Broithe

See what happens and keep your eye on the ball.

I did the 'daytime ferry' once, as a test, it seemed like a good idea - never again - the overnight one is much more civilised - dumps you into Dublin at 6am and you're going out before many are even trying to get in. Although, the trek to Bantry in one go may be a bit much then. Traffic to Holyhead on the Big Island is also much pleasanter for the 02:40 boat, as well. I had three separate exploded caravans on the way when I sampled the day boat. I use the 08:05 to return - an early start, but four hours kip on the boat before being dropped into Wales at midday. You do now have the option of the 'intermediate ferry' on most days, operating about half-way between the main boats. If you are going to do the Big One, then liaise and we might be able to organise something. I'm over there four or five times a year these days..

I think it might be this one.

You have to suspect that the car was stolen and/or driven by someone who had overestimated his capacity for pharmaceutical products, probably those of an amateur origin.

One for a layout with a Faller road system..?

Is there a RAL number for that?

That looks like a German V200. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DB_Class_V_200

Clicking on the pictures works, though.

In model terms, I'm not sure that there's a reliable alternative to gently running a selection of stock around and adjusting obstructions as they are found, although pre-planning will reduce the work greatly. Curves are the big issue. Some modern locos can have big overhangs at the front (Pendelinos, etc), though Ireland isn't greatly afflicted by that sort of thing. Even in the real world, people get caught out by standards. On the Big Island, Network Rail has been known to grind off platform noses as a result of new stock coming into service.

As it says, due allowances must be made on curves - and these allowances will need to be rather greater in a model situation, with rather tighter curves.

I understand that several G&Ts were necessary whilst the script was being finalised.

Mmm, looks to me as though you have it fairly well off pat...

Excellent news! As used on the Branch Line at Ballybrophy.

9 mm gauge layouts are highly suspicious...

One of the Glocks picked up in Garda raids today. Other people with railway layouts may now expect increased attention...

Methodical elimination - it's often the best way.

Try just shoving individual wagons round the curves, empty, and see what happens. Is it one wagon? Does it happen at the same place? Etc... It can be all sorts of things - misaligned track joints, debris/ballast against a rail, duff wheels, a nick on a flange, the list goes on...

Six and a half pounds seems quite a lot - is that just the rake of wagons?

The parking issue has reached critical levels there now - something may have to be done... A new sign has appeared on the fifth lamppost from the Dublin end of the Branch Platform. The access ramp on the northbound platform has notes about only being used on Mk 4s. Too wide for the branch trains? But the similar-looking one for the southbound trains does not. Whilst I was there, 222 pulled a southbound train through at a fair speed - there were no leaves on the platform when it had gone.

The back-to-back distance, for 00, should be around 14.5mm. Back-to-back issues will also contribute to derailments. The magnets fit under the motorised units and are attracted to the steel plates that need to be fitted under the track, increasing the force the wheel exerts on the track, but without adding (much) to the weight.

As long as the wheel rim is in contact with the rail you should have current available - the flange contact isn't really an issue. For the derailing aspect, it can be worth checking that nothing (wires) obstructs the swing of the bogie. This - https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/powerbase-mini-magnet-pack-x24-smaller-magnets/ - can be a way of getting greater contact force on the rail, without adding mass that makes the climb even harder. Always worth cleaning the rails (and wheels) and seeing if things are any better then. With the Pendelino, one of the problems was that sudden power changes, from a cheapo set controller, coupled with traction tyres on one side only, caused the bogie to 'climb out' and derail. A flywheel would have helped a lot, but wasn't really practical, a bit of 'slide' from metal wheels was the answer in the short term. A bit of extra mass, over the driven bogie(s) was also a possible benefit.

Do what you like, in general. Your station is in your world.

Beeston, Nottingham - yesterday. "Get yer knee down and twist the throttle, you stand a good chance..." I hope it was empty.

This is a 'good' example...