RedRich

A completely under rated guitar player Fran. I saw him in Cork years ago what a band, musically very tight. It was one of those gigs where everyone danced, all it was missing was Bootsy Collins. Rich,

Thanks for that Minister. I've been to Inchicore on a few occasions and I have never seen it. I was too distracted by locos and coaches. Rich,

It is a bit strange looking as you say Iarnrod. In the end they are a fantastic model and it can be corrected. Personally I think the panels on the models that have them are a little well nourished looking, but it isn't a deal breaker. Rich,

That's a great photo Eamonn. I don't recall ever seeing one of those wagons in a Bauxite livery, only Grey or a very heavily weathered condition. Rich,

John it seems to offer a lot of consistency across the batch, and you should feel very pleased with the results. Rich,

You're welcome, it does give the model a nice bit of character. Rich,

I have never seen any pictures of 078 in any livery with the panels on the cab sides black. It might be that a photo of the loco was used as a guide for the as modelled livery that may have been taken in poor light or at an angle that make's the panels look black. Rich,

Yes they were when the loco was on loan to IE. There are some that say there were only three sliding windows done. It is possible that all four were done and the loco also received the LED light clusters. I believe they were salvaged from 151. Rich,

KK that pic really shows the different shades of orange livery on 086 and 088. Rich,

12 locos Mark, that's impressive. The latest batch look great in the more familiar orange shades. Rich,

The shade of orange is spot on for the as delivered loco being a more tan looking. The other Super Train model is in the color that they were repainted with. Huge credit to MM for that, and it looks great. Rich,

Absolutely fantastic post Wanderer a history lesson with some wonderful photos. I love the pic of 228 without the Inter City logo. Keep the thread going, it's not that long ago but things have changed so much since then. Rich,

It's probable that the models in the photo are samples of a production batch. Pictures of full production shot's of a Super Train, IR, and IE model have been on Hattons website for some time now. It's not uncommon for a Company to receive full production samples before the main orders are shipped from China. The release dates as mentioned over the last few weeks are still the dates that the models will arrive in the shops, with the IE 077 085 locos and MK11's arriving later. They do look good though. Rich,

I'd say they could be the real thing Fran. The chevrons have been corrected on both, and the paint finish on 077 is far superior to the pre production models on show last year. The weathered one isn't the worst factory finish I have ever seen. Rich,

An excellent choice Sir, reminds me of an early Genesis track I know what I like and I like what I know. Get some pics up as soon as she lands, can't wait to see one of the orange ones. Rich,

Fran how do the springs look on the bogies when seen up close. I believe Ultrascale are already working on a conversion wheelset set for the model. Rich,

It's great to see that the model has turned out so well. As you said yourself Fran there was a lot of involvement from RMweb members some of who drove the real thing. Dapol and Dave Jones deserve huge credit for the way that they involved people from the cad stage of manufacture to the end. First feature of any model is does it match the real thing in looks and accuracy, and this model does. A truly amazing model Fran, and I know you have been after this for a good while. I can't wait to see more photos and please take some shots of the 071. I'll be waiting for the last batch myself. I am interested to see how well the IR liveried model will match it's smaller 141 brethren in the color department. That's three top BR models that you have had in the last few months Class 85, Midland Pullman, and the Western. Great stuff I can't wait to see the MK11 F's behind those locos when they are released. Rich,

Is it that time already. Last years event doesn't seem that long ago. I'll definitely attend the show again this year. It's a very friendly atmosphere, and a credit to Donal and the organizers. Well worth a visit if you can make it. Rich,

Truly fantastic pictures in your whole collection, it's a great resource and the images of old and new are real class. Rich,

That sounds great Arran keep us posted. Rich,

It's been discussed a few pages back in the thread. Rich,

I have to say that I can't wait to see the MK11's myself Fran. Bachmann seem to be listening to their customers, the Blue Pullman and the MK11's seem to have been at the top of the list of what modellers have wanted to see produced. I look forward to seeing the DBSO. Rich,

I think John's is a 22 ft wagon Pat. Rich,

I'll add my respect for some exceptionally good work, keep it coming. Rich,

+1 Richie, I think getting the correct springs, w irons, J hangers, axle boxes, brake gear would really make it stand out. I hadn't seen Dave's post regarding scratch building varying types of bodies on a chassis before I posted one of my earlier replies and he is spot on. I've said it before that we seriously need some quality wagons to run with the marvelous locos that have been produced in recent times. Freight holds a huge interest for me and I think with the exception of a 121 I would be happier to see some wagons. The lads at Real Track have produced some exceptional models to date and C-rail have been at the fore front of producing some great containers and tank tainers. Rich,