jhb171achill

As most here would know, I'm a stickler for accuracy - especially with liveries, as a poor representation of one can destroy a model. And I have been critical of Silverfox before on account of very poorly researched and highly inaccurate liveries on their repaints of BR railcars (or should that be DMUs?) into what is supposed to be GNR livery. Even the ownership details on their blurb show little understanding of what companies actually operated these AEC cars. But I'm going to come out in favour of this "D" class. The numerals are completely the wrong font, and surely to goodness they must know that it's BR who painted connecting rods red, not CIE. The white flashes on the end of the back version are entirely the wrong shape. White handrails are wrong too. Surely that's obvious. Research, folks, just a little basic research. But fixable. But these matters are easily rectified for the black version. (Red con-rods!!!!!) The green version is a different matter. The shade of green doesn't look right. Some people, to be fair, haven't the wherewithal to buy a scale model, or a hand made one, so I will poke my head above the parapet to suggest that there may still be a place for SOME BR "repaints". And if the elementary inaccuracies above are fixed by the buyer, inaccuracies notwithstanding, I'm inclined to think it's not the worst sin I've ever seen. A nice enough little thing. But - to our friends in Silverfox - really, the most basic, elementary research, like looking at a few colour photos, would eliminate this needless criticism. Otherwise, the modeller will just do his own, more accurate, "BR repaint". The above silly errors may be described as on a par with the "modelling cancer" (as far as Irish stock is concerned) of black ironwork and chassis on goods stock! Just my tuppence worth, and please be assured that despite appearances, this is meant as constructive criticism.

Got that, josefstadt, thanks!

I thin'k tha't Irish Rai'l coul'd try t'o ge't it right in th'e firs't p'l'a'c'e....

"it's servants"???? Can nobody in IE work out the waste of ink in adding in incorrect apostrophes, as instructed by the teachers of nine year old children?

Totally correct, Blaine. All too often, we as enthusiasts kept our hearts rule our heads. In active preservation, there's zero leeway for that. When practicalities suggest hard decisions, they must be made unequivocally and decisively.

In truth, they'd have been little use to a preservation outfit, but one would perhaps make an interesting static exhibit in a railway museum. There would never have been much case for preserving all three.

I've been looking at the Faller stuff - it looks great. They don't seem to do actual railway station buildings though, or am I looking in the wrong place?

Thanks, 201. I saw several on ebay, though they weren't the particular ones I wanted..... I'll have a look at these.

A question.... Anyone got any advice, good sources, or general thoughts on the reproduction of accurate looking alpine-type scenery, and station building kits, for a layout based on 1960-80's rural Austria?

Dare I suggest that in comparison to some other locos - especially their neighbours the Hunlsets - they were very much the ugly ducklings! I only saw them working a couple of times. The connecting rods were quite "clanky" on No. 1 when I saw her on a ballast train one time.....

Very substantial track upgrade would have been necessary, and added to the cost. In senior's time, when he inspected the SLNCR's PW (as a freebie, as they couldn't afford their own civil engineer!) he found their track, eh, interesting.

The "white" livery was actually the light grey NIR used on railcars in "maroon / grey" times. The maroon stripes were the same maroon they had adopted in 1967 for remaining steam hauled stock, and railcars.

Maybe BP had one leftover from, say, an Indian or Australian 5'3" order which was reduced?

That layout sums up the late 60s to 70s better than any I've seen. What makes it particularly good for me is the attention given to the goods stock. Very atmospheric, very realistic, excellent stuff.

It's going to be in a broad approximation to GSR maroon, which will match the older "heritage" stock like 1142 and 351. With blue stock, nothing technically matches as the blue is an RPSI-derived livery. Thus, GSR maroon is as good as anything!

In keeping with mod's rules, I'll need to name a price!

The rust bucket will very soon be retired, Noel. It's successor awaits shortly in the wings.....! I agree; not before time.

I'm in Amsterdam right now. There's fumes everywhere! I'm sure superglue is among them.....

I'm the odd one out: a bit of both!

There would be quite a few posts here, chevron. Also, if you PM me, I've an idea for you.

There are three types of cattle in Ireland. The brown ones are for beef and dairy herds, the black and white ones for Guinness, and the cream ones for Bailey's Cream. That's what I tell tourists, anyway.

Next stop in realism; cow poo in the field!! :-) Excellent work as always

I suggest tartan. And I require €134,887.09 for my idea, to be paid by IE in the morning to my special account in Bertie's bank. OK?

Is it the lighting that day or is she a slightly lighter grey?

All it needs now is a fella wrapped in a dirty sleeping bag " ehhhh can yeh gimme a euro for de hostel bud....."