RedRich

Agree FraN, the 4VEP is a disaster compared to the Bachmann 4CEP. The class 31 chassis from the first batch are crumbling. Some people have had problems with the 67. The class 60 and 08 were and still are at the top of the pile. However I do think that Bachmann are leading the way, followed by Dapol. Rich,

You are spot on they do have plug doors but they are different to ours. Even the windows in the doors are different. I'd run a mile too, if I saw the state the MK111's are in now. Rich,

The Dapol MK111's are a finer model when compared to the Farish ones which look a bit dated now. I remember that there was talk of one of the manufacturers producing a 442 class unit some time ago. The inner coaches would have been ideal for a repaint in Irish colours. They have the electronic doors like our own. Never came to fruition though. Rich,

Believe it or not Des I spoke to George about four years ago about the Rolling Mills. The 10 inch roller was the biggest one he had. I was after something 12 inches that could be used for rolling roofs and sides on MK1 coaches, Bredins, etc. At the time George wasn't interseted in producing anything bigger than the 10 inch roller. I contacted http://www.metalsmith.co.uk as they had a 12 inch roller. At the time they said they were working on improving the roller and it wasn't for sale. They never have updated their website and I don't think they are even producing the bending bars anymore. I made a set of bending bars myself ages ago that could be held in a bench vice. I heated them up and dunked them in some oil to blacken them. They turned out smashing. I'd say they could be somewhere in my fathers house, finding them will be another thing. I did find a supplier for rolling mills a few years back. I will post a link when I find it. Go for the riveting machine Des. I saw a chap using one some years ago at Scaleforum. It's a beauty and it gives much better results than Archer rivet decals. I'd say that the workshop at casa Sullivan is a real Aladins cave Des. Rich,

Beautiful work John. I have no doubt that these models will be a huge success. I know the amount of work that has gone into them, because I was working on a couple of similar projects a few years ago. The rolling mill is an absolute necessity for rolling boilers. I think rolling roofs, etched sides or coach sides designed for a kit or replacement for a rtr coach are better being done on a rolling mill for greater accuracy. I can't wait to see more progress. Rich,

God know's where they are now Vincent. There is a small bit of footage on one of the Markle production's. It was an impressive place. The next time I am in my Fathers house I will have a dig around. Rich,

I haven't been in Abbey Park for a long time Tom. The last time I was over that way I was playing a match in the Clover Centre. There's a huge difference in the area now compared to 10 years ago. It used to be a lovely walk from that neck of the wood's. Pass the Bus Garage and the old container terminal. The flour mill's and Sion Row. Then the Station. If that didn't stir you interests nothing would. I have vague memories of the old Station building and it was a sin to pull it down and replace it with the eyesore that is Plunkett today. Could you imagine what the whole area would look like now if the backside hadn't fallen out of the building trade, and the recession. I remember a model of the proposed development was in the tax office reception for a few months in the early 2000's. Rich,

I agree Richie. Maybe uncle Des could produce a transfer set for her including the patches that replace the cab front IE logos. You could then let the weathering materials loose. If there is a deal there is a Weshty, that's the man's motto, and he always delivers. Rich,

True Vincent. The North Quays part of the docks in Waterford and the old Bell container terminal were very impressive also. However it would make the model very era specific. Eugene Nolans model of Plunkett and Waterford West is a magnificent layout and even some of the Suir is modelled also. Rich,

That's a very enjoyable piece of history Tom. Thanks for posting. Rich,

Tom I spent the first three years of my life living in Sion Row. The folks kept in contact with the old neighbours for many years. I think the Gray's and Flynn's are still living there. I had uncles and cousins working out of Waterford, I got many a spin in a loco and that's where I fell in love with the 121's and babies. It's hard to believe that were once three stations in Waterford City. We'll have to meet up for a walk or photo session some day Tom when we have time. The lowmac has been there for ages I always look out for it when I am over in the yard. I need to get over there soon for some pics of timbers and 201 underframe detail. I must take some more pics of the MK111's before they succumb to the cutters torch. Rich,

