airfixfan

There is a similar problem in NI where the top levels of the NI Civil Service are anti rail They oppose plans for more investment in railways such as Phase 3 for the Derry line promised for 2021 now put back to 2027 at the earliest Stormont says there is no demand to reopen the Knockmore line closed in 2003 on a temporary basis. Translink maintain this line each year to keep it open but without any services which is unique in Ireland Nichola Mallon the DFI Minister is all talk and no action. In the summer of 2020 she promised funding for a feasibility study for Portadown to Armagh line. Nine months later despite funding available the DFI and the local Council.have stalled all attempts even to appoint any group to carry out this feasibility study using Covid as a smoke screen! Rant over

Adding 120 trucks per week to the road to Ballina is just what you would expect from a Green Transport Minister in Dublin!

Foyle Road station was minimalist to say the least!

Problem with this group is that they assume that running a railway is easy as they have Zero knowledge/experience of Railways So just the group for the local Council concerned to hand over a Museum and Heritage Railway on a 99 year lease to give them control so they could download 250,000 in grant money for vague projects. Rant 4

Was told at a meeting only 2 days ago that a Heritage Railway closed since 2000 would reopen next year. Then how a steam engine last used early 1960 would be in steam next year. Complete lack of reality from that group and their influential support within their local Council Whilst all those involved know nothing about railways and think operating a steam engine is as easy as buying a train set! Rant 3

Likewise when trying to post CDR photos

Railcarl 12 at the Foyle Valley about 30 years ago

Railway Bylines June issue which is just out has article on Victoria Road to Strabane with archive photos.

Know that John which is when work on Drumboe at Whitehead is completed it will have a red dome using archive photos to ensure the correct shade of red!

Oh dear looks as bad as some of the CDR Class 5 locoscwhen they were abandoned at Strabane for over 25 years!

Checking some published colour photos of CDR rolling stock from Geoff Lumb in my collection the Grey van is too dark but the coaches are a good match but still not 100%. The shade of red on the CDR loco is slightly too rich as well.

Another example of an Irish Council.getting involved with Heritage Railway projects and doing more damage than good! Derry City Council and the Foyle Valley Railway. Disputes led to the Council closing both Museum and Heritage Railway down on a temporary basis in July 2000. Railway has and will never reopen but Museum due to reopen next month apparently. But that has been promised before umpteen times and did not happen.

Have been struggling to find the Blue Indian version of Drumboe in my Nasmyth Wilson works lists Any more details like year built etc?

Agree 100% with Colin the CDR models get my full attention.

Which CDR Railcar kit is still available?

Good to see you back on IRM Tony

Or indeed any of the kits of the former Swilly 4-8-0s for example?

Any photos of the Indian version of an CDR Class 5?

Some early colour photos of A Class in Silver ar Sligo in current issue of Backtrack magazine

Considering Drumboe lay abandoned at Strabane for nearly 30 years the loco is in sounder condition that you could have hoped for considering everything!

Good question Drumboe getting a new cab, bunker and side tanks etc. Severe corrosion due to almost 60 years outside in the rain in the North West. However things such as the frames etc are original and in better condition than expected.

Most of the inebriated could also come from Belfast and Carrick as well Did see a few times when thanks to the efforts of such characters to enjoy fresh air that windows would be removed from the 70 class by all means possible to celebrate their return home from a loyalist parade instantly after boarding train home These pagan festivals appeared to be sponsored by vast amounts of tinned beer in particular and strong language along with feral behaviour in the summer months!

Yes Colin Drumboe the Real Thing version is coming on well and as you are well aware so are the Bill's! All help welcomed to bring Drumboe back this summer to the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre..

Progress at Whitehead on the 12 inches equals 12 inches version of Drumboe for the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre

Thanks John was out on a Disused Stations survey today. Can we chat tomorrow?