Noel

Yes that's interesting. My theory is before Murphy Models most of our demographic age group interested in model trains, probably grew up experiencing steam trains from UK TV & films, yet traveled on CIE/IR trains, so pre-MM we played with steam models 'as seen' on TV mini-series from manufacturers such as Hornby and Bachmann. When we were children most toy trains were steam. MM comes along and we could then run familiar CIE/IR trains that we actually travelled on and saw in the flesh! I'd guess most of us started in railway modelling with UK steam outline. One wonders where the hobby might be in 20 years time. Will it be stronger or weaker? LCD screens prevent many youngsters from 'doing stuff' with physical interaction, hence less airfix, lego, mecanno, woodwork, sports, music, playing soldiers, drawing, painting, etc. Loss of outlets for creativity and imagination. I wonder about the next generation of engineers we will have in 20 years time - may never so much as even build an egg-box fort or tunnel, yet may be expert players on X-box consoles! Smartphone model train app simulators focused on crashing and disasters!!! Many children do not know how to solder, change a plug (don't need to), fix a leaky car radiator with egg white to get home, use nylons to get a car home if the fan belt goes, but they know where the cars USB port is!!!

Hi Eoin I'm new to loco lighting so please forgive what is probably a daft question. How are fibre optics used in model locos? Do folks not just fit tiny LEDs through holes drilled in loco bodies? Noel

Hi Fran You can use this link to view the results and see the 'responses/comments' to 'other' categories in questions 1, 2, and 4 by clicking 'responses' or 'comments' as appropriate: https://www.surveymonkey.net/results/SM-B5VBHKF7 Thanks guys for kind comments. It was done for 'fun' and I hope some of it may have been of interest despite the scientifically small sample, and limited scope (i.e. GSR/CIE/IR/IE). However I was surprised it got so many responses in such a short time. Perhaps in the future a more extensive survey could be done, perhaps in conjunction with the next MRSI show to get a really decent sample size (e.g. 1000 responses). My sincere thanks again to all of you who took the few mins to complete this survey. Most of the results were probably as expected, but there were a few small surprises for me. The notable results that stuck out for me were the high percentage who most enjoyed running model trains, the numbers interested in scratch building was higher than I'd expected, and I didn't foresee chassis running quality rating slightly higher than fine scale detail in model loco specs. I was also struck by the level of interest in RTR Laminate coaches and AEC 2600 railcars. One interesting little observation was that older liveries seemed more popular than folks interest in the eras in which they ran. I probably should have had an era listed for each decade rather than 20 year spans. Thanks again folks Noel

I think in VB the 'remember me' module can be configured to use IP+Cookies or just Cookies. The later makes more sense for mobile internet. Other catches are subdomain names and the cookie store (e.g. mobile.domain.com v http://www.domain.com v domain.com all different cookies)

WOW what a fantastic price to achieve - I never thought of selling my one because I thought it wasn't worth much due to its age!

Browsing ebay today spotted this MM 181 loco for €112 (£80) 'buy-now' mode. Seems a good price for a weathered CIE livery 181 class. http://www.ebay.ie/itm/LB362-Bachmann-MM0190-class-181-CIE-black-orange-MIB-/361241985658?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item541bb3427a These baby GM models knock the socks of the 201s and even the 071s.

Only on my iPhone when it's using the mobile template. There is a problem with cookie retention. It never remembers I've logged in, but fine on Mac or iPad.