It seems like an eternity since there were any cement wagons there, the bogies were always a nice treat when they were in the yard. One of the lines at the flour mills has been lifted also since those pics were taken. Waterford East is a real ghost town area now. The Ard Ri has been boarded up for years, the only time there is any sign of life is when the Tall ships are here. That is one area that would have made an impressive layout, the ships at the dock, the cranes and of course the railway. Rich,

I agree a Weller or an Antex are great irons. There are tips and other accessories readily available. Soldering isn't like other tasks where you can buy a cheap piece of kit to practice with and a buy a better tool in the future. One of those irons won't last and could give you the impression that you are the cause of poor work. Rich,

True Ed, even taking photos and video clips now is important as that will be history one day soon. Some of the video channels on youtube are a great way to do a bit of research, and nostalgic at the same time. Rich,

It's a great shot Seamus. Any shot like that on a bend looks really amazing. The shades of orange between both locos and the fact that 126 has no warning panel makes it look really interesting. Now that we have the Bell containers and bogie flats are on the horizon it makes me want even more for a 121 model. Rich,

Seamus they were involved in the great war and WW11 last century. This time they have achieved domination over the rest of Europe without firing a shot. Lovely models I am a huge military history fan myself. If you have any more pics of models start a thread I would love to see them, as I am sure others would too. The book is a good read the guys name is Guy Sajer. It also shows that the majority of the military soldiers hated the SS. Rich,

Luvvly Jubbly, expect an order this evening young man. Rich,

As the lad's have said Seamus the models look superb, I hope you have a lifetime of enjoyment with them. As for the flag, I could visualize you at the head of a Panzer division. I read a good book last year about a lad from Alsace who had a French mother and German father. He fought for the Father land in the second world war, I think it was called the unknown soldier. It's well worth a read if you haven't read it already. Rich,

Nice picture Tom any bogie flats over there. I see 076 has an old IE stlye sliding window like 112. Rich,

I wasn't aware Ed that his family would continue with the business after he retires. That's a very positive and welcome piece of news. I don't think that either of us could have predicted how far the Irish modelling scene would have progressed since we were on the old Yahoo groups. There used to be some good fun on one or two of them. Rich,

I'll be taking some pics of timber wagons in Sallypark soon Tom. I hope I have as much luck as you have had. There's always a nice surprise at the fuel point. Rich,

It will be interesting to see which direction the hobby in Ireland will take when PM retires. It will happen, and probably sooner rather than later. Heljan do seem to be looking at the more obscure prototypes and producing in smaller numbers. Their more recent form has been hit and miss, although their 4mm Hymek model is a beauty and is still held in huge regard by UK modellers. Anyone seen as a new player coming into the market will surely have to have cash up front as I can't see many Chinese companies offering credit to an unknown. Rich,

I haven't the MM model of the MK11 EGV in the Galway livery. I notice from photos that the missing door hinges on the corridor side of the models have been corrected on this release. Fair play to MM for listening and having this corrected. Rich,

I think that the vast majority of modellers are tired of looking at the gap between coaches that are coupled with tension lock couplers. Bachmann are on the right track with the coupling they supply with their MK11 models. It keeps the coaches tight, the corridor connectors almost touch on straight track, and move apart on curves. I understand and agree with your point on having tight curves, and space dictates the type of curves a modeller is forced to use. With wider curves things become a bit easier. Rich,

If coaches were to be produced of the IE MK111's (not Hornby repaints) to the standards of the Cravens. I am sure that most people would agree that the Cravens are one of if not the best rtr coaches available in 1/76 scale. Correct Restaurant with the correct window and seating arrangements, correct roof equipment, electric doors at one end and slam doors at the other, and the EGV. I think that the tension lock coupler is beginning to look extremely dated at this time and it would be nice to see MK11 or MK111 models fitted with a knuckle type coupler between the rake. For those wanting to use a tension lock coupler between the loco and first coach they could still do that. Rich,