Peter

The knowledge you all have of the Curragh line is amazing. I'd like to read more about it. I went down there to have a look recently. Not much remains of it now. One or two of the blue shelters remain at the station. There is one post still there from the level crossing, and a small cottage beside this. The man living there remembered when the siding was operational.

Dive, you read my mind. I am planning on using a divider and showing the countryside on it. A yard is a good idea as well. Thanks.

I plan to use the valve 3d designs and adapt locos to Irish diesel. I don't know when it was last used. It was a passenger stop for the race course.

Dive, I want to keep the layout small, it's my first proper one to model. I'm thinking 5' x 3'. I plan to use gentler points for the layout.

Hi folks, I'd love the hear your thoughts on my idea for an n gauge layout of the Curragh siding in Kildare. At the moment the layout uses set track, but I will use streamline for the actual layout. The inner loop will continue all the way around as well. Attached is the plan I made using Railmodeller Express. You'll have to zoom in to see it properly. I've also attached 2 photos of the siding and 3 map images of the Curragh, including the ballast pit, and fox covert I want to include. Thanks, Peter

Thanks for the replies. I found Railmodeller Express, a free version of Pro. It is written for mac. Helping me realise what space I need for my layout.

Hi folks. Can anyone recommend computer software for planning an n gauge layout? I use Apple mac. Thank you.

Can anyone recommend train journeys they have taken? I have been on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, ICE around Switzerland, taken the train up the Jungfraujoch, reunification express from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, TranzAlpine in New Zealand. I'd love to take the Californian Zephyr across the US.

Thank you for your replies. It's great to know some n gauge models can be converted to look like Irish locos with some work. 3D printing I'm sure will help hugely with this as well. I'm not sure if I want to model steam era or diesel yet. I like modern locos, but steam could look nicer passing through a countryside setting. Peter

Thank you for your replies. You've given me a lot to think about. I wasn't able to get out to Bray today Dave, but I'd love to check out your track at another fair. Peter.

Hi folks. Does anyone know what n gauge models can be repainted to look like Irish locos? Steam or diesel. Thank you.

Hi folks, After visiting the train show in Raheny and other toy and train fares recently I have decided to get back into model railways. I'm 32 now and played with Hornby as a kid. I want to build an n gauge layout, for space reasons, I'm renting. I am thinking of modelling the train line going through the Curragh in Kildare, I'm from Newbridge. This would include the racecourse and grandstand, some bridges, a small wood and other features. I am thinking about getting the Graham Farish 'Day at the Races' set. This will give me a steam loco and wagons, track and DC controller. I know the loco and wagons may not be Irish or ever be used in Ireland for transporting horses to races, but the set fits the theme and gives me a way to start modelling again. I would like to go DCC in time. The loco with the set is DCC ready. I am wondering if it is easy to convert Peco 80 track and points for use with DCC? Any thoughts and advice on my idea? Thanks, Peter