Noel

It is not the same decoder, the 'Fx' is a function only decoder lacking motor drive.

LokPilot Fx V4, which is a function only decoder is NOT the same decoder as MM0005 It seems to be the similar to ESU 54615 LokPilot V4 which is retailing in Germany at €26. The LokPilot Fx is a function only decoder without motor drive, but the LokPilot v4 has motor drive. BUT it only has FOUR functions. http://kieskemper-shop.de/Esu-Spur-HO-ESU-Decoder-54615-DCC---DC-21-pol-MTC-V4-0/a31242642_u1160_z63f0f43f-b1b0-4c7b-b9ec-e6ee643bbf26/

If M0005 is same decoder as ESU 54615 LokPilot V4.0 then €37 seems high when it is only €26 in Germany Even if you have to map the functions in program mode €26 v €37 seems a stretch just for pre-programming which will only take you a few mins if it is needed at all. http://kieskemper-shop.de/Esu-Spur-HO-ESU-Decoder-54615-DCC---DC-21-pol-MTC-V4-0/a31242642_u1160_z63f0f43f-b1b0-4c7b-b9ec-e6ee643bbf26/ Haven't had time to see how many of the lights work with the other 4fn decoders (i.e. Lenz/Bachmann). EDIT: LokSound FX is not the same as MM0005, the Fx is a function only decoder

Hi Alan I think you will need a 4 function decoder such as a LokPilot v4 21 pin or a Lenz Silver+ 21 pin. On the LokSound and LokPilot the light functions on 071/201 are: F0 is the directional running lights (i.e. uses two function outputs white/red lights) F4 the main beam head light (directional) F8 the cab lights (directional) If you give me an hour or two I will pop a Lenz Silver+ into an 071 and try the lights. If I get time I will also try a 36-557. I know the LokPilot and LokSound work. Noel PS: Most decent decoders also allow you to dim the cab lights which is useful on 071 as the cab lights are ridiculously bright and I have mine dimmed 60%.

Congratulations and best wishes

Ditto - me too. A 182 discovered on sale in the Fry Museum about 2008 or 2009 when I'd been out of the hobby for 13 years. I just had to buy it on the spot as I had never seen a quality Irish GM loco before. Didn't run it until 2014 but was wow'ed and gobsmacked by its precision running quality and appearance. I remember wondering where and how did this product happen. In quality terms both running and appearance, it surpasses the later 071 and especially the 201s. Baby GMs fit and look well on model layout radius curves and are stunning double headed.

Thanks Richie. That is a fantastic knowledge resource ala 'wiki richie'. Excellent. Thanks for link. Noel

Thanks. Bostik as I remember from many decades ago was flexible and almost like a silicone gel or rubbery type of glue. Presume their range now has everything for super glues, to resin glues, wood glue, etc.

Hi Folks Which brand of "soft flexible glue" do folks use? I know evostick have a product, just don't know which one, they have dozens in their range. This is the sort of glue that can be cut with a sharp knife (e.g. for disassembling kit built coach bodies, separating kit built loco bodies from chassis, etc). Thanks Noel

Thanks IR. Any views on enamel v acrylics or railmatch paints?

Thanks. That makes sense. Yes I noticed that too. IE's Lada approach to infrastructure management. Buy lots of shiny new trains, scraping stock still with 15 years shelf life remaining, retiring many 18yo 201s, instead of upgrading the networks track work to better quality and higher speeds.

Yes they need it to augment their pitch forks and spud gun.

Live long and prosper in your new life

Update. The SF A class we got came on a Hornby class 55 chassis. The model came with a basic Hornby decoder and it had a 'grinding' noise at low speed. I have just replaced the Hornby decoder with a Lenz standard 8 pin decoder and the 'grinding' noise is gone. Loco runs quieter and smoother at low speed and at least CV2,3,4,5,6 now all work. The Lenz decoder cost €12 despite RRP of 17. I've decided to standardise on Lenz for non sound decoders and Zimo for GM sound decoders (141/181, 071).

Ping?

The juvenile crime rate in IOM increased over 500% within 10 years of the end of 'birching' in the mid 90s.

Yes :-) Meant, am I 'totally' off the wall?

Ah ok. I have never fully understand the business logic and structure of the 'Enterprise' service. Why is it still jointly operated by two companies? Would it not be better for IE and NIR to operate their own services on the Dublin/Belfast route in the interests of competition. OR Splitting the rail network from the operators, by letting the two states own and operate the track network but allowing private rail companies operate services which might possibly deliver a better service. (i.e. state ownership of the network and privatised operators). Or am I off the wall?

Well I presume that the design was commissioned by NIR as its their loco, and IR/IE were only the guys who painted it.

Hi Folks Any advice and recommendations for suitable paints for resprays and weathering? Is there a suitable enamel paint for "CIE tan" (i.e. like MM cravens) or will I need to mix? (marks had a product but out of stock) Most of the folks on spraying videos seem to be using Railmatch enamel paints and Railmatch matt varnish to seal resprays and weathering work. Are these the right sort of paints, enamel v acrylic, etc? 406 Sleeper grime (bogies/under frames) 403 Roof dirt (roofs, exhaust, boggie springs) 402 Frame Dirt (under frames) 412 Weathered black (exhaust/grills) 407 Matt varnish Any other suggestions would be welcome and appreciated. Thanks Noel

At least the filler cap is a nice shade of grey

Darwin!

Interesting. Forgive my ignorance but why is 50% of the linear length of the train's container flats not used (i.e. only one container/tank per flat)? Is it a weight limit or a safety regulation, etc?

That was an elegant livery for the early 60s. It looks like an evolution of the 'silver' livery that the A & C classes had. Wonder if CIE were considering moving to that light grey livery but during delivery phase CIE branding were already up for review resulting in B&T. It would have looked ok hauling snail green coaches. Agree the light lettering and logo was crying out for definition either by contrast or outlining.

A very nice and distinctive coach