RedRich

That's spot on des, I've no doubt they will be on the ball. I think you have made the right choice in producing your own. Rich,

TBH the bogies under the prototype wagons look more like these Sambre et Meuse Y33 bogies even though they are classed as Y23. There was a report into the derailment of the Tara Mines train in Skerries in 2008 and I remember the bogies being classified as Y23. It can get a bit confusing at times. Rich,

That's a very honest and impartial appraisal Fran. I know that a lot of the spade work was done for the 141-181 class models, especially around the cab so the 071 isn't all that new in that respect. I know the 071 isn't 100% spot on in all areas (I don't think any model is) but it looks damn fine. I had a very good up close walk around 075 from the ground last summer and when viewed from that angle the model is to a very high standard. You haven't voted for the 071 model because of your knowledge of the 85 and owning both models gives you the opportunity to make your decision. I'd hope that people would give the 071 their vote on the models pros and cons, and not because it's Irish. Voting the model on it's merits gives the model more credibility, and the 85 is a cracking model, more so then the Heljan 86. Rich,

Good luck Fitz, and enjoy it. I will be watching with lot's of interest. Rich,

Happened to a deceased member of my family. There is nothing you can do about it. Having said that he carried the memory of it for the rest of his life. Rich,

Have a good look at some real retaining walls Stephen. The retaining wall on the approach to Heuston is a good example. Nothing like the real thing to inspire. Rich,

I think and I have said this before that the model is let down by the lack of glazing. I know that glazing would require an interior with seats and handrails for standing passengers, along with a drivers console. Having said that the model has been improved a great deal with the amended details and is moving in the right direction. Rich,

That is very interesting Pat. I'd be especially interested to see how Metallica fans would react to Nothing else matters. Django Reinhardt was an exceptional guitarist considering his disability, but yet he rarely gets recognized for it. It does turn the whole conception of how songs should be recorded on it's head. A part of me believes that Jim Morrison always heard it that way. I enjoyed that cheers. Rich,

Patrick I always say start as you mean to go on, and that's a great start for your first attempt. Rich,

I think the real revelation of these motors is in the motorization of EMU DMU models. If they prove successful it will open up endless possibilities for manufacturers. Some great food for thought. Rich,

Compared to the other models in the list the class 85 would be the main contender. As much as that is a classy model I think the 071 is a more tricky prospect to get right in a design and manufacturing sense. I think both models look spot on in most areas but the 071 just shades it for me so I gave it my vote. I think the class 85 and the Midland Pullman will win the Manufacturer of the year for Bachmann. With that in mind I still voted for MM and wish them the best of luck. I think the huge number of Mainland UK modellers will dwarf the number of members on this site and that will swing it for Bachmann. It would have been very interesting if Dapol had released the 00 Western in 2012. I think the Dapol MRA might win the best 00 wagon award. Rich,

A bit of reverse psychology Jim I like it. Rich,

Hi Tom and welcome, it's nice to have you here. Rich,

That's terrific news and a well deserved nomination. Blu Bianco the as delivered 071 had orange painted headlight covers. Eiretrains post covers everything else. Rich,

That's the one Jim. Not a hair out of place on Seamans head. I'd say the mirrors in the dressing rooms at England matches were well used between himself, Eriksson, and Beckham. Rich,

Pat I think his all time gaff (well upto now anyway) was when he was here for his first Irish cap. Jack left the players into town for a few pints to bond. McAteer asked the barman do you sell Guinness. I haven't had much time for him since his antics towards Roy Keane after he conned the ref in the away game to Sunderland. I remember Di Canio putting the ball out of play in a game when he could have scored as an opponent was injured. Getting back to the thread I watched the second part of the interview last night. I was glad Oprah brought up the subject of the tweet where he posed with his seven TDF yellow jerseys. What an arrogant thing to do when he knew that he was a cheat. I'd pay to see himself, Paul Kimmage and Emma O'Reilly in a boxing ring, no holds barred. Rich,

Pat you are right in what you say and thanks for pointing that out. After reading your post I rang my cousin who supports Liverpool. He said Fowler took the pen but it was a soft one (he didn't want to score) and Seaman saved it. However Seaman spilled the ball, McAteer ran in and scored from the rebound, he then ran off celebrating like they'd won the league. His parting word's to me before he hung up were no wonder they call McAteer Trigger. Rich,

I still believe that they set the bar Dave. Even when compared to recent releases. I think this was a time when the hobby really began to take off for Irish modelling. Although I haven't got any but I love the Black and Tan livery on the models. Rich,

The weedspray looks amazing Noel, huge respect to the builder. I love the container. It's an iconic train on the prototype and the model adds huge believability to the layout. Rich,

Thanks for that Dave can't wait for 077 and 085. Congratulations and good luck to MM on their first appearance the Nuremberg toy fair. Rich,

I've seen one on a modified 141 chassis. A brake cylinder was removed from each side of the bogie sideframes and the frame was shortened. He ditched the MIR fuel tank castings and made his own. It was a resin 121, having said that the recommendations of a newer Athearn or P2K chassis is the common choice. Good luck with it Rob, I bet it will be a cracker. Rich,

He wouldn't take it Jim and he was the penalty taker at Liverpool at the time. In fairness I think that Robbie didn't fancy getting a clatter and jumped out of the way. The penalty was scored by Owen I think. Rich,

An amazing example of decency and sportsmanship Jim. I remember Robbie Fowler getting a penalty against Arsenal at Highbury many years ago. He went to the ref and told him that there was no foul or contact from David Seaman. Infact Fowler had jumped out of the way of the goalkeeper. Still didn't change the officials mind but it was a great gesture. Rich,

Nice project to start the year with Eamonn. A fantastic looking resin body, lovely etched details on the fret. Undercoat the model with a good primer. Several light coats won't obliterate the fine detail. I've seen countless hand painted models and they look amazing. Mix your final colors well and consistent. If you can manage to get to an art shop ask what would be the best type brush to use for your model. I can't wait top see some progress and I bet it will be ace. Rich,

I'll wait until I see it on some rolling stock as that will be the real testbed. As it is appearing now on timetables is hard to gauge how it will look on locos, coaches, or wagons. My own opinion of it as a design would echo what most people feel. If I am correct the last items of locos and rolling stock to carry the plug and socket logo are the Autoballasters and 234 in Intercity livery. Rich,