RedRich

I have been following the design and manufacture of this model since it was announced that Dapol would be producing it in 00. I always had a soft spot for the Westerns and they are a beautiful loco. Dapol laser scanned a prototype and measured it in the early stages of r&r. They also kept modellers informed all the way through design to production and asked for the advice and expert opinion of the members on the RMweb group that are knowledgeable know every inch of the prototype. Cad designs and early pre production shots of the model were amended and corrected on the advice of the members and the first shots of the model have been released. I can honestly say that this breaks new ground for any 00 gauge loco model yet produced and the wealth of extra details especially around the bogies is amazing. It just goes to show that if a manufacturer gets involved with prospective customers and people that know the prototype a top model without any silly errors can be produced. I have left this link to RMweb for the most recent thread on the model and it is well worth reading if you are really interested in model railways and the production side of the process. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/61611-dapol-western-breaks-cover-at-steam-swindon/ Rich,

Yep that's the Red Iron Bridge in Waterford. It is a twin of the Barrow Bridge. The rotating span was sold and I believe it is in Africa. The other span is sitting just beyond Waterford West signal cabin. The line diverged left for the bridge just beyond the first level crossing past Waterford West signal cabin. The Waterford Suir Valley Railway runs on part of the old line to Kilmeaden. Rich,

Spot on Gareth. If memory serves me correctly they once belonged to a 141 in the 151-9 numbered locos. The NIR livery really suits these locos and the model looks amazing. I can't wait to add one to the fleet. I think an etched nameplate will really take them to another level. Rich,

Have you had a look at the latest Scalefour News Horsetan. Have you heard about or seen the Pórt Láirge Wharf layout mentioned on page 3. Rich,

I would like to wish everyone involved with the show huge success and I hope everyone attending has a great day. I will certainly make sure I attend next year. Rich,

Make sure you use a Bachmann chassis from a BSK coach as the door steps will be in the wrong place on the chassis otherwise. The GSV's were converted from BSK's from no's 3174 - 3189. No's 3171 - 3173 were BCK's. Here's a photo to show the difference in the two coaches. The BCK etch is on top and the BSK etch which the Silver Fox models are based on is on the bottom. Rich,

Stephen I have a small booklet from Hurst Models that was published for the placement of the equipment and it's use. I will scan it when I can lay my hands on it and email it to you. Rich,

As a Man U fan I am delighted for the families and friends of those who lost their lives and were seriously injured and equally as delighted for everyone involved with Liverpool Football Club and the city. Rich,

File down the weld seams on the roof also Des as they are way to prominent. Trust me they do look good when filed down and weathered. I have a few Bachmann BCK and BSK coaches in the stock box with my replacement brass sides for when the conversions are ready to begin. The roofs are different on the BCK and BSK coaches detail wise and are the same on the GSV's so be careful which number you use. For real authentic looking coaches get some Replica Railways B5 bogies as they are fantastic looking and aren't that expensive. I will be using their B5 and B4 bogies on the MK11's exclusively (try comparing the supplied bogies size wise to the Craven models bogies) as the B4's are totally inaccurate dimension wise on the models. Rich,

Well done Kirley it's always nice to see some NIR stock in action. Rich,

Thats a great piece of history along with the shots of your Grandad Eamonn. There are pics of my great Grandad in the cab of an N Class taken a long time ago and it's in one of my relatives house. I must try and get a copy of it. Rich

Good find Stephen that looks like a good option. The Kadees are unbeatable for shunting and run arounds. Rich,

Thanks Horsetan that sounds like a good plan. I have a back to back gauge for the wheels somewhere with the rest of the components and tools. I am giving serious thought to getting a Roger Sanders point fine tuning gauge for the building of the points from the stores. I will use Gibson steel wheels for the wagons and coaches as I am using steel bullhead rail. Any idea if there is anything useful wheel wise in the Exactoscale range. Rich,

Thats very interesting reading Anto. It's something I never knew myself, thanks very much mate. Still it's a great piece of kit to have in your tool box. Rich,

Thanks Seamus I love it mate. I can't figure out whether they are real or if nursie has Yul Brynner and Telly Savalas stuffed down her top. Rich,

Thanks Horsetan a change of plan may have to be looked at. I will have to look at reusing the gears on new axles with new wheels using some brass spacers. The Alan Gibson wheelsets are certainly nice. The Scalefour stores seem to be out of stock at the moment on 28mm pp axles but I might give AGW a ring and see what can be done. Rich,

That's really quick Horsetan considering the usual wait. I will have to chat to them myself soon about doing some steel wheels and axles for the diesel locos in 21mm. I might even look into them producing some drop in wheelsets as a commission as time isn't a factor at the moment. Rich,

Thanks Stephen, appreciate it. It's nice for me to post something positive instead of having a moan about something . Rich,

The Bachmann coaches look great Dave in the NIR livery. The Airfix MK11's still look good tooling wise even though they originate from the 70's. Rich.

Anto I believe it was developed by the Americans in the Vietnam War for field surgey to close cuts without the need for stiching. Rich,

Thanks for that Jim as it has answered some questions for me. Rich,

Some very good advice and I have the scars to prove it. Rich,

Thanks very much Gareth. That's some sensible advice. I'm getting better every day and it feels good to be back here. Rich,

Thank you Baby it's really appreciated and it gives me a great lift. Rich,

Thanks Seamus, I am still keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers and it is great to see you back. Rich,