jhb171achill

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.

Already, the RPSI is technically entitled, as a fully fledged railway operator, to run public services within the south....

This being the case, airport railway is certainly a necessity. It also begs the question as to whether there is truly any future in Waterford to Limerick Junction, and the Nenagh branch!

I wouldn't mean it as a blanket statement as such, junctionmad. BR (or whatever it may BR collectively be referred to now) is a sum of many very diverse parts. Many of these parts simply don't exist in Ireland, didn't, can't and won't, for example very long distances, heavy freight traffic out of mines like bulk coal, and so on. Thus, of necessity Ireland's railways have a smaller area, smaller market and smaller number of potential niche markets to follow. Of those that do exist, and in the circumstances likely to prevail, actual subsidy-free commercial viability is unlikely to be possible in any sense. Again, if we subsidise a private operator, we're subsidising the operation of the railway plus fat cats and shareholders. One thing is very true though - your comment about incentivisation. Remedies for this type of thing come very slow in Ireland, especially in nationalised entities (the ESB and HSE are WAY worse than the railway) - but can be found without actual privatisation.

Sounds reasonable, josefstadt; just an off-the-cuff thought of mine...!

That link won't open.....