connollystn

Received my two Scale Trains SDL39s during the week. Completely blown away by the quality and detail of this model. The cost to me works out at around €300 each but cheaper than purchasing same in Europe. They are HO scale and roughly the same length as the I.R.M. A Class which is suitable for my needs as I only operate my stock on a single oval track. It was a bit of a gamble buying something that I could only view online but, just as with the I.R.M. As, the picture/videos didn't do them any justice. At the moment they are competing with the silver As for my affections. Very tempted to buy a couple of more and considering getting the DCD + sound versions. These locomotives are ideal for short freight consists, now it's a matter of deciding which wagons I want to go with them, however, I'll hold off for a while until our friends [I.R.M] make new announcements.

Thanks @spudfan for that helpful advice. It's been with An Post since 10th April last and no sign of it being delivered. You're probably right about An Post having contractual obligations with that company because over the years I've had packages with USPS stamps on them but delivered to my by a variety of courier companies.

Regarding my U.S. purchases, they're still in the Dublin 12 parcel hub. Beginning to think that An Post isn't fit for purpose.

Had a great time at the show yesterday. Enjoyed a few cups of tea, sandwiches and cakes in The Station Cafe also. @enniscorthyman - I didn't realise that was the "Bushville" US HO layout as I was too busy admiring all the models on it. As ever, the O gauge layout was my favourite, would love to see an A Class in that scale.

Can't wait for the Wexford show - missed the last one because I sleep it in. Will have the alarm set this time - really looking forward to it.

@Georgeconna - I thought the point of this thread is to crib about customs & V.A.T. etc. The reason I purchased from the United States is that it works out around 100€ cheaper than buying same items in Europe, that's including V.A.T. My preference is to buy local where I can but when it comes to model railways there's nothing in Ireland that bares any semblence to a model railway store.

I bought a couple of locomtives from a retailer in the U.S.A. two weeks ago and it has been in this country since last Saturday. Still waiting for An Post to process it - I.R.M. will probably have launched a new model before I receive my locomotives.

@enniscourthyman - Looking forward to seeing that layout ["Bushville"]. Recently purchased the Scale Trains SDL39 (Wisconsin Central #587) which is currently stuck in customs. It's my first North American diesel locomotive but I wanted something which doesn't take up much room.

@Noel - Thanks very much for the update. Looking forward to having a great day in Wexford this forthcoming Sunday.

Very knowledgeable @Mayner, didn't know there was a place name known as Bective 'til your post [above]. Referenced the 'Railway Map of Ireland 1906' to see where it is - wonder if it'll reopen when the line is extended from the M3 Parkway all the way to Navan. Great stuff @Irishswissernie - keep posting those photographs.

@DJ Dangerous - Great job done on those 071s. I like the livery and the lack of the unsightly/untidy grab irons on each end.

@Westcorkrailway - What exactly is on your wishlist?

Seen a lot of positive reaction on YouTube regarding these wagons, just imagine how crazy those guys will get when they get their' hands on the locomotives.

Thanks leslie10646 for that suggestion, I'll certainly be having a look 'round the stalls to see if I can pick up something. So looking forward to the Wexford exhibition. Just five sleeps to go.

Personally I'm not expecting I.R.M. to produce anything to run with my silver and black Crossley's 'til next year at the earliest. I'm extremely happy with my As and get lots of enjoyment even though I run them light engine. Eventually, stock will be produced to operate with my Crossley As and I look forward to that day.

Who ever thought that the World would be in the mess it's in now? We need I.R.M. to make a new announcement soon to help take our minds off these troubled times.

Anyway, while we're waiting (patiently) for new announcements from I.R.M. the next big thing in the Irish railway modelling world is the Wexford Exhibition this forthcoming Easter & Monday. I'll be heading down on Sunday so if anyone or a few of you fancy meeting for a chat we could arrange to occupy one of the tables in the Station Cáfe.

It's likely that I.R.M. could have announced their next models years ago, however, it's far better that items are in an advanced state of production so when a new model is revealed it is accompanied by pictures of pre-production/engineering samples. Far better that way than in the past when we had to wait 3-4 years from announcement to the actual model appearing on the shelves. I've always found that waiting period very annoying so when the announcements do come there will be a much shorter lead-in time for them appearing on the shelves.

Can't think why anyone bought them in the first place, were Irish modellers that desperate, REALLY?

Hi Robert, thanks for that update. I'm looking forward to traveling to Wexford but, it's a pity that there'll be engineering works on the railway line so it'll be the bus for me. With not having been to a model railway exhibition in almost 2 and a half years I'll be just glad to see model trains operating on layouts.

I'm surprised this thread garnered so much traction. Imagine how much traffic will be generated on this website when IRM next announce an actual new model.

Any up-date regarding the Wexford Model Railway Club Annual Exhibition which will be happening this forthcoming Easter weekend? I'm certainly looking forward to it.

It looks brilliant in that livery and can understand why it sold out on pre-order. Would be very tempted to get back into modelling British Railway stock but I'd have to sell the other kidney.

Once again great pictures from irishswissernie, this is my favourite thread (except when IRM announce a new model). Have never been to Youghal but the station seems to be some distance from the town - is there a reason for this? Love the photos of trains on the streets of Cork, did any other city/town have trains (not trams) operating on their' streets?

The Drumm battery trains were a very interesting experiment. Is there a thread on here dedicated to them as I'd like to find out more about these trains?