Malahide Castle Models & Fry Models

[jhb171achill]

During the time the large “0” gauge layout operated at Malahide Castle from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, a number of models were built to operate on it.

Amongst the public, there was a common perception that the models which operated on this were Fry’s actual collection but this is not so. For one thing this layout was 2-rail, whereas Fry’s were 3-rail; for another, many of the mechanisms in Fry’s own models were worn out and never have withstood the intensive operation in the castle; but most of all, under the legal agreement between Fry’s late wife and the then Dublin Tourism, his collection were not allowed to run again.

When the new museum was established, the priority was to display Fry’s own models, not the “Castle” ones, so until now they have no home other than storage.

But there’s news.

First, a taster: here are but a few of the Castle models: 

The news is this.

For the last three years, this has excercised the efforts of those involved in tryingmto ensure that these models may be displayed also. One of Fry's provisos was that his OWN models were not to become part of a collection of other people's models, so even if there WAS room in Malahide, we couldn't put them all in - and in reality too, we already have a number of Fry's English models which remain in storage.

I may organise a viewing evening for these at some stage....

So, what  to do with the Castle stuff - and, indeed, the huge layout upon which they ran, which is in storage in a warehouse?

Over the last few years the solution has come in the form of several other museums and model railway clubs, who have agreed to take a number of these models on long term loans. The necessary legal paperwork has now been drawn up, and final lists are being prepared (this evening, in between posting pics here of Dugort Harbour!) of who gets what. There are two model railway clibs involved, and two railway-themed museums. In the latter two cases, the models which go there are of prototypes related to the areas where those museums are.

The idea is that these models can be spread about to be seen by the public, and hopefully give some local publicity to the Malahide Model Railway Museum. I should soon be in a position to say what's going where.

This relates to modwls only. It does not relate to the large layout structure, for which numerous attempts to find a home for it have come to nought. However, only recently, we have had a meeting with a possible provider of a new home for the actual structure, which contains many fine bridge structures. This was built in the 1980s by apprentices in Inchicore Works, and it was only later, and by good fortune, that a home for it could be found at Malahide, hence its survival.

There remains a ceiling-level "O" gauge elevated track in the new malahide Model Railway Museum. Some of the "Castle" models have already been retained to operate there, and today some more were allocated.

I will post more news as the current situation develops.

 

Edited March 20, 2023 by jhb171achill

[Westcorkrailway]

8 minutes ago, jhb171achill said:

During the time the large “0” gauge layout operated at Malahide Castle from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, a number of models were built to operate on it.

Amongst the public, there was a common perception that the models which operated on this were Fry’s actual collection but this is not so. For one thing this layout was 2-rail, whereas Fry’s were 3-rail; for another, many of the mechanisms in Fry’s own models were worn out and never have withstood the intensive operation in the castle; but most of all, under the legal agreement between Fry’s late wife and the then Dublin Tourism, his collection were not allowed to run again.

When the new museum was established, the priority was to display Fry’s own models, not the “Castle” ones, so until now they have no home other than storage.

But there’s news.

First, a taster: here are but a few of the Castle models: 

No home you say….I’m sure I could find that bandon tank a home 

 

in all seriousness though these are some great models….with an interesting backstory in themselves. I know that missus fry used to run the trains up and down the track herself 

[jhb171achill]

22 minutes ago, Westcorkrailway said:

No home you say….I’m sure I could find that bandon tank a home 

 

in all seriousness though these are some great models….with an interesting backstory in themselves. I know that missus fry used to run the trains up and down the track herself 

I know Fry's daughter, who is now in her late 80s. An amazing lady, who has been of immeasureable help to me in many ways.

[jhb171achill]

An addendum; while the "Castle" Layout was built by various apprentices in Inchicore, under the tutelage of Tommy Tighe, the models were built for the castle by a number of people. Perhaps half were built by the late Kieran Magowan of the Model Shop in Monck Place, which many of us have fond memories of. Of the remainder, most of the locomotives were built by our own Brendan Kelly, with the other stuff built by perhaps half a dozen other people, most of whose identities we no longer have a record of.

[Bob229]

When visiting my Grandparents in Dublin, my Grandad often took me out to see Malahide Castle to see the railway layout it was fantastic hope it finds a new home and another treat was to go to Monck Place, Happy days

[Niles]

The Luas must be one of the last additions? I remember being impressed when it was added to the display, proving it wasn't static (figuratively). 

