Newtoncork

Did Fry ever model the MPD's and MED's? He modelled all the CIE models of the same time and I'm sure he was very aware of the developments in the North.

This is an interesting one. There is an article in The Echo which talks about a rail link to the port of Cork in the plan. Seeing there is no way in hell that Marino Point will ever become part of the port, it will be interesting as to what happens to Ringaskiddy. It looks like it's increasingly becoming a white elephant as there is no chance of a rail link ever.

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41298397.html

Great pictures as ever. What's the history of Met'Ganz Railcar No 5? It looks very futuristic for its time! Have never seen a photo of it before.

End of an era. I know it was just a matter of time, but there's no mention of how many trucks were required to replace the cement trains. I remember seeing 171 and 177 idling in Mallow with the bubbles. Must have been about 2003. 

I wonder what are the realistic chances of freight ever returning to Cork?

https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/long-standing-cork-train-station-27867105

Went to the Fry collection on Monday. Really loved it, it's my first time seeing his models up close and the attention to detail is amazing. Staff were enthusiastic and more than willing to help. I can see how it can appeal to both adults and kids.

Few suggestions. Some more info on what happened to the original layout would be helpful, not sure if any of it exists in a state where it could be displayed. Secondly, I bet a lot of visitors are from the UK. even having one cabinet specifically for UK models he did would be great. At the end of the day, all his models are amazing!

He was my neighbour when I lived in Armagh, had his layout in the garage and we used to run my Silverfox Mk3 push-pull on it. Was an amazing font of knowledge on railways. Told me he once had lunch with Rev Awdry in London and all they talked about was trains!

Very interesting!

https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/news/iarnrod-eireann-and-latvia-s-digas-to-trial-europe

Did the six wheelers ever run with Cravens? Could they?

What a great photo of Rocksavage. I used to cycle over that bridge in the early 80's. as a kid.  Now a service station but some arches are still in-situ. Bet the people using the service station have no idea of the history of the site. Thanks!

What a wonderful atmospheric shot of Glanmire Road, feels like a 'Diesel Dawn' photo with the old and the new.

What's even worse, is that most of the annual 330,000 TEU's need to go through the Jack Lynch Tunnel. They've kept that one quiet.

I was lucky enough that my dad took me to the last transfer in 1976, I remember being scared about the cutting near Kent Station and if a train came along when I was in it! I was also lucky to be young enough to see the whole of Albert Quay from the old wrought iron bridge when it was a storage yard for all sorts of stuff, I remember ESB trucks and lots of pallets It was all gone by the early 1980's. My dad worked near the snotty bridge and told me about the teatime railcars and the beet specials.  

So if anyone has any photos, I know that he would be delighted (and me too!)

Hi All,

Was talking to my Dad last week and he drove to oOme in 1962 with a couple of pals. One thing he did mention was that they went from Rosslare where the car was put onto a train, propelled out the pier and craned into the ferry! I must admit I had never heard of this. Does anyone have any info or photos on this?

Thanks,

Newtoncork

Hi MadBenNI, 

There are really only two options, pick up a set from Chris Dyer at the Stillorgan Hotel sales or buy a set of Airfix Mk2's and do a respray. Neither are ideal or match the prototype but are a good approximation. 

Hope this helps,

NewtonCork

It was also interesting that mk3 generator vans were developed for the Nightstar (think they were from mk3 sleeper coaches). They also saw little or no use. Even though they looked completely different externally to Irish mk3 gen vans , I wonder if they were similar mechanically?

Hi Robert,

I would be interested. I know that John Hazleton at Silverfox was thinking of doing a model of 8911. Might be worth dropping him a line to see if he has made any progress. I know that he didn't get around to it in 2017 , but if there is more interest, maybe he will do a run.

Newtoncork

Hi Eamonn, Great to talk to you in Cork. Fabulous layout and certainly attracted a lot of attention at Fort Camden. Mind you, the kids seemed to be mesmerized by the blue flashing lights!

Hi Tony, I always find Vinny Byrne to be very good and if you buy two aerosol cans, postage is free. They also supply any RAL colour you would like. Only thing is it is an expensive way of doing it. Oh and Halfords grey or white primer is great too! I went down this road but have now just invested in a Iwata airbrush. It's cheaper in the long run.

Would 3D printing be suitable for a mk4 DVT?

PM sent.

Newtoncork

Tony, I used to live in Armagh City and the only model shop in Portadown is Rennicks in the town centre. They used to do Irish Railways but now only do radio controlled cars. Might still be worth a look. Good place for a coffee is The Yellow Door. Hope this helps.