jhb171achill

Brilliant, Colin, well done! Glad the society sorted you out.

You're saying that there are barriers to reopening Foynes, or not? I would not be one bit surprised if IE did something was fine to prevent any reopening!

The RPSI sold its last copy of the NCC one on this year's May Tour!

Excellent pic. Top of wagon-load list: cattle!

They talk about the "complexity" of the (signalling) arrangements at Limerick. Ye gods!!!!! Are these bulletin writers more on the level of clockwork train sets? Jhb171senior, jhb171pre-senior, Bob Clements, Drew Donaldson, Kevin Murray, Harold Houston and their ilk would spin in their graves.

Beautiful work!

That's it! Sorry, I omitted to mention the title....

The epic tome of Michael McMahons's and Jeremy Clements is the thing to have. The RPSI still has one copy left. This is the absolutely definitive dictionary for GSR / CIE steam. It's bulky, but worth every cent. Having been through it many times in detail, all I would say is that it's a pity there's no index, and that the rather excellent cover and rear pictures, plus a note in the text, telling us that grey locos had black smokeboxes, and (somewhat bizarrely) black numberplates with red letters, is incorrect. Tiny criticisms, but otherwise an absolute "must-have". Drew Donaldson, Bob Clements and Jack O'Neill produced a slimmer volume in the 1970s based on their personal, and encyclopaediacally correct, experiences of such locos as were surviving in use into the 1950s and 60s. Also a fascinating read. It's long, long out of print, but I think the RPSI has a copy it's second hand stuff.

One of the many things once carried, now forgotten. An article on exactly what the railways carried, and from where to where, would be interesting, as goods traffic is very much neglected in model circles.

For many years after the end of steam, headlamps were carried as per old rule books to identify trains more than light their way; increasingly unnecessary, it was simply a throwback to older working practices. In the transition period, as long as there was one steam engine left, everything would have them.

Just looking at other posts here - some CIE locos (approx 25 according to the late Bob Clements) did get all-over black in late 50s, but 850 didn't. The grey livery, incidentally, was also all over, including inside frames, connecting rods, smokebox and chimney; not black smokebox as almost universal with other liveries.

For many years after the end of steam, headlamps were carried as per old rule books to identify trains more than light their way; increasingly unnecessary, it was simply a throwback to older working practices. In the transition period, as long as there was one steam engine left, everything would have them.

Superb! You asked about lettering on the "Unit"; don't know, but probably cream or very light yellow based on clues relating to the railcar (which was mid-brown with a white roof).

There's talk of a second 071 in a retro livery......

I have to say that I disapprove of buying up large amounts of a limited edition model just try to line pockets, when many modellers have to scrimp and save to get one, only to be told they're out of print..... I know it's old news but it still isn't right.

Absolutely superb, and in keeping with the generally well-kept appearance of locos at this time. Mind you, I once watched the up Westport roll into Claremorris (about 1970) and at the head of a pair of 141s was an example so dirty that I wondered for a moment if CIE had started painting the side orange bits in black, with just tan on the ends! It was, as they say in the north, "piggin'"! The track it's sitting (above) looks equally realistic.

Slow build maybe, but by the looks of it WELL worth it! I wasn't aware of these kits.

Aaaarrrgghhhh Dxyslescicx moment; you are quite right, Kirley. Note to self: Rewind, reprogramme...............!

Good idea. UTA and NIR were exactly the same bar the logo. All NIR did was replace the UTA crest with the NIR logo on just three engines, in one of which cases (No. 4) it was UTA crest on one side, NIR on the other! They never repainted, let alone replaced lining, on anything!

The D14s were the small "Kerry Bogies". The 60 class were D17.....

Ill have a look, Eoin.

They put them in double beet wagons.

If so, that (at the Irish standard scale 30ft) would be a boon. A MGWR body kit would be an asset; GSWR examples exist in the form of Worsley "scratch-aid" kits. Has anyone ever seen one of these made up?

But not that type or modern logo.... I suggested 70s / 80s; I'm as much inclined to think 90s....

Thanks, Andy!