RedRich

Very interesting points Richie. I can see the pricing of a wagon being a big factor for a lot of people. The 20ft chassis as you say are cosmetically different within the certain classes. MM locos are built to scale with 21mm modelling being catered for as it is, with the bogies being spaced correctly for the correct axle lenghts. I remember talking to Paddy Murphy many years ago before the 141-181 models were released and he said that that was one aspect that he was catering for and anyone that has measured the distance between bogie sides can clearly see that. All coaches or bogie vehicles produced for the UK modeller obviously also need to be compensated to some degree and that is the same here. Alan O'Rourke and Stephen Johnsons book on modelling Irish Railways has a section dedicated to that and track building. I know that Des at SSM factors 21mm into his Steam Loco Kit's also. There are a lot of 21mm modellers out there that aren't members here, New Irish Lines will prove that. Irish Modles are not just for people on this group. Rich,

I agree John. At the moment Arann is looking into having a 20ft flat produced for the Bell containers also. There has been no definitive answer here as to whether the proposed wagons from Leslie would be manufactured to allow them to be easily converted to 21mm standards. Surely any model that is released of an item of an Irish prototype wagon should have the correct dimensions for width over head stocks and sole bars as a must. All the MM locos have the correct width between the bogies to allow conversion to 21mm, and if any wagon is to be produced to compliment them, then they should have the correct dimensions also. I know a lot of lads that are members of the Scalefour Society that model Irish Railways in 21mm that aren't members here that would be delighted with a venture like this, if the correct scale was reproduced. Parkside have been producing kit's of BR wagons in various scales for years and they are fine kit's and reasonably priced. Even if a Parkside type kit was to be produced with accurate dimensions surely 5 or 6 could be purchased for the price of an 071 or 201. I'm also sure that they would sell in fleet quantities. It's just another angle of looking at things. Rich,

Simon Bendall at Rex has a big interest in Irish Railways and knows his stuff. Bachmann threatened the mag with legal action when the original class 37-4 was reviewed and Rex were spot on. Bachmann retooled the model and they now have a healthy relationship and Bachmann produce ltd edition 37's for the mag. In fairness the original class 37 was a shocker. Rail Express is a great mag for anyone interested in British Railways. They do an Irish section every month also. I have to say that the modelling section has become a bit overloaded with ads over the last few years. Still a good read though. Rich,

Is it just the fact that MM haven't released a 121, that people want one. Most people I talk to have it at the top of their wish list. I personally love the prototype, can't say the same about the 201's. It makes me wonder what people would prefer to have been modelled. It would of course complete the GM fleet. Rich,

I can't say I like that, on the other hand Bachmann will be pleased. Rich,

That's great news Des, I can't wait to see pics and the very best of luck. I bet it will be a winner. Rich,

A lot of us on here are members of RMweb. I always pop in every day as there are some threads that I am interested in. I know that the other mods are members too. Probably since before we formed this group. Some of the lads on RMweb aren't members or don't post on here for personal reasons and are happy there. I always look in the Irish Railways group and there are some good topics going on at the moment. We are doing well at the moment and as the hobby grows we will. Anyway as has been said back to topic. Rich,

That looks amazing, I remember seeing a DC Kits Model EMU in Network Southeast that Tony painted years ago at a show in Clontarf, so his skills with painting models are top class. I like the touch with the driver on board it's the first time I've seen one in an 071 model. Rich,

I agree, there is a huge vacuum at the moment in the hobby for a lot of freight vehicles. I hope the prayers work. Rich,

Murphy Models are not involved in this proposed venture, Leslie McAlister is the man that will be producing the models. Rich,

It's a very welcome idea Leslie. I know that the chassis were a standard size and some were cosmetically different to others. This wouldn't be a deal breaker for me as it would be easy to correct. Would the chassis have the correct w irons, axle boxes, J hangers, brake gear, and would it be the correct width for 21mm conversion. If the answer is yes then Cement, Beet, Ballast hoppers, Ballast plough, and some bagged Cement wagons would be a nice choice. The only way we will see something like this coming to fruition is if someone actually does it. I wish you all the best with whatever happens in the future and if some of the questions I have asked have positive answers I will buy in fleet quantities. Rich,