[Westcorkrailway]

13 hours ago, jhb171achill said:

An addendum; while the "Castle" Layout was built by various apprentices in Inchicore, under the tutelage of Tommy Tighe, the models were built for the castle by a number of people. Perhaps half were built by the late Kieran Magowan of the Model Shop in Monck Place, which many of us have fond memories of. Of the remainder, most of the locomotives were built by our own Brendan Kelly, with the other stuff built by perhaps half a dozen other people, most of whose identities we no longer have a record of.

We’re they also behind the “Inchicore 150” cork shed layout that was at Inchicore works at the door on the open day 

[jhb171achill]

9 hours ago, Niles said:

The Luas must be one of the last additions? I remember being impressed when it was added to the display, proving it wasn't static (figuratively). 

Yes, it would have been - though I don't know who made it, nor do Brendan or Steve - if anyone here knows, let me know!

8 hours ago, Westcorkrailway said:

We’re they also behind the “Inchicore 150” cork shed layout that was at Inchicore works at the door on the open day 

No - the guys who made the "Castle" layout were no longer apprentices by then - some had left the railway, others promoted.

[the Bandon tank]

I know one of of the apprentices who worked on it, his name is Thomas Connolly an electrical apprentice at the time.

[jhb171achill]

48 minutes ago, the Bandon tank said:

I know one of of the apprentices who worked on it, his name is Thomas Connolly an electrical apprentice at the time.

Great stuff! I'm hoping to have some good news for him in the next few weeks........

[jhb171achill]

A Fry SLNCR brake and a GNR cattle wagon. Straight out of Drumnagortihacket, between Glenfarne and Galtimore….

Note the extremely rudimentary passenger accommodation, usually only used by cattle drovers….

[airfixfan]

Know of a good home for any County Donegal or Lough Swilly modeld surplus to requirements!

[minister_for_hardship]

2 hours ago, airfixfan said:

Know of a good home for any County Donegal or Lough Swilly modeld surplus to requirements!

Donegal town railway museum?

[Branno]

 

Thomas worked on it with me, out in Malahide Castle, every Saturday in 1989 for about a year

[airfixfan]

21 hours ago, minister_for_hardship said:

Donegal town railway museum?

Correct we already have some of the Sam Carse CDR models.

[jhb171achill]

Delighted to be able to say that today the DCDR and Headhunters Railway Museum in Enniskillen took delivery of a number of former "Castle" models for display there on permanent loan. So it's out of the storage boxes for these fine models, and into the public eye.

Several other items will eventually go to the Model Railway Society of Ireland and the South Dublin Model Railway Club.

Other models have been retained in the Malahide Model Railway Museum, where they will be rotated to run on the upper level display track. These will include a total of nine trains representing the eras from pre-1925 to modern times, steam to diesel to Dart to Luas. Yes, even a 2-car 2600 in lime & navy livery.

Future work will involve trying to get funding and display space for the remaining Fry-buyilt stuff which is still in storage - this consists of Fry's British models, which are mostly LNWR & LMS prototypes, which he was most familiar with.

Edited September 4, 2023 by jhb171achill

[Noel]

On 21/3/2023 at 12:09 AM, Bob229 said:

When visiting my Grandparents in Dublin, my Grandad often took me out to see Malahide Castle to see the railway layout it was fantastic hope it finds a new home and another treat was to go to Monck Place, Happy days

Yes the old castle layout was an amazing and stimulating assault on the senses it was so full of movement and light, ships trains, trams, constant movement in all directions. It was not fine scale but a visual feast of movement and most entertaining especially to under 10s. Glad to hear the original operating layout models will find new homes.

Edited September 19, 2023 by Noel

[Newtoncork]

Went to the Fry collection on Monday. Really loved it, it's my first time seeing his models up close and the attention to detail is amazing. Staff were enthusiastic and more than willing to help. I can see how it can appeal to both adults and kids.

Few suggestions. Some more info on what happened to the original layout would be helpful, not sure if any of it exists in a state where it could be displayed. Secondly, I bet a lot of visitors are from the UK. even having one cabinet specifically for UK models he did would be great. At the end of the day, all his models are amazing!

[jhb171achill]

Your comments are much appreciated, Newtoncork.

