connollystn

In general, the quality of American HO model railroad stock has improved immensely. Bachmann seems to have a poor reputation over in the U.S.A. where their models aren't highly regarded , however, I'm sure the Charger will change opinions. The Bachmann model of the AmTrak SC-44 looks very impressive and has been given rave reviews. I'd like to get into modelling more America stock but the models are prohibitively expensive. For example, the Bachmann SC-44 in the link above costs €430 ($453) over here in Europe. I'm very happy with my ScaleTrains SDL39, just have to get some wagons to go with them. Anyway, I'm sure Kato will produce another batch of the Metra coaches as there will be a lot of demand following the release of the Rapido locomotive you have.

The unmistakable Pullman bi-level driving trailer with the iconic Metra paint scheme on the cab. Are Kato the only manufacturer who produce those passenger cars? I see that Bombardier are going to be building bi-level coaches for Metra, I'm surprised that company [Metra] isn't buying new locomotives.

I recall the above Blarney Railway Station featuring in an episode of 'Great Railway Journeys' with Michael Portillo.

@mmie - Was looking at Rapido Trains Inc. video on YouTube with all the variants of the F59PH and they look very impressive. I bought a few Scale Trains SDL39s and the detail and quality of American models is certainly up there with the best of them. The SDL39 as it was mainly designed to operate on short lines so ideal for a small layout, similarly, the F59PH is ideal for a small layout as it can be operated with few bi-level coaches. Love the Metra colour scheme on your Rapido model - have you got stock to operate with them?

@Galteemore - Thanks for that. Very interesting article. Surprised that a town with, what would have been a centre of population, was by-passed by the railway companies. To me, the railway alignment to Cork never made sense - seems to me like the builders took the scenic route. Yet again, another reason why this is the best thread on this forum - learn something new everyday.

@irishswissernie - Very unimpressive Cashel railway station building, considering how historical that town it's not what you'd expect to see. Looks like building a railway line to Cashel was very much an after thought.

Is that all you have? @WRENNEIRE PS. Which versions have you got? - just aski g for a friend.

Hi All, pictures below taken in natural daylight using an iPhone. Hope the photographs give a good indication how good this locomotive is.

Hi Guys, for those of you still sitting on the fence as regards the A30 feel free to drool at the picture below……

@WRENEIRE - That sounds very tempting. Seems like it could be very tempting to travel the 1 and a half hour it takes to get there on the 145. What As are available?

Thanks @GSR 800 - Yeah, the Galway side of Mullingar Station is in an awful state of repair. Don't know about Hill of Down but residents in Killucan have been petitioning Iarnród Éireann for years to have their station re-opened. Anyway, I'll be using the Dublin-Sligo rain in the coming weeks so I'll post updated regarding any developments I see at Enfield.

Was on the train yesterday and at Enfield I notice that they are doing something with the up Dublin platform. The platform is split level and hasn't been in use for decades and there is a lot of over-growth that side of the station. Does anyone know if this is just a cosmetic exercise (cleaning up that side of the station) or if it's intended to have an additional platform in operation?

We're all wondering the same thing.

OK guys, I've caved in and purchased two more SDL39s [SXT70032]. Like a lot of new releases, you can't sit on the fence for too long, otherwise, they'll be gone and don't want to be suffering from non-buyers' regret as I am with some of the I.R.M. As.

Is there a market for HO scale models of Irish road going vehicles? Have seen a number of examples down through the years.

You'll find, no matter which livery, that this issue isn't unique to modellers of Irish railway prototypes.

Have to agree with you @Mike 84C - The Park Royals are unique and can't be confused with other stock which operated on these islands. I wasn't aware that they carried the Irish Rail 'Tippex' livery.

Hi All, After almost 54 years on this planet I've figured out how to upload photos onto this forum. See pictures below of the fantastic Scale Trains SDL39. You'd need a magnifying glass to pick out all of the details. The images have been taken indoors under artificial light so you won't be able to appreciate how good these locomotives are. Very tempted to purchase two more, later versions, with DCC + sound.

Damn! Can't believe I missed this opportunity to get my hands on a few A15s. Saw one at the Wexford show the previous Sunday and really wanted one.

I not bashing just making statements of fact - end of discussion.

@raymurph - I bought a couple of new locomotives from the U.S.A., had to pay 112€ customs but still worked out 100€ cheaper than buying in Europe (Britain included). I've never bought off eBay so don't know what additional charges would be incurred when purchasing from them in the U.S.A. but you can be sure that they, like PayPay, will want their pound of flesh.

@Mayner - Thanks for that post. Purchased my first North American diesels recently so it's my first introduction to the Kadee coupler. Won't be buying any stock to run with them as I'm waiting to see what new Irish announcements are to be made.

Wish I was. It was Euvirail's review of the A1 which prompted me to purchase the A30 (A1 was sold out by then) and there are a few other versions of the I.R.M. A class I wished I'd purchased also. I'm not chained to any particular era or strict prototypical consists - I'd be comfortable oprating a silver A with a set of Mark IIIs. While I type this response the A30 is gleaming in the sunshine which is highlighting the exquisite details - it's a joy to behold.

You'd hardly call the SF A a work of wizardry! Anyway, that's all history now, we should be looking forward to I.R.M. announcing fantastic new models. I have my credit card on standby.

Enough about the Silver Fox's, it's the silver As is where it's at. Hopefully there'll be some suitable stock produced shortly to run with these beauts.