Patrick Davey

Mr W is a committed to teetotaller until the dreaded lurgy strikes, when he consents to taking a medicinal hot whiskey (he likes to have lots of lurgies). He’d be happy to go to the pub as long as there was a mad session of shlides and shlip jigs?

Here's a video showing typical rail traffic at Brookhall Mill during the 1940s. First a GN T2 442t locomotive is seen working the morning staff shuttle before bringing some covered vans up from Lisburn. Later on, there are appearances by BCDR and NCC/UTA trains, both of which were often seen at Brookhall during the war years and after. The soundtrack for the video features the music of Glenn Miller, and I have only recently discovered that Miller and his orchestra gave a concert at Brookhall in July 1943, just over a year before his tragic disappearance. The 'Miller at The Mill' concert was arranged by the US Army in Northern Ireland as a gesture of gratitude to the staff of Brookhall Mill for the contribution they made to the war effort, and by all accounts it was a memorable evening - the musicians had to retreat deep into the mill once blackout time was reached but the music and dancing continued well into the small hours. BHM 1940s.mp4 NOTE: I have just spotted typos in the above video......... yikes

A major inspiration for my own humble GN efforts!

Superb - well done!

This is quite an ambitious project, but you’re obviously doing considerable research, so I wish you every success! And please keep us updated as you progress.

Lovely to welcome you to Brookhall Mill today David @Galteemore and Alan @Tullygrainey! Great to have an excuse to set the railway up in exhibition mode again!

They have found a hopefully nice home Dave!

Recently weathered vans now in service at Clogherhead.

This is my first attempt at weathering vans, using various dilute acrylic washes. I may have gone a bit overboard, but after looking at some prototype material, it’s clear that some of these vehicles were truly filthy in their final years. The recent offerings from Provincial Wagons are solid and great runners, but the black chassis needs repainting to match the wagon body, so I’ve done that before toning it all down with weathering. My problem now is that these will be running behind pristine ex-works locomotives…… not sure I’m brave enough yet to tackle that!!! Two of Leslie McAllister’s excellent recent offerings, both have had their black chassis painted grey, but only the one on the right has been fully weathered. Various vans here from Provincial Wagons and JM Designs.

Enjoy 6 minutes of digital sound bliss, as 125 shunts her new ballast wagons around Clogherhead: 125 & Ballast Wagons.mp4

Unusually heavy goods traffic at Clogherhead this afternoon, including quite a large consignment of chickens. Some smart alec in Amiens Street suggested that the chickens thought it was ‘Cluck-erhead’…….

Damien it was great to meet you and thanks for making the long journey! Until next time!!

Thanks for making the long journey to Bangor John, I hope you got home safely and that you were made to feel welcome! Great to meet you.

Hinting that it is indeed an RPSI one....?

Your presence was reported to me JB! Hope you enjoyed the show. A short video of some of the comings and goings on Brookhall Mill over the past weekend. BCDR locos were scratchbuilt by Alan Nixon @Tullygrainey of this parish. BHM @ Bangor.mp4

There is a shop called McCullough’s in Bangor, County Down, they have one! It was on display all weekend at the Bangor show, and I don’t think it was sold.

Are you in town?

What a great weekend at the Bangor show! Particularly great to chat to the following forum members: @Kirley - thanks Kieran for your help! @Signal Post - super to meet you Damien! @Metrovik - and super to meet you too John! @Dunluce Castle - great to see you again Nelson and to meet your dad! @Dave - thanks again Dave for the BHM baseboards! @leslie10646 - thanks for the two lovely new wagons, Leslie! @WRENNEIRE - good to meet you again Dave! And of course a special word of thanks to @Tullygrainey ~ thanks Alan for your amazing help over the weekend! Here are a few photos of Brookhall Mill from the weekend, more to follow, along with some video clips.

Unlikely, as the lads aren't there this year, feels unusual not seeing the IRM stand!

Jeepers that’s horrible - hope it’s all sorted now and that we’ll see you tomorrow!

Some nice acquisitions this evening, already looking very much at home! Two of Leslie McAlister’s new CIE vans as well as a pack of the original IRM CIE ballast wagons. I didn’t ever think I would want the ballast wagons, but since my current project stretches into the 1970s, they are a must - fabulous wagons!  And it’s amazing to think what followed from IRM……

I am assuming that’s ‘Brookhall Mill’ in French……..!

All set up and fully functional! Grateful for the help of Alan Nixon and Kieran Lagan for the weekend!

All packed and about to leave for Bangor. They really look rather undignified when they are dismantled and crammed into the car for transport!

Very refined. Much better than the crude alternatives out there. Looking forward to drilling down into the detail.