Newtoncork

Interesting story. My Dad worked in Irish Pioneer Works in Cork, galvanising steel. They won the contract to galvanise the pylons for the original Dart, as they had a longest molten zinc bath in Ireland. But the pylons were so long, they had to double dip them. He's still alive and very proud of the fact that the vast majority of the DART pylons still in use were dipped by him in the late 70's.

The six wheelers look like a right beast!

Had the same problem with Dapol. Got stung for lots of VAT and import duties. Should have gone to German sites.

Great choice of loco. Couldn't decide so ordered all three!

To be honest lads, we're all very proud of what you have achieved, both in Ireland and the UK. I for one, have told people how you developed Irish models for a non-existent Irish model market! And good excuse to convince herself that I need more IRM models - 'sure the lads need my support!'

That's so good to hear. My parents took me to Youghal in the early 70's, when I was about 5. Vague recollection of the train. But at least I can still say I got the train to Youghal!

So if I put my hand out at the 'halt' the train will stop? When I took the Kyle of Lochalsh line in Scotland, that was the case!

Such a shame. There are many students commuting by bus every day from Castlemartyr, Killeagh and Youghal. The greenway isn't much use to them. The traffic volumes and delays at the Dunkettle interchange haven't improved either. If that vote had been a couple of years later, it would never had been for a greenway.

In 2019, Cork County councillors voted unanimously to convert the line to a greenway.

Still can't believe that people voted for a greenway from Youghal! What a missed opportunity.

Trains, Boats and Planes, Princes Street, Cork. Amazing shop in the 1970's. Had full model railway layout upstairs. So good, that the Frank and Walters named an album after it! I used to love going their on a Sat. Couldn't afford anything but at least I could look.

Look so odd as Bo-Bo's

And I would second that!

Thanks Past-Avenue, the barrier tankers and NEM pockets arrived today. All well packaged and looking great. Delighted with the NEM pockets and barrier tankers look the part. Thanks again!

Got the Jinty today from Marks. Always great to go to a model shop. Interestingly Herself went to a charity shop around the corner while I did the business. She did note down a conversation between a couple in their 30's where he wanted to go to Marks while she went to the charity shop! Always good to support Marks as I'm paranoid that they will go without us. Would IRM support them a bit more? No Mk2A's there. Surely we need to have people like Marks to encourage the younger generations, won't that benefit IRM and the hobby in the end?

So how easy is it to remove the D coupling and replace it with an NEM pocket?

Bit scary to see that. About ten years ago, I managed to walk through the Lissummon tunnel. It was tricky to find, but amazingly there were even still some sleepers in place! Dead straight with a slight climb and it was obviously not visited very much (unlike Gogginshill). I think there are plans for a greenway now on the line.

Thanks Mayner, the Enterprise arrived successfully today. The protracted negotiations with the Boss around the purchase took longer than delivery. Ellis Clarke removed the VAT, DHL then requested the Irish VAT, didn't add any other charges and delivered within 2 days. Had to pull out all the stops again during the negotiations - unique model, place in my heart, one chance to get hold of etc etc.... She caved in eventually.

My teenage kids were on the Dublin train in Kent when 2601 was pulled into the next platform. They commented on how attractive the livery is.

Ellis Clarke look like they remove the VAT when you put in Ireland at checkout. I've ordered directly from them so fingers crossed.....

Not sure if everyone knows this, but if you are a member of a local library in Ireland, you should have access to Borrow Box. From there you have free access to the online issues of Model Rail magazine. I've just looked myself and they have the back issues from Jun 2022 onwards as well. For me, all I did was search for 'Cork City Library Borrow Box' in Google and then used my library membership to enter BorrowBox. Has Rail magazine as well!

So it's been hauled by an MPD?

Hi All, I have a set of Airfix Mk2d coaches which I have resprayed into the NIR Gatwick coaches. I know that they are not 100% correct but still look remind me of seeing them sitting in Lisburn sidings. One thig I'd like to do is use magnetic couplers with these, if possible. Has anyone had experience of attaching magnetic couplers to these? Any idea where I could source them? Thanks.

Not sure, I remember the older one in Cork, but it does seem that the recovery trucks are much older than the buses they are recovering. Looks like they only change them every 40 years or so.

Was walking into Cork city the other night and heard the roar of a V8 behind me, with a crash of gears! Nearly didn't get a photo. This must be one of the oldest Bus Eireann vehicles in use, an 1989 ERF. How many others are out there?