jhb171achill

Conversion of an old 1956-59 type laminate brake standard, I believe.

Indeed - on several counts. So many Irish layouts with superb (and Irish) locos and coaches, but BR wagons repainted. Undeerstandable at one time, pre-SSM, pre-Provincial and pre-JM Design - but there are many Irish wagons available now. On the subject of AEC railcars and their intermediates - yes, very many variations, but there are valuable multi-purpose crossovers. For example, a GNR K15 open third could be a loco-hauled option in six liveries (2 x GNR, 2 x CIE, 2 x UTA and 1 x NIR), and thus suitable for, say, a loco-hauled train on a layout based on the Derry Road. In black'n'tan, as some suvived to be coated in, ALL over CIE! A laminate is equally versatile, as is a Park Royal - RTR versions of all three badly needed. My point is that while no laminate was ever seen in a GNR, UTA or NIR set, nor some GN types in CIE sets, there is enough alternative use for all of these vehicles as loco-hauled stock, thus fulfilling many purposes and thus boosting sales.

The breeding programme for live 4mm scale Fintona horses has been successful?

AEC cars have, in total, eight basic liveries, with a ninth and tenth as variations of two of them. Add the de-engined ones as NIR secondary stock in the mid-70s and you’ve ten variations. I am led to understand that when commissioning a new model, the more liveries there are, the more viable the thing is.

That looks like a design that could be related to a British prototype, as you suggest. I wonder is there a “near-enough” RTR British loco which could be made to look like one with little more than dark grey paint and GSR-style numberplates?

Very well said indeed. Rest in peace.

I would absolutely agree. The “A” class were VERY much worth the wait. Between those and the Accurascale stuff, they’ve brought both Irish AND British models to a whole new level.

I should add that as far as I’m aware, all the locos used on the last beet campaign with steam (winter 1962/3) were J15s, and the last locos used on a CIE passenger service which was all steam (Loughrea, Ballinrobe, Ballaghaderreen) were the similar ex-MGWR J18 0.6.0s. Loughrea went diesel in April 1963. A couple of G2 2.4.0 tender locos were still on the Sligo line until almost the end of steam.

Agreed - a “C” fits well into the steam / diesel changeover period. Thr last steam engines in use anywhere in Ireland were N I Railways’ “WT” class 2.6.4Ts, known as “Jeeps”. No. 4, one of the very last two (withdrawn 1970), is preserved at Whitehead. The last in use in CIE (April 1963) were a mixed bag, mostly elderly 0.6.0 tender engines of GSWR (J15), and MGWR (J18/J19) origin, but a couple of “Woolwich” 2.6.0s and several old 4.4.0s of various origins also lasted to about 1962. Notable among the others were the last few 400 class 4.6.0s and a couple of the useful MGWR J26 0.6.0Ts. The last GNR locos, two 0.6.0 goods engines, lasted until about 1965 or 1966, under the UTA. I saw them often.

Joe put a huge lot of work into that. It shows! Awaiting my own copy.

DCC fitted or not?

How many are they getting? And what for? (Will the jax, as a revolutionary alteration to the design, have air (ideally fresh), ventilation, dry floors and toilet paper?)

Absolute brilliance! Superb stuff - keep the pictures coming!

Ah, but they were 5'3" gauge.

No. The coaches had corrugated sides, upon which it would have been impossible to display it properly, so they mounted them on boards and screwed them in, as the GSR had done before that with their crests mounted also on boards. Note, too, that the base colour is the darker green but no lining at all - that was the norm on the West Clare.

Now joined by some more model material - including the very excellent "Past-Avenue" layout of this parish, most generously donated for display, and the collection of "0" gauge models of the CDR made by the late Sam Carse for his highly intricate CDRJC layout at his home in Dublin. I was privileged to see this in operation once, over 40 years ago now......... these have lately been gifted to the centre by David and Barry Carse. The centre has amassed a monumental collection of images of the CDR and LLRS systems now. Some 250 of these will feature in the photo album lately prepared, and in final editing / printing now.

Could be worse. Imagine if it said "IRM BULK PURCHASE"!

Always liked that CNWR livery

That would actually be amazing. Mind you, the current grey is only a shade lighter than the standard GSWR / GSR / CIE grey! So that’s those taken care of…… MGWR green or DSER lined black would be nice, and flyin’ snail green!

It has indeed been known to happen! Almost missed a train from Galway back to Dublin while on a "runabout" ticket in the late 70s due to that reason............

Thought you might! Superb stuff.......... wonder if IE will paint another one black'n'tan some day!

One of the orange ones is out'n'about this very day on the Taras; just saw it passing the house with Navan-bound empties as I was reading this post just now!

Every detail of that layout represents what we must all aspire to - from concept, to historical accuracy, to technical brilliance, to layout, to scenic splendour...... keep it coming! All you need to complete it is a small blue mini car with a "VIM" registration on a platform, with a youthful Barry Carse taking pictures for a future book 40 years into the future!

A few from the CDR-inspired layout there, which includes an extensive model of Donegal station itself. I was up for the book launch of Airfixfan’s latest photo album book of the railways of the area. The Centre desperately needs financial support, so (while I’m not involved in it personally), I would still strongly recommend a visit. Also, order the book from the centre.

It’s a secret operation to spread anti-Brexit spores through the air over there. Better check the loco exhaust? Sssssshhhh!