Noel

Thanks chaps, that makes sense.

Thanks Patrick. That's what I thought. Do you know what the siding pointed to in the photo is for? Pictures and angles can be deceiving but it appears to be heading to intersect the line coming from the bay platform heading north to Roscrea before turning NW? The bay platform used to connect with the main line about there (yellow arrow) but all that track work appears to have been removed. [ATTACH=CONFIG]25401[/ATTACH]

Thanks but like Fr Dougal I'll still a bit confused. There is no sign of a direct curve on the aerial photo But on this photo there appears to be a direct curve and the connection from the bay to main line is gone. Or am I missing something

Super photo. Was a 'direct curve' added to Ballybrophy in recent years that allows trains from Dublin to run direct to Limerick via Roscrea, Neagh, Birdhall? Looking at online aerial photos it looks like the Limerick platform no longer connects directly with the mainline requiring reversing around the direct curve, or have I mis read the map.

My thanks to WRENNEIRE who managed to source me "River Shannon" at a fair price. Lough Derg here we come!

There is a mk2 EGV (black roof) going on eBay for about €45 plus postage. I thought these were as rare as hens teeth, but this one didn't sell two weeks ago and was relisted. No bids and its 12mins to go! I already have one, but surprised this isn't in demand. It would be an easy respray of the roof only if somebody wanted an orange roofed one. http://www.ebay.ie/itm/112150713390?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

LOL - Yes looks like a graphic designer from the 70s came up with that

Thanks Fran but I did know that. The 2600/2700 are very similar. Class 2700 Class 2600 PS: While trams like these don't float my boat, but I have to say I always like that livery.

http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/112-2600-class-railcars http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/showthread.php/3068-Price-list-for-all-D-amp-M-Models-items-currently-available-to-order

Thanks Richie. That's interesting, especially the last bit

Thanks Richie. Does that suggest the earlier loading procedures were tidier or a different mechanism? The later ivory wagons seemed dirtiest in photos. Some really fabulous photos and data on those links. Thanks for posting. The orange livery is growing on me.

Forgive the "ping", but any answers for my question above? Thanks. Noel

Hi Richie. Thanks I knew that, I just fancied the idea of a few vague look-a-likes in intercity silver and green, even though they are mk3s. The other option is to buy some RTR BR mk4's and butcher the coach ends to flatten them. I'm easily pleased. Noel

Nice detailing. Not really my era, but could be tempted to get a few an paint them in IE intercity green/grey livery for pulling behind a green/grey 201. Love the bogie and end details. Tend to agree with Richie, the glazing doesn't seem that much different current BR mk3 models.

Thanks John for the info and the wonderful video clip. I'd be happy with two 6 wheel or two 4 wheel luggage heating vans should you decide to produce either.

Thanks, Nostalgic. Hardly a long enough engagement to be called a battle as Hood was wiped out by one of the first salvos, and then Bismarck was taken out by a single flimsy biplane hit on her stern gear. The two incidents proved the era of the old out of date battleships was over and naval airpower replaced them.

Thanks Railer. Did it have some of the windows filled in for internal storage was was the coach originally some sort of brake coach? The uniform livery now looks stunning.

Some super photos of the RPSI train. That livery is fabulous. What is the first Craven coach with fewer windows? The restaurant seems to be the 4th coach in the rake. The GSV looks great in LMS maroon.

Stephen, Fran The cement bubble wagon project seems to be advancing well, at this stage do you have a rough idea when you hope to supply these next year? Thanks Noel

+1 That's talent

Fabulous pics of the Clare coast. The skipper of Shannon Breeze has a barge up river on the inland Shannon. Nice guy, some years ago he actually stopped the ferry mid channel at tarbert race for us when the ebb spring tide was running at 7kts and we were pushing hard against it coming upstream at the race. A helpful call over the VHF "Gentlemen take your time, the lane is yours, don't worry about the two Ferries, we will steer around you". Photo 194 of 'The Bridges of Ross' in profile is absolutely stunning in that light. Loop head lighthouse is always a welcome sight when making for the Shannon Estuary after some Atlantic rock'n'roll. Love the shot 203 north from the top of the tower. Its an amazing part of the world, and yet I know Irish folk who've been to exotic places all over the world like Fiji, Kenya, the Galapagos island, Yellowstone, New Zealand, but have never been to native beauty spots like the cliffs of Moher, the Skelligs, parts of Mayo, nor even parts of Kerry. Thanks for the pics. PS: Please don't shoot me Richie, but photo 209 in Limerick shows cement bubbles in the distant siding that still look very white/ivory in colour despite the dirt.

On a serious note what was the chronological timescale and order of the three liveries (ivory/white, orange, grey) used on the two axle cement bubble wagons?

ROFLMAO Arrrgh - Does my face look weathered enough in this foto? (in jest)

Kieran, its one of those superb layouts when your not entirely sure if your looking at a photograph of the real world or a photo of a layout. Superb vegetation and back scenes too.

That's a very fair point. Is location a factor (i.e. not being near a large population centre, motorway, etc).