Niles

Open to correction, but I think there's an exemption here in the case of regular domestic passenger services. Tourist or heritage passenger operators can apply (e.g. Belmond, RPSI) but it's not the case that Go Ahead, for example, could apply to operate a commuter service from Maynooth. Likewise, Belmond or RPSI couldn't apply to operate such a service either.

As it stands, private freight operators have had access for what must be a decade now. The fact that there's been no take up says a lot as to its perceived lucrativeness though...

That Albert Quay one is just gorgeous.

Well, that WAS fun.

I'm afraid to check it...

Some pics to whet the appetite... if you're enjoying the model 141s and hoppers and plough vans why not come and see the real thing in action? There's also the chance to get a spin behind A Class locomotive No.A39...

My understanding is tickets for the gala itself are approaching selling out point, so worth heading over to https://downrail.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/19164?catID=17699& and grabbing yours to avoid disappointment. Tickets for our bus connection remain available at https://www.tailtetours.com/event-details/bus-to-downpatrick-mini-diesel-gala-jan-2023

Indeed, the 'main' platform was extended in March 2006, as seen in the snap below. The 'loop' platform was longer than the main to begin with. (Picture of a Strawberry Fair steam special in 2001 for comparison).

Bump - updated as bus has now been confirmed.

Downpatrick/ITG diesel gala on 7th January - bus connection Following a few queries, we've organised a bus connection from Dublin (Connolly Luas stop) to Downpatrick & back for the ITG/DCDR Mini Diesel Gala 7th January. Dept Connolly at 08:00, Dublin Airport 08:15, with a projected arrival back that evening for 19:15. Tickets are €35 and must be booked in advance at https://www.tailtetours.com/event-details/bus-to-downpatrick-mini-diesel-gala-jan-2023 Note, we cannot accept travel passes/consessions, and tickets for the gala event itself must be booked separately at: https://downrail.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/19164?catID=17699& Tickets will not be available for the event or bus on the day so advance booking is a must.

Traction tyres... now that you say it I had a Tomy set that I'm pretty certain had such features. You could plug in Lego bricks to the platforms too I think...

Probably had various Thomas and Brio sets when I was small but my first 'proper' trainset was the Hornby "Diesel Breakdown" set... It was the Christmas of 1997 which as some may recall was during a big storm... we had no power for days so I couldn't use it. Quite a bit of play value in it to be fair, later discovered the 06 'never ran like that' but at that age I couldn't care...

One more, 1144 (the only GSR-built 1st) survives sans running gear at Dromod. Although there's a debate that none of these should really be called Bredins but it's too early in the morning for that... Re: AM13, I believe she survived as an RPSI spares coach into the early 2000s, at Heuston I think.

One point on the BR generator vans, over time they got so weather-worn and battered that I wouldn't worry if it doesn't perfectly match the Cravens. Some of them ended up quite patchwork when you looked close.

If you're not paying for the product, you're the product, et al...

The plated up windows were certainly removed when they reverted to standards (I remember stripping 1520 for parts for the RPSI set). My understanding is that 1518/20 didn't have lockups at the counter unlike 1508/9 and the mk2a ones, open to correction though.

In a way, the Talylln in Wales is probably an oddball for having 'normal' standard gauge-type buffers and drawgear.

B1 Sharon

Deirdre rings a bell now... Though what the GSR would have done with 3 additional route-restricted 4-6-0s is another thing altogether...

If you're creative, there was a list of names for proposed additional 800s never built... Aoife off the top of my head (my sister's name so it stuck in my memory more than the others). I think @jhb171achill might have info on them. Re: 'Cultra' edition 800, I believe it's CIÉ dark green with GS lettering, based on what supplies Inchicore had when sending her north.

A real life kitbash.

While I won't wager money on it, a model O&K with accurate valve gear and motion would be a thing of beauty.

Curious that Waterford Manor and Tramore weren't of matching length, given I assume they were procured at the same time for the same locos?

It's obviously the measuring tape.

How was the loco turned in Belfast (Or did it work up with a 141/181 and split?).