GNRi1959

Theres so much happening at the moment with Omagh North. At one end its a partial build of Shed in goods yard to create a scenic break, points to be connected to some sort of levers, platform ends to form, water tower and plumbers store to scratch build. Other end I have a road bridge to scratch build and lot of trackside detail to study and source. Its nice to just work a little at a time and enjoy it.

I received this demonstration piece today Andy and I really was impressed with it. It puts all out out of my mind that it is cheap yet effective way of controlling paintwork. I'd be really pleased with this system. I can't say thank you loud enough, it was a very nice thing to do.

I really am sorry that a dear friend Norman Johnston wasn't still with us. He knew carriages like nobody. We used to leave Omagh at 4am to catch steam excursions regularly. He carried a notebook to record engine and carriage numbers. His knowledge was transferred to publishing books in latter life.

Richard, sounds good. I think I would be scrapping the body and keeping the chassis only. I would do a total rebuild of the body. Plan is is to model things that aren't commercially available.

So excited today after receiving my first GNR(i) wagon kit from Provincial Wagons. A great little kit that I'm looking forward to seeing on 'Omagh North' in due course. Thanks Leslie.

Thanks Andy, very kind of you to offer.

This is Market Branch Goods Yard which is the site of the new library. The buildings on the right have been renovated and exist today.

Is there any published dimensions of goods shed clearance at opening such as this at Omagh. The opening is actually to the right of shot, the other one, facing camera, was not an engine access. I'm sure its all standard but don't want to guess. Need height and width for single line openings.

Noel, interesting results. I used the 3mm cork which I bought off eBay in 2m roll x 500mm wide. The fine ballast looks superior and I'm returning to this thread when its time for me to ballast my own track, thanks.

Don't know if this is the correct place to post this but on the subject of the Shell wagon heres a picture from Omagh Market Branch station and although side view, there are clearly both SHELL and ESSO Wagons in the sidings here.

Sent a PM - thank you

Switches set into small matt black perspex panel that was cut by laser. Just need a few very small screws to fix to plywood top, neat.

Please excuse my ignorance of Irish GNR wagon detail but is this wagon chassis and brakes not something close to Irish? The wheelbase is only 8'6" but in terms of scale thats just 1.99mm of a difference. Unless there is something terribly wrong, that I don't see, would this be a pretty good starting point for a scratch built wagon?

Andy, any photographs would help the description - and thanks to both yourself and Leslie for 'stepping forward'.

Controller box in place with all cables below surface. Waiting for laser cut black perspex panel to mount switches.

Made this little box to hold my Gaugemaster in place under the baseboard top and out of site. Its now fitted and ready for the controller. Worked out pretty well, glad I took my time and thought it through. As you can see, I'm still waiting for my small perspex panel to house the DPDT switches and its almost ready. My Irish GNR(i) styled signal cabin will sit in front of the DPDT switches so they won't be seen from any likely audience, should I ever go public! To be honest, I'm still undecided about point control..... help?

Just amazing looking, part of the pleasure of this forum is learning from others.

I am sure they would have met, along the lines....... my grandad was promoted at one point to manning the level-crossing at Edenderry and then to foreman. This got him a railway house at Beragh. My dad hating living in the country so he would cycle into Omagh every day to play football.

I'm sure they were acquainted

Anyone ever see a certificate like this before.....

Very interesting indeed, he had a busy portfolio!

An idea yes, I was talking to Selwyn just a few weeks back. He has a great collection. Thats were I got the Omagh North diagram and idea. Did your dad work Omagh, like my grandfather?

Noel, that layout looks fantastic, including the curved platforms. The Peco edging and Slaters surface is a good choice as I need something other than the Peco grey top surface.

What looks best Peco platform system or Wills?

A friend introduced me to an old ex-GNR(i) employee today who worked as a Carpenter on the railway. He said his job was carrying out the maintenance of GNR(i) station buildings, gate houses and fencing. When the railway closed he was 'Clerk of Works' on the lifting trains, with the responsibility of lifting the lines between Derry and Portadown. Interestingly, he has photographs which he is going to dig out, one of which includes my grandfather Paddy McGartland who worked with the GNR(i) for 43years.