I have it myself Fran. I think a 47 in triple grey also carried the plates also. I have a pic of it in Derby. My father was working in Waterford Crystal years ago and he bumped into a guy (African) outside K1 cutting shop. The guy asked the old man if he could speak to his boss Ned Lloyd. The old mas told him there was no Ned Lloyd working in Management. The guy said his name is outside, the old man said this is Waterford Crystal, the guy said no I want to see Ned Lloyd your boss. The old man asked him was he taking the p***, the guy said to him come look. they went out into the transport area and all the containers were P&O Ned Lloyd. The old man rubbed his chin and said I have you now, and sent him into the floor manager a real cranky chap, I would have loved to have seen it. Rich,

I love the Intermodal scene myself Stephen. There certainly is a lot of choice in modelling the current UK Intermodal scene. Dapol, Bachmann, Hornby, and Real Track - C Rail Intermodal. I like the idea of running the different prototypes on the layout as the UK models won't be left as eye candy. Imagine there is an Irish Sea tunnel like the Channel tunnel, and Freightliner have a contract here. It's imaginative and could be real fun. European prototype modellers are extremely lucky insofar as they can run trains from different countries and it follows prototype practice. I love the Freightliner 57's especially with the different roof arrangement to the rest of the 57's. They remind me of the Metrovicks when they received GM engines also. I've seen a few Schenker vans in Waterford and Cork over the last year and lot's of Stobart trucks so who knows what we might see in the future. Keep us informed and no slacking playing trains. Rich,

I have to quote Graham Taylor on this Fran, do I not like that. I'd like to see one in Freightliner triple grey with P&O Nedloyd Atlas name plates. I reckon it would look sweet. Rich,

I firmly believe that the Craven models are one of if not the best coaches ever. When you look at the numbers within the class and their geographical location it seems amazing that we have them as models. I prefer them to a MK11 or MK111 any day. Rich,

I like the Schenker and Freightliner model's in the background Stephen. I have a soft spot for the class 66's in the Freightliner livery. I wish I could say the same for the new livery on the class 70's. Rich,

Tom I remember when the first trial bridge lift failed. Investigation found that a mouse had messed with the electrics, which affected the hydraulics. Brother Edmund was a good man, although some of my mates that attended Mount Sion wouldn't agree. Rich,

Cheeky, Rich,

It was a really busy area east of Plunkett John. The wharf, the area in the photo. There was the flour mills where some sidings with hard standings had rail access. The Bell container port added to what was an all over busy area. Rich,

Fantastic Richie, I will have to invest in one of these kit's. They really look fantastic when finished, and the design of the kit allows less experienced modellers to have a go. If you get a chance take some pics in natural day light you'll even confuse some people as to whether it is real or not. Gouache is a great medium for creating those weather worn and rusty looks. Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, and Orange Lake Deep are great colors for those effects. Well done Sir. Rich,

Good man, they do appeal to me more with the black roof. I do hope we will see the Super Standard and Composite. Rich,

Fran any chance of some more pics of the two coaches if you have some spare time please. Cheers, Rich,

That's a very welcome and appreciated surprise. I'll have to invest in 8113, I love the NIR dark blue livery on these models and the prototype. Well done to all concerned. Rich,

Yep there were four Tom. I have vague memories of the cabin in the photo. There also used to be some CIE box wagons stabled near to where the weigh bridge is now. It's amazing that there are still some families living in Sion Row, even though the tenement buildings are long gone. Rich,

Some very interesting photos and a great resource. It's interesting to see the 2 boxes under the chassis on the Craven. The pic of the C class shunting at Waterford East is very nostalgic as I was raised in the houses in Sion Row until I was 3. Thanks for the link. Rich,