and a blocks and mortar build would be a weekend job which could be slow. With a build you have to add in the cost of blocks, cement, windows, doors, security, electrics, timber for the roof, tiles for the roof, gutters, and down pipes. then there is the decoration and labor costs. I am a little worried about how housing a layout in a portacabin would affect the layout living on the coast. Having said that I have been in portacabins that have been used as dressing rooms, class rooms, and they have been fine in all weather conditions. Let me know when you have it cleaned up and ready for action, I'd appreciate your opinion. Rich,

Excellent as usual. I'm not to sure about the new logo on the Autoballaster's though. Rich,

I'll echo what the lad's have said they look great. The way that 071 is posed in the picture really shows how well the model captures the look of the prototype. I could never take to the freight livery on the prototype (maybe it was because I was so used to the orange- black livery) but having been looking at my own model it looks good on it. I've always thought that a bridge or viaduct really steals the scene on any layout, and yours will be the same. Rich,

Very nice Des, an excellent collection. Rich,

I actually like the planing stage of a project David and drawing maps and researching gives more life to the layout. I measure and photograph buildings and draw scale plans of the buildings myself. I read the Blog and it is a fantastic project, I'll be watching things progress with interest. Rich,

Good man Eamonn, looking forward to some updates. Rich,

Some lovely shots and even though it is probably pre 071 days, it still looks a terrific era to model. I love the pics of Loughrea, the MRSI layout really captures the prototype well. Rich,

I think I'd like a Park Royal one if I was heading to Glastonbury, you could fit a few more in it. Rich,

I know that people used to hang goods from the door handles of coaches on the non platform side of a coach when returning from Nothern Ireland to evade customs, but this beats it hand's down. Rich,

My God Fran that brings back memories, the Galtee More, Did you ever end up in the National in Kilburn. Rich,

Lovely George, I'll have to remember that color when I am going to paint some of Des's post boxes. Rich,

I know exactly what you mean George. I've had the Harry Enfield treatment myself, you don't wanna do it like that. Rich,

Great to see you back George. I am going to watch this with interest as I've been to the Isle Of Man a few times and traveled on both railways. If I show the pictures to my Father he'll say, typical the Father doing the digging and the Son holding the camera. I can't wait to see more. I might be down in Cork next month and if a get a few minutes I'll call in for a chat. Rich,

Stephen they really look the business and the movement looks spot on. As an aside is Thomas smiling because he is happy, or is it a fear grin because of the proximity of the snips. Rich,

Agree 100% Richie, any participation whether it's modelling, info current or historical, photos, it all adds to the group. If people are on the periphery and think a question may sound silly, don't worry about it, ask away. I remember Dave (Wrenneire) doing a similar thing a while back to tempt more people to post, and that also deserves mention As for what Stephen does, he does it for the love of the hobby and nothing else, which makes it all the more unique. It is definitely a great contribution full stop. Rich,

Connolly is definitely an iconic building. Even the refurbishment hasn't taken away from it. Rich,

I wouldn't doubt you Des. The next few years will be very enjoyable as we need freight models of this kind of standard. Rich,

I really like the sweeping way the track is flowing. It makes for a much greater experience when running the layout. The retaining walls and bridges look fantastic. Rich,

That is very positive news Stephen. Well done to Richie and Dave for their efforts. Well done also to Stephen, Fran, and Pat for the great work they do behind the scenes to keep the group moving forward as it is. As Mr Spingsteen said, from small thing's mama one day big things come. Rich,

Will they go under the tree, or straight on the rails. Rich,

Now that you've been up close and personal with the locos Tom, is it growing on you. I've said it before, it breaks my heart looking at the MK3's. Rich,

I agree with the lad's fantastic, I love the track and the models are beautiful. Rich,

The 20' steel floor flats sound good John, especially with 21mm and 00 being a feature so something for everybody. With Des's 42' and 47' flats in the pipeline along with Provincial Wagons things are really looking good. Have things progressed with the 22' flats John. I could see the 22' flats and some beer cages and kegs from Des appearing on lot's of layouts. The springs, J hangers, and axle boxes look really sweet, superb stuff John. Rich,

Lovely model Fran and a classic prototype. It will be interesting to compare the Dapol and Bachmann models to the Anjin model. I've seen one of the Dapol models in black and silver and it looks tasty. Rich,

I was one of the people that was sceptical about the original models that were originally posted on the group. However the photos of the latest models are a measure of how far you have pushed yourself to get the models to the current ones you have now. I am a huge respecter of hard work, and I will echo the feelings of the other posters to say that it looks fantastic now. To have listened to the opinions of your future customers was the correct thing to do, and you did it with real humility. The best praise I could give you know Eoin is, if and when funds allowed I would go for a four car set. The majority of the cost of the models is taken up by the labor and that shouldn't go unmentioned. I'm really pleased for you, well done and good luck. Rich,