GSR 800

watch this space!

that specific one is the bachmann split chassis, though bachmann have released a new tooling in 2019 IIRC. The J72 is a bit longer and the wheels smaller. Eoin Murray converted one to an MGWR P class

The big problem with any rtr model is they likely use the full height of the boiler, and they almost all have a higher pitch (in or this case saddle tanks) compared to the J26. You can jig a few mil here and there lengthwise, wheelbase, especially under the tanks isn't a huge issue within reason as long as it doesn't completely foul the cab opening.

Terrier is a bit 'off' dimension wise and has significantly smaller driving wheels.

Interesting, any particular chassis in mind for the J26?

Hi John, Hornby D16/3 with Hornby spares Princess Royal 6'6 drivers inserted in place of the 6'9s they have. This is a compromise between getting close to the smaller driving wheels of the A class and the model still running wheel, I tried smaller drivers but the loco couldn't haul anything with them. Both a J26 and MGWR coaches have been discussed before! If theres demand it can happen. I see @Bullet_Wanderer has produced wonderful 3d cad models of the J26 in both their MGWR and later CIE configurations. Would be interesting to see if these could be modified to fit an rtr chassis and 3d printed!

@Killian Keane is making good progress on the A class, capturing the look of these handsome machines perfectly! Bless his patience doing all those rivets!

Can't speak all that much for the A class other than knowing the one on standby at Limerick Junction was kept on for fear it wouldn't restart! Trying to cold start a loco during the winter can be a complete nightmare. Best to at least have it run for a few hours a day so its never completely cold.

Yep, got exact same email, glad you could get in contact with Roger! In better news I got an email from him earlier to let me know his asssessment has gone well and he expects laser eye surgery next month.

I plan on buying on absolute rake of the card kits with the brass stuff (funds allowing!) As you say, cheap as chips, so a stockpile will be most useful for modelling longterm.

Likewise I wish Roger well in the surgery and did so in the reply, hopefully all will be well. I'd love to see the 'Hearse' in 4mm, I'd get two, but I'm already covering four J18s plus the MGWR 3rd to get them both across threshold of 6 so unfortunately it might just have to wait. The time to get these etches downscaled is now, while these companies are still around. We have already lost a great deal with the folding up of Worsley. There will be a great deal of bemoaning when what we still have comes to an end as to 'what could have been', so it is best to act.

Update from Roger: I must apologise for being out of touch for a while as I have been having problems with my eyesight and am due to go for an operation to sort it out. This has caused all sorts of difficulties with preparing the 4mm scale artwork for the Irish kits as well as life generally as I can no longer drive and working on the computer is challenging to say the least. But fear not, I think the artwork for the Irish locos and coaches is now ready to go to the etchers, so I'll get onto this as soon as I can see clearly again. I'm going for the assessment at the eye hospital today and hope the operation will follow within a few weeks. Please pass on my apologies to the Irish modellers who have kindly ordered the 4mm etches - I'm just as keen as you all to see them emerge in the metal.

Print looks very well indeed, I'd certainly consider one or two. What's the plan for the chassis?

Sent Roger an email this morning so hopefully we'll have an update soon!

I was thinking about this, i wonder what they are like in terms of length and bogies compared to the GNR/CIE railcars?

Perhaps something a bit like the N&W J class?

the early 50s coaches or laminates would be very nice indeed. I'd buy a few of each. The real gap in 50s rolling stock with no representation at all is of course, gswr and mgwr bogie stock, your tea car will be the first to give some much needed coverage! I would like a DD set, completely out of my usual era but close to me regardless! They will be the last loco hauled Enterprise other than steam specials.

They'd all be right up my street. I've two green ones and I'm after buying two black n tan ones too!

Seems like a pretty clear pointing of the finger at Sam's Trains from what I can see. Only posted a video calling KR the worst manufacturer a few weeks back (didn't bother watching)

How about Trials and Tribulations

Got around to the Buffet car at last. Decided to try out the green roof, lined the windows (what a pain in the arse). Gave it a good dose of weathering too. I think the roofs would rapidly acquire a layer of filth. I quite like the green roof, the single colour gives it a very modern "mk2" like appearance to my eye. Ill need to do roof detail, buffers and interior now. Next up was the brake coach. Been delaying this for ages but finally made a start tonight, formed the tumblehome in the ag spec jig and said far thee well to the repaint which has served well for many years. She'll serve many more in her new skin. Disassembly Knives out Reskinned (on one side anyway!)

etches, one would assume

Could always use a local parcel locker, I've used them a good bit!

Wonderful work, always so atmospheric and full of character!