RedRich

I had the same experience yesterday Gareth, the young fella said quick dad come and have a look at this. I said to the young fella I'm busy, he says but it's too much of a good opportunity to miss. He is only six and after a statement of intent like that, how could I say no. What I want to know is how the hell a six year old can make a statement like that. I'm still laughing thinking about it. Rich,

The Van and the LC look great Eamonn. The most important aspect of the hobby is to catch a moment in time, and you have recreated a very evocative period of the railway at that time so 10 out of 10 for that, and the fine modelling also. Are the signals the SSM signals Eamonn. I have some to build but I am trying to hold off on building them until I can actually start building the layout. Rich,

It's good to have you here Steven. All the regular guys are here too, so it's more of a change of house as opposed to a change of city or country. Rich,

That looks great for your first attempt at a kit Declan . That cutting mat won't stay that clean for long once you really crack on. Rich,

Excellent work John, how did you manage to fit 28mm pin point axles, or have you used an inside bearing set up. Rich,

Welcome aboard George. I had meant to give you a ring to let you know about the new group but other things got in the way, anyway it's great to have you here mate and the brake van looks fantastic. Rich,

I always thought that the 121 was MIR's finest loco. 8208 sounds good Stephen, the more I hear DCC sound the more I am giving in to it. Rich,

Lovely job Stephen. I'd settle for something like that myself to keep me going until the man shed gets built . Rich,

John the j hangers, axle boxes, sprung buffers were the one area that I was seeing as a potential stumbling block for myself when considering a complete scratch build. I looked at the idea of having them designed and manufactured by a company, but the initial outlay for the design alone wasn't worth it as I only needed enough for 16 wagons. The Bill Bedford type springing is the way to go John as the bearings move up and down with the use of the supplied wire. I had looked at using an inside bearing but that would create too much drag on so many wagons. I hope you don't have too many problems getting the 3D software problem sorted John, and the best of luck with this venture. I will certainly support you and purchase the kits when they are released. Rich,

Will it be possible to convert them for 21mm John. I will be very interested to see how you design the outside w irons. Having seen your other designs I imagine it will be a top notch model. I will certainly be interested in purchasing some when they are ready. Rich,

I managed to find some of the photos of the wagons in the loft today, and to be honest they're not any more detailed than the pic that Richie uploaded. They also have the support bars and spigots for the keg cages, so it is difficult to see all the detail of the trusses. We always look for the money shot of the loco, coach, or wagon and we very rarely take shots of the more mundane parts of the vehicle. Rich,

Looks very nice Stephen not over cooked just right. Rich,

My resistance has finally been broken Fran. Direct me to the nearest retailer. Athearn are really ahead of the rest of the game with these models. Rich,

Will do mate. Rich,

I still have a roll of the 1mm masking tape that Howes Models used to produce and it was always one of my favorite tapes to use as you never got any paint bleed when using it. I am not sure if they still produce it but it might be worth having a look on their website. Rich,

John I have some pics that I took of the flats from the footbridge in Kilkenny 10 years ago. I will dig them out over the weekend and pm them to you. Rich,

I just uploaded a pic 2848 x 2136 as a test with no problems Stephen. Rich,

Fran I'll post some pics of the Details West, Graham White (salem) air filters as I have a bit of spare time tomorrow. I am waiting on some telescopic brass tube and wire for the pipe runs and I also need to get some close up shots of the side of a 201 that has the larger of the air filters. All of the pipes run from the compressors inside the loco, through the filters and into the air reservoir tanks and I want to get it just right. I am hoping to have some etches in the next six or seven weeks for this as it is underscale on the model. This pic was sent to me by Csalem as well as some others which have proved to be an invaluable resource. Rich,

Produce and write a couple of Kylie and Rick Astley tunes Fran and all this could be your's. Seriously though you've got to admire the guy, he produces the stock he wants to run himself and he also makes it available for the punters to buy. Rich,

I'd be well chuffed with that too kid , it also seems to be a good color match with the Lima Galway coaches. Best feeling in the world watching the stock busy at work. My own 220 has now become the pride of my 201 fleet. Color wise it just looks spot on and just as I remember them after a few years in service. Rich,

I've just been watching it on the smart hub on the tv and it looks good. Rich,

I remember the LC on the road between Waterford and Dungarvan Eamonn the tops of the rails were a little to proud of the road surface. I'd imagine many an old banger lost it's exhaust going over it. Rich,

Good tip Eamonn (excuse the pun) that makes good sense. I see you made the right choice with the avatar . Rich,

No photos today , standards are slipping Stephen, get your finger out young man. Rich,

An Antex or a Weller are the only way to go Stephen. I have a temperature controlled Antex and a 25 watt Antex and the temperature controlled iron can have the temperature turned down low enough for white metal soldering. I bought both of them in Maplins many years ago and the tips seem to last a good while as long as you take care of them. Rich,