Patrick Davey

This might well end up being 'pie-in-the-sky' stuff but here I go...... I don't usually like posting in forums until I have something firm to show but as what follows is completely new to me, I figured I'd be best getting some advice first!!! As my current build Brookhall Mill draws to a close (after 2 years of building) thoughts are inevitably turning to the next one. I had a plan to create another 'micro' which would feature some of the fantastic IRM and MM diesels but then I realised that my heart currently lies in the Antrim narrow gauge!!! I built a diorama of Capecastle a few years ago and was sad to have to dismantle it so maybe pangs of guilt are hitting me..... But I don't want to build a diorama. I want something that moves and can be operational, so even before I decide on a setting, I'm looking at locomotives. The most distinctive Antrim narrow gauge loco (for me anyway) was the S class compound 2-4-2t: https://transportsofdelight.smugmug.com/RAILWAYS/IRISH-RAILWAYS/NORTHERN-COUNTIES-COMMITTEE-NARROW-GAUGE-LINES/i-KvrR3WF/A A very attractive prototype so that is the most likely target. Building a working model of one of these in OO gauge would be impossible for me but then I started thinking of O gauge, but using OO technology.... The use of OO scale track to represent narrow gauge track in O scale (known as O-16.5) has been done before so my current thinking is to find a suitable OO gauge chassis and modify it for use as an O scale narrow gauge chassis. I thought initially of using a Hornby Peckett 0-4-0 chassis as my starting point then an esteemed friend suggested an Adams Radial tank instead, the only modification needed there would be to chop the leading bogie in half so that seems a better option. Plus the Adams is cheaper than the Peckett..... I am quietly confident of being able to construct a decent loco body from plasticard, incorporating metal components. I also did a test modification of a spare piece of OO track, removing every other sleeper seems to give it a narrow gauge feel for O scale - photo attached. Grateful for thoughts and even ridicule!

Hi Gavin, any update to the S class model? Cheers

A minor diplomatic incident at the mill this afternoon. Someone from York Road thought it would be a good idea to send over two LMS posters to Brookhall but Mr. Weaver is having none of it. He is currently telling his station supervisor and head porter what York Road can do with their posters.

Even though I won't have the great pleasure of seeing Fintonagh (and your good self!) at Cultra David, I do appreciate the mammoth effort you will be making in order to be there, thank you for that - looking forward to the photos and video clips!

Then there was the famous diplomatic incident in the late 1960s, just before Mr. Weaver retired. CIE sent up a train of dignitaries to personally thank Mr. Weaver for his hospitality over the years but he was in a particularly grumpy mood that day and refused to speak to any of them nor would he be seen anywhere near the diesel locomotive which brought the train to Brookhall. Instead he went off in a huff, stood on the footbridge above the signal cabin and just glared down at A3r.

Now I am extra gutted. I had hoped that Cultra would be my first outing with Brookhall Mill but I have to work that day And now I’m going to miss Fintonagh too…..

And another from the old shoe box under Mr. Weaver's bed - this was one he took from the tree behind his house, when his cat 'Merlin' got stuck up there after getting spooked by a nasty diesel engine (visible on the left shunting a brake van).

Mr. Weaver at Brookhall has been going through some old photo albums and he unearthed this interesting shot from UTA days with a UG loco shunting a linen van and an ex-GNR bus departing for Aghalee with a staff service.

As a huge fan of the SLNCR this layout is of great interest - I love the train formation!! I have tried to visit Florencecourt on a few occasions but a barking dog has scared me off each time.... A wonderful subject for a layout and I will be looking forward to seeing it develop GM.

Cheers GM and thanks for spotting one of my main objectives with the build - multiple levels within a small space. The scenic section is actually just 18in by 48in but certain photographic angles make it look much bigger!

A few views from around Brookhall Mill this evening.

He might, if any more of those blasted diesels arrive......

Been working on the mill roofs today. Coping stones and a hut giving access to the roof from the staircase. Also tidied up the doorway from the platform to the staircase.

More lighting experiments at Brookhall Mill.

Introducing the man who put Brookhall Mill on the map - the long time Mill Superintendent, Mr. Weaver (nobody ever knew his Christian name). In charge of the mill from before WW2 until the late 1960s, Mr. Weaver was very popular with all the mill employees but less so with GNR(I) management who viewed him as something of a 'loose cannon'. He started his railway career as a boy porter at Finaghy in the 1920s, transferring to Ballyroney as Senior Porter in 1930, before being appointed as Stationmaster at Inniskeen in 1935. It was while at Inniskeen that he began to lock horns with management, who first asked the GSR to take him on at Dugort Harbour but then decided to move Mr. Weaver to Brookhall where it was assumed that because he would be out of the public eye, he would be less likely to cause embarrassment in Amiens Street. This happened in early 1939 but it was an unintentionally fortuitous move by the GNR because Mr. Weaver was exactly the right person for the job when the mill was required to move to a war footing. Inspirational and motivational to the staff throughout the war, Mr. Weaver fine-tuned Brookhall Mill into a very efficient and productive operation, which was certainly appreciated by the War Department and grudgingly acknowledged in Amiens Street. Very much at home in the GNR house at Brookhall, Mr. Weaver's hospitality was legendary, so much so that Brookhall became something of a 'retreat' for GNR staff who would often be given leave to spend time there as a reward for exemplary service. Mr. Weaver's Saturday night céilís were renowned throughout the GNR and many's a sore head was nursed the following morning. Mr. Weaver was passionate about steam traction and felt increasingly uncomfortable with the appearance of English and American diesel locomotives during the 1950s and 1960s, so he had to 'hold his nose' on any occasion when they rumbled into his mill. Mr. Weaver had one great passion outside the railway - vintage cars...... The man himself. Even the buses stopped for him: Mr. Weaver was always very dapper, sporting his trademark linen suit (made of course from the finest Brookhall linen), brown bowler hat and immaculately-polished black Oxford shoes: Mr. Weaver was very proud of his vintage cars:

I will indeed Mark - thanks!

Been working on the interiors of the mill buildings recently, and experimenting with lighting. Lots of fun that!

IMG_9833.MOV A short clip showing the weathered roofs back on the buildings on the layout. I don't like the green patch on the office building roof, that will need toned down.....

Wowwwww

Every one is an absolute gem Ernie, thank you for your ongoing work to share these wonderful photographs with us, it is very much appreciated.

Leslie what about even a Facebook page?

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Further details in the Facebook event above folks, Gordon is very very welcoming and he loves to hear stories of people who knew the real railway so that would be amazing GM! Some video clips coming……

fb://event/?id=1492221131291412

Today I had the great pleasure of viewing the stunning new Donaghadee layout in OO gauge by Gordon Hunt - it is currently on display in the town and is very much worth a visit by anyone within reach! So good to see another BCDR layout, and finished to such a high standard! And a special word of thanks to Gordon for his very warm welcome! I heartily congratulate him on this magnificent achievement - a wonderful project. Enjoy the photos!