jhb171achill

I don't know for sure, Mayner, but I'm pretty sure they don't exist even if they were drawn up in outline. Within my own family history there's no talk of it, not that this is proof it never happened, of course. As a "might-have-been", it might be expected to follow what was then the house style for new designs. Had it come into being it could have vaguely resembled a Stanier type of design, I would imagine. What DID happen was that in early CIE times, when BR was researching the best ways to design their standard classes of steam locomotives, they wanted to take the best ideas from the LMS, LNER, SR and GWR. They extended their research to Ireland and consulted in detail with Inchicore. Family tradition has it that they took back with them some design features from the 800 class, but I've no idea which. The 2.4.4T sounds like an excellent project for a "might-have-been" GSR / early CIE layout! Now there's an idea.

....and there's your source outside the DCDR! The issue arose many years ago, but at the time there was no way under the sun that the DCDR could afford it, hence the appeal.

There are no RTR models which can be repainted to give a strictly accurate picture of a GNR / UTA / CIE / NIR / IE railcar, however there are a number which can be painted to have a reasonable approximation. A British class 150 two-car can be repainted to give a reasonable image of an NIR "Castle" class, and I suppose IE class 2600 / 2700 / 2800 with a good dollop of poetic licence. Others here are much more up to date than I am on modern British multiple units; doubtless more suggestions will follow. If you're modelling the 1950 - early 1970s period, the AEC cars so favoured by the GN, UTA and NIR can be represented by several British standard classes of railcar. Again, some here will advise, but Triang Hornby made one which I've seen repainted and it looks all right.

Indeed he did, GSR. And the passenger bodies for the Drumm trains (2nd lot), the Bredin coaches and various other things including several locomotive rebuilds.

Will they reopen Cabra, I wonder? It would make sense to maximise the potential of this by stopping the trains at somewhere along this route. Maybe somewhere in the broad area of Liffey Junction, in which area there is a huge lot of modern housing...

Nothing official exists as such, however, there are outline plans in hand for a two car unit to go to the DCDR. It is likely to be funded by a source outside the DCDR but based there, like all the ITG stuff. This is not to say it will happen; but it might if some things go according to plan.

Both. He joined the GSWR in 1900 or 1901, and retired two weeks into the CIE era, having been in Inchicore throughout the 20 years of the GSR. In terms of "might have beens", information passed down through the family included the above which I referred to, and a few other odds and ends, like a production run of Drumm trains, early talk of exploring other forms of electrification, and a specialised lorry design for carrying turf! Another was a standard design of 3ft gauge coach for the T & D, WCR, & C & L. Had this come into being, I believe it was to be based more or less along the design of the standard C & L balcony-end coach. However, it chould be added that this is pure speculation and no plan was ever drawn up, or design made; there was no money.

2800s.... I knew I'd forget something!

I was thinking more of actual multiple units as listed. There were numerous single-car contraptions - steam, petrol, kerosine and diesel, before that.

Correct.....

I'm not keen on that tram either. It's painted in a livery and style reminiscent of the old Causeway tram, therefore some lip service has been paid to the old. But structurally, it resembles a CAF railcar more than a Causeway tram! Both stations are now quite unkempt and especially at Bushmills the whole place needs a serious facelift. I'm not sure these days whether it's partly volunteer operated or not - anyone know? It's website appeals for volunteers, though I was unaware whether they ever had any.

Excellent job. I looked at his site - very impressed!

Quite a few, John. In the UK, they're "DMUs", but here they're railcars! ;-) In terms of multiple unit sets, as opposed to single unit (mostly early) railcars, we have - at least - GNR* & CIE (* GNR fleet divided between UTA and CIE after 1958) AEC Park Royal cars and BUT cars Gardner engined articulated units (GNR) UTA / NIR Ex-GN stuff as above MPD cars - several varieties MED cars - several varieties 70 class sets NIR Inherited GN and UTA stuff as above 80 class "Castle" (450) class 3000 class 4000 class CIE 2600 "Arrow" IE Inherited "Arrows" 2700 class 22000 class 29000 class Have I omitted anything?

He may have thought of if all right, but if he did, it never got any further than a thought. Jhb171senior's father was the chief draughtsman under Bredin and his own plans never had anything other than a 4.6.0. However, had funding been available (which it wasn't), a fourth and fifth 800 class were on the cards. It is likely that they would have been named Deirdre (803) and Grainne (804). There was, however, a 4.6.2T (TANK engine) design prepared by senior - I've a copy somewhere but can never find it! There would have been between 2 and 5 of these, and their planned stamping ground was to have been the DSER.

I'd be interested to see the transfers up close - the lettering and crest..... where did you get them?

I'd love to see that loco in steam again. Does anyone know if they actually do steam it ever these days? I don't think so but would be delighted to be corrected.

Apparently the dining cars in the "new" DD train will be "different". Anyone know how, why, or - for example - will it be possible for one of the Great Unwashed (standard class) to go up to it and have a sit-down breakfast like on a Mk 4 set?

Operational rules on NIR would actually be more in tune with the rest of Ireland, as railways in Ireland were in place over 90 years before the border was even thought of. UK practice is not dissimilar overall, of course, but the Irish railways standardised almost all practice years ago.

This is the same as what happened in Tralee, and may do so again; when you get an outfit like this which is not run by enthusiasts, but as a "business"...

There's an hourly bus......... !! ;-)

Superb!!!!!! Brings back early childhood memories....

That wagon is seriously good quality work, Nelson. I like the mix of planks in different colours - no two UTA wagons were the same in the 60's! As always, of course!

The UTA certainly out-Beeching'd Beeching! By 1964, when jhb171 Senior was based with the UTA, internal rumours were that the entire railway system in the north would close.

Old blarney, that would indeed be amazing!

In theory, Stevie, they could and have had that right for quite a while now. They would need, in practical terms however, need a good few more volunteers and paid staff!!! My point is that the legal ability is already there. As hurricane says, they have already done so, by using a public train path and serving IE passengers on a scheduled path on the Ennis line.