jhb171achill

Amazing as always!

I don't think it was ever publicly accessible, certainly not for a very long time.

The curve below window level on the front is very slight, presumably? (Looking at drawings and photos of real thing)...

Didn't know that, Hunslet - I live and learn! Thanks. I had only ever seen the full tan band, and somebody told me years ago none of them ever had tan at all! The only ones I ever saw myself were all black, but the "tanned" versions were generally earlier anyway. My first sighting of one was probably about 1971.

I think they were property of oil companies at one stage anyway.

Folks I have a large collection of the RM dating from 1920s onwards, full set until early 70s, and a few on into the 80s. Any reasonable offer considered, and I can deliver in the greater Belfast or greater Dublin area. PM me if interested.

There are lots of photos of Manulla Junction in the IRRS archives.

When built in the late 40s, they were the same dark green as used on carriages and buses, and to be seen today on "Maedb" in Cultra. They were lined in the same style, in black and white. Numbers (1000-4) and "snails" were the lighter green "eau-de-nil". Some at least, maybe all, were repainted in the lighter green at some stage in the mid 50s, at which stage (1958) they were designated as "D" class. Next up was full Black and Tan, post 1962. Later, all black, same as most (but not all) "E"'s. In at least one case, the white flashes on the upper part of the ends were vertical black and white stripes rather than plain white. None carried the version of Black and Tan with the small band of tan low on the body sides, like the A and C classes did. Any pictures I've seen of BnT on the D class had the full width tan, i.e. in the same proportion as carriages.

Perfect, Wrenn! Now I just have to wait five years to save up..... 142 D 146 would be good too.... or 142 D 800!

Looks like I'll have to save up. A 141D reg.... 142 would do all right though... or I wait until 2019 and buy a five year old car.... Yes, that's what my wallet says I should do.

Never noticed the lining before! That is not only GSWR lining, it is PRE-1905 lining! Still showing sixty years later! A testament to the old heavy linseed and lead-based paints, not allowed nowadays by the health and safety police. This is why older painted things (pre 1965 or so) lasted much longer.

I'm unaware of any, Minister.

The diminutive Irish Shell diesel and one of the Sugar Company Rustons are at Whitehead. Industrial locos were few in Ireland compared with Britain or elsewhere, but a disproportionate amount, even of steam, remain in preservation! Derry Nos. 1 & 2, Guinness No. 3, Sugar Nos. 1 & 3.... On the narrow gauge, several Guinness steam and diesel both here and in GB.... Then there's the whole Bord na Mona story, along with that of other turf lines, the ESB, and Ardnacrusha.

It'll be fantastic to see it operating. There are still quite a few about who remember it and others like it. One person living was responsible for its upkeep, is still mentally agile enough at age 95 to appreciate what's happening, and looks forward to updates on its progress.... Some of my own earliest memories are of such places (but not that one, as I was only months old when it closed)....!

It was very kind of them, Minister. They even gave me somewhere to stay for the night, and even offered me free B & B for six full years... and so hospitable were they, it took my solicitor friend to persuade them to let go! (On condition I stay away from railway modellers for ever.....) Anyway, I am glad I got home as it was my ninth birthday the next day.

I'd be nearly sure they were black - but not 100% sure!

The real one's a real beast and has lifted nine bogie vehicles at Downpatrick with total ease. That, in itself, is nothing compared with what they did in traffic...

That's a lovely looking layout, Enniscorthyman.

I think the three was their lot, Jawfin. The one in Cultra is in the original LPHC livery, somewhat darker than "Harvey" at Whitehead has. I remember when "Harvey" first arrived and it was that darker colour. The RPSI painted it the mid green it is now (and well it looks) but it didn't run like that. I don't know much about No. 2.

That gentleman in England also has a 45mm gauge model of SLNCR "B" on his garden railway. Excellent model - I think it must be battery operated.

North City Mills, shunted by GSR / CIE; Courtaulds, Carrickfergus - had three steam locos of their own. Guinness was of course a special case, with 5ft 3 and narrow gaugeas well... Achill Island had two 2ft gauge lines it two quarries. One had two steam locos and the other was horse worked.

Ah, Enniscorthyman, this means you'll have to come back to Downpatrick to film it again!

Tis the one, Bosk!

The sentinels were steam powered things... Have seen pics of them somewhere.

Anyone seen the latest offering from the Rubberbandits?