Hi Folks. Results below of the mini survey which was presented for fun and information. Thanks to all who took the time to respond. There were 150 responses. As stated it was a simple mini survey limited to only 10 questions hence some areas omitted due to space limitations. Perhaps in the future a more comprehensive survey covering a greater aspects of the hobby could be taken. Good night all. Noel Q1. What aspect of the hobby do you most enjoy? Q2. Which RTR Manufacturers products do you currently own? Q3. Please tick all eras that you like to model Q4. Your modeling interests Q5. Rate importance of model loco features Q6. How many of these model locos would you purchase in the next 5 years if they were available from MM/Bachmann? Q7. 121 class livery choices - pick one or more Q8. A or C class livery choices - pick one or more Q9. Are you likely to buy any of these existing MM/Bachmann coaching stock in the next 3 years Q10. Which future RTR models would you buy if quality as good MM/Bachmann? Tick all that apply. END

Glad you like it. The NCE cab is the reason I went with them rather than ESU eCos (i.e. handheld v games console ergonomics). All DCC system controllers basically do what they say on the tin, but it is the cab infrastructure that makes the difference to suit individual preferences and tastes.

Ditto. The MM 141s are the best runners I've ever seen. Our sole 201 will remain single example as it is not on the same page as the 141s as a runner. It's also a very long scale model for many layouts curves and especially curved platforms. I've wondered if there is a Heljan model that might make a donor chassis for a SF A class kit. The under frame just needs to be co-co and the right length front axel to front axel, don't care as much about the scale accuracy of the bogie side frames, fuel tank, etc.

That looks fabulous. Superb paint job. If you don't mind me asking, how did you manage to get the lines so crisp and sharp as well as the numbers and flying snail if you didn't use transfers? Another top class paint job on the forum this week.

You've really captured the essence of Waterford station in its heyday. Brings back fond childhood memories.

Waterford City station now seems relegated to the size of a small suburban town station. We are witnessing live the end of the railways. Hello M9, goodbye intercity rail.

Wow - it's been hack cannibalised almost out of existence. One wonders if there will be any intercity rail transport left in ten years time! Nice pics btw

I use parcel motel all the time. However the likes of Howes will NOT post paints to NI, IOM, or even the Isle of Wight, only the island of GB unless a courier is used! They refused to post enamel paints to NI even though it's in the UK.

Is there a supplier of Railmatch paints in Ireland? I recently ordered from a well known UK supplier who informed me they had to charge a whopping GBP £30 for courier delivery because they are paints (i.e. hazardous chemicals - joke!!), so I cancelled the order.

Hi Folks. FYI, the mini survey will close this Friday night and I plan to put the results up here during Saturday. Noel SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B239JG8

Looks vaguely similar to a GWR castle class with an LMS style tender and princess class domes

Bet that took a while to setup and test. 8 locos pulling 221 wagons. A lot of effort for sea sickness.

That's just brilliant Dave. ROFLMAO

Holy moly how did I miss this thread. Great looking layout project and what an awesome collection of rolling stock.

Hi John. I would hope the Bachmann bluetooth technology, if it really works, might become a new NMRA standard rather than a proprietary offering. Key would be plug-in compatible swap-ability of DCC decoders for Bluetooth decoders. If it remains a proprietary spec then its dead in the water. Noel

So you have to take the apple watch off every night to charge it cause it only has an 18hr battery. Thanks, but no thanks. Personally it just doesn't add up. From a purely functional point of view I'm not sold on its benefits or practical uses, but marketing may convince some of the sheep herd that its a 'must be seen with' piece of jewellery. And that's just the thoughts on an existing mac, iPhone and iPad user who has a weakness for useful technology, but I just don't get this one. Btw, what time is it? I forgot to wind my watch last night iNoel Sent by iPad - portable electronic Irishman

Really enjoyed those photos. Thanks for posting. They tell a story. It's sad to see the minimalisation of Waterford station presumably due to the collapse in all forms of rail traffic. A mere shadow of its 60s glory days. Railways killed off the short lived commercial canals and now it seems motorways in turn are wiping out the railways. Some nice photos of your workbench also.

Thanks again to all of you who kindly took the time to complete the brief survey. I have been pleasantly surprised how many responded so far. As responses are still being made, it is probably better to let it run for another little while until responses slow. I plan to publish the results on the forum over the weekend once the survey has closed. Hopefully folks may find it interesting. Cheers for now. Noel