jhb171achill

Folks, I may have posted this before (can't remember) but I am interested in getting hold of a model of the type of bus that would have done the No. 10 route in the late seventies / early 80s, and done up in the (dreaded!) desert sand livery. Is there anyone who would have one, or could advise me on the type, or point me in the direction of whoever might be able to supply one? Possibly also whatever would have done the same route in the early 60s.

W O W ! ! ! Best yet! Absolutely top class work! You can't get more realistic than this layout and everything on it!

It ended up in green, though early pics of it look greyish. The serrated edged stripes on the ends were pale yellow, and the lettering / numeral probably was too.

The reason they got so many was that there was talk of NIR re entering the bulk freight market following the opening of a lignite mine near Crumlin, Co Antrim. This never came to pass as the mine project was eventually deemed to be uneconomic and no mining ever commenced.

I look forward to the festering process, Heirflick!

In the mid thirties, the forerunner to BnM, the Turf Development Board, made tentative investigations into establishing a turf harvesting operation at a site between Newport, Co Mayo, and Mallaranny (Mulrany), on the about-to-be-closed Achill branch. Had this come into being, an Arigna-style operation would have had narrow gauge wagons taking turf down to a long siding off the branch. There's an idea for a very unique layout. A cross between Shannonvale Siding, the 1940s GSR turf trains, Coolnamona, Arigna and BnM! Fast forward to today, and we have an 071 backing specialised wagons under a loading bay, where BnM trains dump turf into them.

The north cabin at Strabane was left after the line closed, but our travelling friends helped it on its way to oblivion.

Possibly, Patrick, can't remember...

I'd be tempted by either a GNR or MGWR prototype, just brought into CIE days in the case of the former. I would prefer as close to absolute accuracy over a large track layout. I'm researching products at the moment.

Never would have doubted, Weshty, excellent! Once I've moved house in the spring, it will be Layout Time. I'm planning some sort of rural Ardee / Castleisland type outpost as a small terminus, just with a fiddle yard, set about 1960 - 1972. I'll be darkening your door to buy various things you have!

One detail which comes out particularly well on your model is the stencilled logo and numerals, and the apparently recently repainted immediate area round it. That really adds total realism. I'm a bit out of date on to, but do manufacturers of transfers / decals like these routinely produce numerals which look like the prototypical stencils?

Absolutely superb!

Full marks, Burnthebox..... You're the first person I've ever a asked that profound question who has got it! :-)

What is the difference between a duck?

That pallet wagon struck me too! So common once...much needed nowadays for a layout like this. Excellent stuff!

And Tynan, right on the Armagh / Monaghan border. And somewhere (can't remember) between Dungannon and Omagh on the GNR "Derry Road".

David, your doubts about the livery look unnecessary to me. I have seen good quality colour slides of it, which eye witnesses who were very familiar with it say are accurately reproduced. Your colours look the part, very definitely. You are right about the upper colour - it was indeed pale green. I will show the pics to one who knew it well, and report back! Awe inspiring work indeed - as always!

Folks, all gone now. Thanks to those who sent me a PM.

On planet TTC, common sense has replaced jobsworths with clipboards! At the May election, vote TTC!

Why does vegetarian food always resemble meat? Veggie burgers Veggie goujons Veggie steak Quorn mince Quorn burgers Quorn steak ????

Forgot about that, Garfield; apologies. Thanks to those who contacted me this evening also via PM, a lot of interest in it. A caller took most, but what I have left is the following. 1. 5 lengths Gauge 1 track - suitable for G scale, same 45mm gauge, but sleepers spaced and scaled to represent standard gauge track. 2. 8 used lengths G scale track. 3. 8 brand new unused lengths G scale track. 4. Two LH turnouts, one brand new and boxed, the other used. May have another used one (if I can find it!) The whole lot is Peco Streamline, suitable (intended) for outdoor use. I would take £190 / €220 for the lot or nearest offer. New stuff alone would be worth £140 / €160 or so. I can deliver in the next few weeks in greater Belfast / Lisburn area, Dublin in a few weeks (as the stuff is in the North).

About 40+ metres of gauge 1 ("G" scale) track and 4 or 5 turnouts available. Can be delivered or collected in greater Belfast or Dublin areas. Offers?

That brake van - a much neglected but necessary prototype - is a really superb job. Excellent weathering too.

That looks absolutely fantastic!

Yes, the original one. It was gold lined in white and was "upright" rather than slanted script.