Noel

Hmmm - those ivory ones looked rather cleanish and quite smart in those photos. The orange ones in this link posted by kevin look great against a green country side

Thanks for posting that. One interesting formation was B&T GSV + TPO coupled to rake of ST Mk2 with EGV, and the same B&T GSV/TPO combination with a liner train. Enjoyed that video.

Without knowing the details, one might be forgiven for wondering if investment might have been better spent on track and signalling infrastructure back in 2007-2012 rather than an entire fleet of new rolling stock (i.e. ICRs), when the mk3s could have been operated for another 10 years (i.e. overhauled like UK fleets) and a dozen youngish 201s seem to be rusting away unused in sidings. There is no doubt the new ICRs must have brought operational cost savings due to track rationalisation, reduced man power, turnaround times, reliability, etc, but there was a very substantial capital cost which may or may not earn enough cost savings over time, especially if the track and signalling has a backlog of maintenance and upgrades due. Combine that with our new motorway network, then it does look rather bleak for some rail routes.

It doesn't read well. I didn't realise Limerick/Ballybrophy line re-opened as recently 2012, is that correct? We travelled on it from Heuston to Birdhill last year via change at Ballybrophy. Painfully slow across country. Alas the timing of the motorway network opening and the investment in new ICRs seems to have been unfortunate.

PM Sent

As IT suggests you won't go wrong with systems like Gaugemaster Prodigy Express, NCE Powercab, or Roco Multimaus. I beg to differ slightly on one point with IT, NCE Powercab is one of the most user friendly DCC controllers on the market and famed for its ease of use. To get a spread of information and opinions on DCC suggest have a look at threads on the UK's RMWEB as it has a larger user base than here in Ireland. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/forum/21-dcc/ Suggest you avoid PC/Laptop based systems as they lack the tactile feel of a throttle/cab with its buttons and knobs. Some images of cabs below. Cab/Throttle ergonomics is a very personal choice, arrangement of buttons, knobs, sliders, throttle control, display, function buttons if using sound, weight, feel in hand, portability, etc. The first three are priced as starter systems. Guagemaster NCE Roco - best of the toy brands (beats hornby and bachmann) Zimo - More expensive high end system Lenz - The best of the best ESU ECoS 50200 - The ultimate top of the line in DCC console based systems Cheers Noel

Hi bs819 These two links recently posted here have a lot of info on DCC. They are long, but you will find the early part of the first video very informative. I only moved to DCC myself 2 years ago and love it. It took me one hour to convert our DC layout to DCC. Noel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRynyMy9bYU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gTEG2ImLKo

Some interesting match stats: Five Tries - Ireland have become just the third team in history to score five tries against the All Blacks in a single match. 25 first half points is the 3rd most the All Blacks ever given up during their 549-test history. 40 points - It's only the fifth time in history a team has scored 40 points against the All Blacks. 76 minutes - It took Australia, South Africa, and Argentina 258 minutes to collectively put 40 points in the All Blacks "against" column during this year's Rugby Championship. Ireland did it by themselves in 76 minutes. Source: NZ Herald

Super scenes. I just love this layout and its beautiful scenery.

It looks excellent. I can only imagine the sound of a 121 powered mk3 set threading its way through the scenic hills and valleys around Rathdrum and Arklow. 6 coaches must have been near its limit on such a hilly run. How long did it take back then to get to Rosslare?

Very enjoyable video EM. Both of those mk3 sets look really well. Was that the SF RTR pack you bought? As ever videos of that wonderful layout are always a treat. Noel

Yip and in 20 years time approx 1m people may claim they were in or near 'Soldiers Field' last night, a bit like the 1m that were in Thomand Park back in 1978. Now two Irish teams have beaten the ABs

What an amazing match. Possibly one of the greatest sporting achievements of this small island since the foundation of the state.

Watch the rugby IRL v NZ for free tonight I just discovered by accident yesterday, that anybody with 'eir' (eircom) broadband and a sky viewing card can get six extra sports channels enabled on their sky card for FREE. Just register on 'eir' web site using 'my eir', enter your phone number and sky viewing card and hey presto 2 mins later you have 6 extra channels on your sky box including BT sports so rugby fans can also watch the European rugby cup matches not covered by sky sports. PS: Apparently the 'eir' channels are also streamable via smart phone and tablet apps so you can watch IRL v NZ anywhere for free Happy days

Holy Moly 6400hp on tap!!! It's a wonder the Cravens weren't stretched to Mk4 length Interesting those 201s have control interfaces for double heading. A pair of those could haul one long goods train.

I vaguely remember some sort of urban legend about a 201 with its 3200hp hauling a rake of Cravens accelerating rather enthusiastically and straining some couplings on the cravens such was its power pulling away! True or Myth?

And on specials excursions perhaps even an occasional RPSI steam loco.

Interesting - I found DC Kits very responsive to my recent service requests last month. Same day replies.

I didn't realise Moyasta was so close to Kilrush Creek. Is the air in Moyasta that salty (i.e. inlet off estuary with high fresh water content)? I suppose the prevailing SW winds are blowing off the inlet over the stock. As Patrick says a cover still better than being fully exposed. Here's hoping they eventually get a planning permission that's feasible. At least those locos were saved from the cutting torch and hopefully will not deteriorate beyond a restorable state before they are dry housed.

Hi Fran. I meant the plan for folks who choose shipping option "Exhibition Pickup" now that the show is over? Will there be an alternate pickup location (eg. Bray Wheelers, one of Chris Dyer's events, etc), or an option to pay postage for delivery? Thanks. Noel

Thanks for update. What is the new plan for delivery/collection?

Hi Northman. They can be bought new from Irish retailers such as the Model Shop Portlaoise or Marks Models for €49.99, or eBay for anything between €35 and €55 depending on seller. Sometimes they are listed on eBay.co.uk but strangely not eBay.ie. They are current stock so you shouldn't have to pay more than RRP as they are not rare. The Modelshop Portlaoise: http://themodelshop.ie/collections/model-railways/products/murphy-models-cie-cravens-std-coach-early Marks Models: http://www.marksmodels.com/?pid=13957 Ebay: http://www.ebay.ie/itm/322309439856?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Cheers Noel

That looks real. Superb scene.

Ah now, you know me by now, any goods train without a brake van and three link couplings is so modern it moves at 'hyperspace' speeds As I said, I'll be buying anyway cause they look so good, just as long you won't mind them being hauled behind B&T 141s on Kingsbridge

Another very promising announcement. Hats off guys, the drawing looks excellent. Even though its a bit modern image for my era I will undoubtably have to collect some of these as they are distinctive Irish wagons and produced by an Irish model company.