RedRich

That sums it up Stephen. The quality of the finished model is no surprise when you look at the 2600's. From designing the artwork, shaping the bodies, painting the liveries it is worth every penny. Can you imagine the work that has gone into each model. The interiors and interior lighting are amazing. But the most important thing is the model to prototype fidelity and the lads have captured it perfectly. These are landmark models and the lads have set the bar, I hope more people will be encouraged to place orders, and I hope they help sell some more MM 201's, as the are a great compliment to them. I think 222 or 229 would look just as nice as 8208 with the current livery of the DD's. I can't wait to see some in the original livery. David and Mark are two very modest lad's and they let their models do the talking. They don't need to advertise their work does it for them. They deserve a huge amount of respect, they beaver away and never break concentration, that takes great determination. Stephen yourself and Noel have models from David and Mark and the fact that you ordered them without seeing even a part assembled model shows the faith you have in the lads to deliver. These models are up their with the best of the rest, and deservedly so. Rich,

I can only add to what Pat and Vincent have said, Amazing. You are a lucky boy Noel. Top marks to David and Mark for all their hard work. They have created a classic and deserve huge kudos for it. This is a huge step forward for the hobby, smashing. Rich,

Thank you Patrick, I'll enjoy that. Rich,

Cool Eamonn, did you have a good time, was there a free bar. Rich,

Look cool Jim, I still can't part with my Mission floor standers. A pal of mine worked with PA's and sound systems for night clubs many years ago and pimped my ones. Listening to Sorrow by Pink Floyd on the pulse album is like getting hit in the chest with a sledge hammer. Rich, OMS Violator Depech Mode

Cheers Wanderer, I look forward to the next collection. Don't be too long. Rich,

That's never going to be an issue Stephen, look at how many pages and replies that are in this thread. When I am ready to start my own layout I will be using DCC and cobalt motors for points and signals. So there will be questions fired in your direction. We're getting a free education and it's about model railways, how good is that. Rich,

Fantastic work Rob. Being honest on a day when the weather was more inclement and skies were overcast they took on a different appearance. I think that anyone modelling beet trains should base their layout in the winter season as per the prototype. To my eye and having seen hundreds of beet trains you have captured the look very well. Rich,

I was always a bit wary of how the sound would come across in a scaled down version. The lads seem to have done it well. I'd like to hear a pair of babies double headed with sound in both. Rich,

Don't worry about going a little off topic, we all do it. Naim always produced the goods in the innards of their components where it matters. No point in having good looking equipment with poor sound. Rich,

That's some very interesting info Rob. The low end sound I have heard thumping from the speaker as fitted to the models is the best I have heard from a speaker fitted loco. I like a good steady bass sound in my hi fi and I decided to bi amp my system. I use the amp for the components and the high end of the speakers. I use a power amp for the low end of the speakers. I have managed to get a great balance of sound from this set up. I love watching my models from above eye level and I would therefore be reluctant to remove the fans from my models to fit a more low ended sounding speaker as the fans are a particularly nice part of the models roof. I would be happy to use the speaker as is having seen videos of them working as they sound a much better quality to what I have heard before online. I look forward to hearing more from you're experiments. Rich,

Good luck with the Kendal exhibition from what I have seen in photos Old Blarney is a magnificent layout. Many happy returns for Christmas and the New Year to you. Rich,

I love watching this progress Stephen. There is great modelling all round. I know that it is inspiring a lot of people myself included. It's going to be special and your efforts are an example to all of how hard work and persistence go hand in hand to produce a magical layout. Rich,

It was a great experience Vincent. Even if the driver reduced the speed down 5 mph you could feel it. It's a totally different experience to sitting in a coach where you watch things pass from the side. The model looks great. Rich, Rich,

I'll never get sick of seeing her Vincent. 220 was always a favorite of mine prototype wise. My model of 220 is one of the prides of my own fleet. I love the original IE livery on the 201's. I was lucky enough to have traveled in the cab from Waterford to Dublin many years ago. One of the drivers that I know presented me with a cab pass and it was a great experience. I traveled in 201 on the return journey that evening. 220 opened up to full pelt running through the flat lands of The Curragh, it was an experience I will never forget. Things are beginning to take shape with the layout, good for you. Rich,

That's that one solved. Thanks very much. There's a great wealth of knowledge on the group and you will always find that someone has the answers. Rich,

It sounds like everyone had a great time. It's a great way to make friendships and cement others, plus there's trains involved. Everyones a winner. I would love to have been able to attend but maybe next time. Sounds like Fran got some of the good stuff. Rich,

My photos were taken around the early 2000's Rob. As you have said it's a start. Rich,

A good performance from a young Chris Penn in Pale Rider Rob. He did change a lot appearance wise from that movie to Reservoir Dogs. The PC is giving a bit of trouble at the moment, if it isn't sorted in the next week I'll send some pics. Don't worry about postage. Rich,

Eamonn I think wires have been crossed the request for photos was mine, probably my fault. Thanks for the heads up regarding Eiretrains. Rich,

Dave you are being very modest. You're wagons show the effort it has taken to build them and thank you very much for posting them. They look great. Rich,

GM there was a rake parked up in Waterford East behind the flour mills 5 or 6 years ago but they were withdrawn earlier. There should be dates on the photos I took many years ago so at least it will give an accurate timeframe of when they were running. I have no doubt that one of our members will come up with a more definitive answer in the meantime. Rich,

You're very welcome Finnyus. They are superb photos and the London photos are very nostalgic. They capture a moment of history and if no one does it, then we have no history. Great stuff. Rich,

Eamonn any chance you could, with Davids permission pm me some of those photos as photos of that area are few and far between in my collection. Rich,

If you think that you can rework the back drop to a better standard Patrick it says a lot about the quality of your work. Everything else of course looks fabulous also. Rich,