Garfield

Yep, the lads are right... sifted through the photos I thought featured a Sulzer with staff catchers, but it turned out it wasn't carrying any. Oops.

Taken near Kilfree Junction on the Dublin-Sligo line in July, 1957.

Had to do a double-take there...

The superelevation should work the same way it does on the prototype, so speed shouldn't affect it if it's done right.

"Contraceptives should be used on every conceivable occasion." - Spike Milligan

Flat track on curves is one thing that lets down a lot of layouts... the super elevation is a big improvement. Nice work!

I'm almost certain I've seen photos of 101s with staff catchers... they had recesses built into their cab sides for them anyway!

The CDR railcars look fab!

You'll need to reference photos. The MkIIAs didn't receive a different shade of orange, as such. It all depended on the batch of paint... there could even be noticeable differences within rakes.

Sorry, Rob... yes, you're correct. The Werkspoor/Dundalk vans. Here's a photo of the model of the rebuilt version as used with the MkIIAs: http://www.dckits-devideos.co.uk/img/gi_14_7_700_466.jpg

The MkIIA coaches ran with rebuilt Dundalk vans. A kit/RTR version is available from Silverfox: http://silverfoxmodels.co.uk/ir-ie-electricity-generating-van-dutch/ The MkIIIs only ever ran with MkIII generator vans.

No idea, Seamus. That will depend on whether Dublin Tourism want to keep it out there. Despite the offer of a new home in Malahide, I have to say I'd much rather see it set up in a more central location.

Ah, surely this can only be a good thing? Common interest and all that...

OK, I received a reply. Dublin Tourism DO still own the collection, but it's in the possession of a third party who are ensuring that it is safely stored and that the items are catalogued. Unfortunately, it seems some repair work will be required, although I've no further details on that.

That looks fantastic, Kevin! Alphagrafix produce a card kit of the 5' 3" van in 7mm scale for anyone who's interested...

I don't know the finer details, but I do know someone who does, so I'll try and get info from them and post it here.

Cha-ching!

The collection has changed hands now, so I'm not sure if that still applies. I think it was property rather than money that was left... Casino House in Malahide.

Not a sausage. And there won't be for another couple of years, from what I was told before.

No, nothing like that. Some of the peripheral buildings were allocated to the local VEC, which is located next door, and the RDF still occupy a building attached to it, but the main buildings, gym, football field and accomodation blocks are lying idle. A county museum is supposed to be located in there, somewhere, but it'll still leave a lot of space to be filled. Plus, the RDF unit is due to be disestablished next month, while there are all sorts of rumours about the VEC being merged with Westmeath, which could mean a move to somewhere like Mullingar. I've talked to councillors and submitted a proposal about 18 months ago advocating its use as a larger museum facility (the National Museum and OPW have an endless list of items in storage because of a lack of space) which could act as a major tourist attraction to the town, but thinking outside the box isn't a strong point of theirs, it seems. Their report on future uses for it kept referring to 'best practice' - basically copying what's been done at other former barracks around the country...

Great footage there, Seamus! I'm not aware of any similar kind of film being shot within Connolly Barracks, although it could be out there somewhere! The council now owns the barracks in Longford, but their plans for it have yet to be fully revealed...

Welcome aboard, Kevrail... keep the photos coming.

One of the 0-4-2 tram locos built by Sharp Stewart in 1885, Seamus. Believe it or not, having a bunker over the firebox wasn't all that uncommon, especially on narrow gauge railways.

Welcome aboard... the CVR tank really looks the part!

So, like I said... this time next year!