jhb171achill

“Maedb” was out of its glass case today for photographing. A few shots of detail, also showing what CIE loco green looks like in direct sunlight…. A few of the wall display items too….

Some of the earlier Donegal railcars, converted from British standard gauge rail buses, or road buses….

Wow! An interesting beast indeed! This side of the pond, the Atkinson Walker steam tractor converted to a diesel shunter by the CDR springs to mind as an equal in oddness…..

Live steam and specially commissioned; not surprised at the price tag. Stunning model.

A kit absolutely crying out to be made!

Not necessarily; could be old livery living on? Even though the Midland abandoned green entirely about 1915-18, and everything newly painted was lined black after that, Bob Clements noted one 0.6.0 still in green into the early 1930s! It was, in fact, the last MGWR loco to be sheep-dipped grey.

Yes, it refers to late 1890s to 1915, though with some examples temporarily in the blue livery 1903-5 or 6. Ahrons was lucky to witness matters pre-1890; it was at about this time that frames became brown on most cases. Some goods-only locos were plain black BY about 1915, I have heard from one unconfirmed source.

Superb!!!!

Will there be any in black’n’tan?

Thanks - excellent stuff, folks; yes, I suspected N might be better.

Question - I have heard that in order to look somewhat "past its best", N gauge ballast is suitable for 00 scale track, perhaps with small amounts of 00 scale ballast scattered here and there too. I would be interested if anyone could point me in the direction of photos of track done in this way. Quite soon, I will have a serious amount of ballasting and scenics to do, and I want certain sidings to look prototypically neglected, with main running lines varying from old to pretty good and well kept. Any thoughts / ideas / photos very welcome.

Quite a few temporarily wore CIE livery with the "set of points" logo in the sides and ends..... Some "A"s likewise.

Yes, more 071s might have been a compromise; bear in mind that these matters were decided by politicians, rather than anyone who knew anything about the industry, or railways! An earlier version of 201s, perhaps..... Those ex-"C" class B201s could have double headed ti get things started, I suppose. Always thought that a layout based on 1980s / 90s NIR but with internal freight and lots of locos would make an interesting project - Hunslets, ex-CIE "C"s, the English Electric shunters, a "celebrity" "WT" class 2.6.4T, and 111s.....anything would improve the monotony of nothing but 70, 80 & Castle class railcars!

Aha! A Belpaire, or indeed any, J15, has me sorted for birthday AND Christmas!

Looks very convincing indeed!

Boris someone?

They don't carry out any regular timetabled duties at all, nor have they done so for many years. Best option is to find out what PW work that NIR have planned, as they will be used on things like ballast trains.

The DNGR was closed in 1951 and lifted by degrees over the following few years, though a Dundalk - Greenore liner train is a great idea for a small freight layout!

A truly excellent day out, and great opportunity to mix and mingle! Plus, of course,

Not sure, Sean. I don’t recollect taking any pics of a blue 201…..

The one with 113 is 1989. The one with the Hunslet I didn’t record, but it’s easy to tell as it is whatever year that the old Howth platform was filled in, as can be seen.

Let us hope that multiple octupii are now employed by IRM, with attendant number of sleeves.......... Methinks along the same lines............

Thanks to my Learned Friend, expert in all things electronickal, massive progress was made today with the Dugort Harbour - Castletown West branch laid, plus all of Castletown station bar a couple of cattle sidings. Got started on formwork for the scenery too.

Shows the benefit of good scenery. Fair specials on the extension under construction don’t look quite as well as with scenic accompaniment!

Interesting, spudfan..... the 08s have around since neolithic times, probably deserve a rest! I wonder how many are still in normal daily use (as opposed to preservation)?