Colin R

Thanks, Galteemore for that

Thanks, Iarnrod since I don't live in Ireland nor have I seen a prototype van can you run through what the major difference will be between the two types, Thank you in advance. Lynbarn

That's OK then, If I could afford them I might need 50 plus unfitted in that case

This could become expensive, I hope a second series is being considered but with different Numbers

Thanks So just how many of these H vans got built?

Now I am sure I have got on order six of these wee beasties in grey with the flying snail, but I don't think that is going to be enough, what I am not sure about is if the brown version falls into the period I am modelling ie 1945 to 1960. if they do then I need to add to my order!

Hi John I do agree with you over all of this. I guess the only way this will take off is if someone were to go down the kiddy toy route and produce a very cheap 12mm gauge fund toy train set which has to be very cheap

A lot has happen in a few months, but personally I would not mind seeing an OOn3 loco on 12mm track what with both 009 becoming popular and Hornby now producing their TT system I wonder if it might be a good time to think about this. For may sins I would suggest an Industrial 4wheel deisel; based on those of the Bord na Mona or if you want to the various Donegal and West Clare Railcars as for locos why not include the West Clare Bo-Bo deisels, Ok not everyones favorite and it may not be suitable, but If I knew it was going to be done then I would order three of them. The thing is for 00n3 you need a reliable motot bogie and if the design can be used for other tt scale models, us OOn3 modellers can benifit so be it. As for OOn3 steam locos as i see it you have three Irish size locos, tramway locos such as the Cork and Muskerry them middle ground Tralee and Dingle/ Cavan & Leitrim, then the larger stuff of West Clare, Donegal, Swilly and also the Ballymena and Ballycastle lines. What I didn't include in this are two other scale gauges:- 1st HOm meter gauge French and German lines. 2nd HOm or what ever the Americans currently call it HO 3ft gauge. I am not sure just how big these markets really are but it might be worth taking a look to find out and see if there is any commanality that could be involved. As for developing N gauge most 009 modellers crave chassis's for their kits, mainly steam 0-4-0 or an 0-6-0 would be a good thing if you are looking at numbers. Just to rap this all up, I don't know if any of the above is commercial viable or not since I am not in the model manufacturing game, but there again that my two pennies worth. Regards Colin Rainsbury

Well my tank wagons turned up today and are looking fab, just out of interest do the wheelsets as supplied push out to 21mm gauge?

That sounds good hopefully some one can make the decision to do a second batch.

Yes I am awaiting a reply from etropal since all his bits are or were on Shapeways

All we need now is some one to set up in Ireland a 3D printer service, as you have the advantage of still being in the EU

In light of Shapeways going under I wonder if we had some one who could produce 3D print bodies to fit certain RTR chassis Just like we do in the 009 World with Whitemetal / Brass / 3D prints that are currently on offer:- https://www.chiversfinelines.co.uk/shop/narrow-gauge/009/whitemetal-bodykit http://rue-d-etropal.com/3D-printing/3d_printed_Irish-5ft-3in-gauge-trains1.htm

I wonder if this is what he was thinking? https://transportsofdelight.smugmug.com/RAILWAYS/IRISH-RAILWAYS/MIDLAND-GREAT-WESTERN-RAILWAY/i-P5F4CVZ

Right I now have 24 IRM wagons and 4 A class locos now I need a couple of brake vans and coaches. I have found a very simple Irish Broad Gauge Station to build it is called Hollymount just outside of Claremorris four points and two sidings should make a good start in 21mm gauge.