Garfield

As Bosko said above, Shem, there's no added cost to using sprung buffers - contrary to what some other producers say! As for being unnecessary, as Rich pointed out, they do actually come into play with coupling systems that feature delayed action uncoupling (AJ couplings, etc.). Don't know where this odd theory has come from, Noel - buffer length is the same regardless of whether a wagon is sitting in the middle of a train or standing by itself. On fitted freight trains, the only instances where buffers will be constantly compressed is when a train is being propelled as part of a shunting maneuver... or if something has gone wrong! It's slightly different with some coaching stock - buffers can be retracted on stock that uses buckeye couplings, for example, as the buckeye also doubles as a buffer (buckeye is the standard North American coupling, hence their locos and rolling stock don't feature separate buffers at all). The buffers are extended at either end of the rake as the loco is usually attached to the lead coach with a screw-link coupling, and buffers on individual coaches would be extended if the rake is being broken up or reassembled and they're being shunted individually. Older stock, such as Cravens, Park Royals, etc. were fitted with screw-links so didn't feature retractable buffers.

The jury's out. You do realise these projects are subject to planning permission and objections and observations can be lodged at the relevant stage, during which the plans can also be viewed? So no answer then?

What have the planners got to do with sanctioning funds to actually build the transport links? That's the actual problem! You answered your own question there. Incidentally, which routes only have 7/8 passengers, and is ridership that low on a consistent basis? Have you stats to back this up? I've hopped on the 16 on occasions where there's no one else on it, yet a lot of times I get on and it's standing room only. Are you saying routes such as that should be operated by minibuses!? The new Luas trams are experiencing some teething problems, which is not uncommon (even some new cars get recalled!). It'll be fixed. It has absolutely nothing to do with the overall suitability of the system! Inconsistency in your argument, ignoring questions, cherry-picking points you agree with and ignoring points that don't suit you... that's what makes it look like you're trolling.

Excuse me? It's not about being 'clever', it's about you only picking the points you agree with and ignoring the other points being made in the above posts. Pretty sure you're doing nothing more than trolling at this stage.

You're still cherry-picking, I see.

And I shall referee this encounter, lest the quality of porter on hand become less than perfect...

I remember the Modeller's Den - a tiny shop that also doubled as a post office. If I'm not mistaken, the address for the Southern Model Railway Company on D'olier Street is the same as the original Mark's Models premises? You had to take a stairs up to it...

Once again:

You're avoiding the main thrust of the argument and instead cherry-picking soundbites so you can keep repeating your complaint. Surely you can comprehend that the Luas is an integral component of a developing integrated public transport network for the city? Or are you trolling? I'd like to echo hurricanemk1c's question above - what would your solution be?

As a tax-paying motorist, the sooner cars are eradicated from Dublin city centre, the better. It's still a long way off, but with a proper integrated public transport system, there'd be absolutely no need for anyone to drive a car anywhere near the area.

Boring tunnels beneath the city centre for light rail would be a ridiculous waste of money and resources. Numerous European cities have light rail running through their city centres, so it's not an "only in Ireland" thing either. Any underground network should be built to heavy rail standards to maximise capacity and help get more cars off the streets (which are the actual cause of congestion - not the Luas. The plan for the College Green Plaza which would see that area and much of Dame Street being pedestrianised will also help free-up the cross-city Luas route). As I said above, the Luas is part of a multi-faceted solution to Dublin's public transport problems, not the silver bullet, and it's taking heat here undeservedly when the microscope should be on all the messing that has surrounded Dart Underground and Metro North.

+1 Luas most definitely has its place as part of the public transport solution for Dublin. The fact issues persist that were supposed to be alleviated by other schemes which haven't been implemented (yet) should not be blamed on it. The streets are being clogged by the continuing high usage of cars for access to the city centre, not by the Luas. I'll let the following emoticon embody my reaction to this comment:

The SDMRC’s Belturbet layout, too...

It's time to take yer pills and go to the quiet room, JB...

Fran addressed that towards the end of the first post.

This has been on the cards for a while and makes sense. By concentrating on N, Fleischmann avoid overlap with Roco, which is also owned by Modelleisenbahn Holding GmbH. I assume all relevant HO tooling will be transferred to Roco, with any N gauge tooling held by Roco going the other way. Unsurprisingly, all remaining production in Austria is also being shifted to Slovakia.

That’s another bump for project 22k...

They've worked together in the past, with both the Guinness tank and 'Harvey' based at Downpatrick at various times. A loco like 186 is a different proposition - it may not look huge but it's actually quite a bit bigger than the wee tanks and would consume a vast quantity of coal in comparison.

Still going, the online archive is updated regularly.

*Bumps 22k up the queue*

That’s a Black & Tan loco. Most of the re-engined As had the thin tan band but one or two received the broader band as depicted above. A39R currently carries this version on the DCDR, as it did back in the day...

A bit like your beat wagons, vs actual beet wagons, Noel...

Already doing that, and no joint venture required!

First I ever heard of it was when I saw it mentioned on the Past & Present page on Facebook earlier. Can't say I've ever noticed it in Easons...

They used to, JB, although I’m not sure if they’re still trading. As Mayner said above, they stopped producing their Irish outline kits due to lack of interest...