Patrick Davey

Historical photo of the viaduct in Buncrana: https://www.archiseek.com/1901-railway-viaduct-buncrana-co-donegal/

Fabulous sight - and sound!

It certainly is - what an incredible creation

Possibly the most unusual prototype ever to feature on this forum! Great stuff as always David!

Ah the Gazelle - one of the sounds of my childhood!

No but that'll be on the list when I get back to the layout - cheers!

@Andy Cundick has done exactly that!

Accidentally stumbled across this: https://www.ooworks.co.uk/00n3-narrow-gauge Interesting!!

Another work trip, which this time brings me to 'Dark Inishowen' (that's the title of a not-so-well-known song). This presents an opportunity to explore the often-overlooked line from Buncrana to Carndonagh, operated by the narrow gauge Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway (LLSR). The line was operational for a relatively short time, opening in 1901 and closing just 34 years later, in 1935. Buncrana itself continued to be served by rail until 1953. Fun fact: the Buncrana - Carndonagh line included the most northerly point on the entire Irish railway map and indeed the station at Rashenny would have been the most northerly station in Ireland. Like all the main LLSR stations, Rashenny station building survives in excellent condition. Buncrana station is now a popular bar/restaurant, with plenty of interest for the railway explorer: After leaving Buncrana, the Carndonagh extension (opened in 1901) curved to the right along the southern edge of the town and presumably began to climb because in a short distance it crossed the Owenkillew River on a 5(?)-arch viaduct, 3 arches of which remain today: Ballymagan station is in great condition, I didn't photograph it though, but here's a nearby bridge: A short distance further is this level crossing house: Then after the rest of the surviving stations, which I wasn't able to photograph on this occasion, the terminus at Carndonagh is reached. I was able to photograph it as it is a commercial property rather than a private residence. It clearly illustrates the LLSR 'house style' which is very identifiable in all the other surviving stations. Really distinctive and attractive buildings they are, and presumably very sturdy too, having lasted for 91 years after closure. Hopefully I will be able to return to this lovely part of Donegal in the future and visit all the stations.

Good advice folks thanks and yes the consist issue had arisen previously so I had made sure to delete the consist prior to all this.

**UPDATE** I paid a visit to Kieran Lagan earlier, and Kieran kindly tested the misbehaving sound decoder for me in his decoder test setup. Interestingly, it passed all the tests!! I won’t be able to check it again in its ‘resident’ loco until Tuesday, but at least I know the - expensive - sound decoder is fine. It’s still a mystery how the loco hasn’t been recognising it, yet she was fine with a standard decoder…… standby for a further update on Tuesday!!

Great to hear this! Is it too early to give us a hint on the era?

That loco too!!!! Awesome work on the shed Kevin - perfect setting for No. 85.

I have two 121s - 125 with a sound decoder, and 132 with a standard decoder. Last night I had a friend in, and I was all set to show off the amazing sound capabilities of 125, but she didn't come to life - boo. So I had a closer look today and in short: * 125's sound decoder won't respond - it's not the loco, because she runs when I put 132's standard chip in * No movement, no sound and no lighting * I reset the decoder using CV8 etc, and still nothing * The decoder doesn't work in 132 either * The decoder and my NCE PowerCab are definitely speaking because the loco makes those weird noises during the reset and renumbering * All other DCC locos work fine Have I just had my first deceased sound chip? Hoping the knowledgeable folk here can suggest a solution!

Just superb folks!

Even the damaged one shows how incredible these are going to be!!

Nice to see you here @Dawn Quest - love your content!

Very 1970s!! Super scene Noel!

Super day at Downpatrick yesterday, with 124 in sparkling form - so good to hear that distinctive engine sound in real life again!! Huge thanks to all at DCDR for making days like this happen. It was a particular pleasure for a musician friend and myself to entertain the passengers on the trains too!!

Only ever good experiences for me!

A chilly St. Patrick’s Day morning visit to the remains of Ardglass station, a former BCDR branch line terminus in Co. Down. I understand that the building is listed but obviously in very poor condition, although some stabilising work seems to have taken place in recent years, which is encouraging. Still plenty of original features to be seen, despite closing way back in 1950.

Exceptional!

Nice! Galway?

@Bullet_Wanderer welcome!

Fabulous project, can't wait to see the trains running!