The British models are currently in storage in the same building, pending funding for new cabinets for them. I was looking at several of them only this afternoon - two (different types) of Llandudno trams, a Liverpool tram and a Birkenhead one! Excellent stuff. His LNWR stuff is absolutely superb. If funding cannot be had soon enough, or if space remains an issue, we're looking at having a one-off exhuibition of his British stuff at some stage. We'll see!

Here's a taster, though, a bit closer to home; his excellent model of West Clare no. 5, currently (real thing) at Moyasta Junction preserved.

You mention the original layout. This was in storage for years, and the bulk of it has now been repatriated to inchicore Works, where it was built. It is the intention of Irish Rail to display the major parts of it at some stage. Some of the CASTLE (as opposed to Fry-made) models have now gone to Headhunters in Enniskillen and others to the DCDR at Downpatrick. These are on permanent loan and are intended for public display at those places. The Enniskillen material is mostly GNR and CDRJC stuff, while the items sent to Downpatrick relate to the 1980s NIR Mk 2 "Enterprise" set, and some representative CIE fitted 4-wheelers of 1970s / 80s design.

Only today, I took delivery of some paperwork kindly sent to me by Headhunters Museum in Enniskillen, which relates to his his correspondence with the GNR at Dundalk, when he was looking for outline drawings of locomotives. One of many things that in future it is hoped to display too.

Edited October 4, 2023 by jhb171achill

[David Holman]

Great to see these wonderful models!

[jhb171achill]

Some Fry models which I took pics of today for their social media pages....

1.  Giant's Causeway stock

2. Oil burner no. 342 in GSWR / GSR grey

3. Donegal "Phoenix" No. 11 - strangest thing ever, when ye think about it

4. CDR No. 7, the pioneering diesel railcar in Ireland and further afield. Just think, this is the ancestor of all those gaudily-coloured HST Pendolino ICR 450 class "customer tubes" which dart about the place here and in Brexitstan..........

5. The "miissing link" between No. 7 and an ICR, No. 19 (of 19 & 20 - the CDR's last two new railcars, now resident in the Isle of Man)

7.  The early days - Waterford & Tramore No. 4. Pity one of these old "singles" didn't survive - but one nearly did, being earmarked for preservation while still in traffic, but scrapped after an accident in 1934, by which time it was by a very long way the last "Single" in traffic in Ireland, or the neighbouring island.....

8.  Fry's excellent little model of one of the pair of Dublin & Blessington railcars, which operated over that line from 1928 to closure in 1932.

Edited October 12, 2023 by jhb171achill

[jhb171achill]

Fry also had road vehicles on his layout. Most of these were just bought Dinky toys, painted by him in railway liveries.

Prior to the establishment of CIE, the GSR had its own road services. In terms of passenger transport, this related to the takeover in 1934 of the IOC (Irish Omnibus Company), to form the GSR road services. Around the same time the GSR set up their tourism wing, which would develop into CIE Tours.

In terms of road transport, the GSR established their road services division too. Fry acquired a Minic toy lorry and painted it in GSR road services livery. Since the IOC buses were red and white, a livery which the GSR perpetuated until CIE green appeared in 1945, the road services initially used a bright red livery too. This is not to be confused with the dark maroon used by the GSR on railway carriages, of course. Fry's model is interesting in that it shows this livery - probably the single solitary thing in existence that does so; but also it shows the lettering.

Prior to the GSR, the Irish language and script style were studiously avoided by railway companies, whose directors would almost to a man been of the opinion that it dodn't matter. We are all aware of the bilingual black enamel GSR station signs, much imitated today (despite the exact gaelic font used by the GSR being seemingly elusive in either real or model form!). However, on their road vehicles, they has "GSR" or its Irish equivalent, on both lorry (or delivery van) cabsides, as well as bodies.

Fry meticulously reproduced this on his repaint of this proprietary model as shown.  Note that on each side, the English and Irish version; on one side one version is on the cab, and the same version is on the body on the other side, and vice-versa.

It is interesting to see this come to life in colour. I was aware of the livery details, but had yet to see it "in the flesh"; which I did today, as the very last remnants of Fry's ancillary spares / accessories were being sorted. and packed away. I hope to include this thing in a future display at the Casino model railway museum. With a growing interest in the earlier eras in Irish railways, this is timely.

 

Edited October 17, 2023 by jhb171achill

[Mayner]

Did Fry produce models of any of the private operators that were absorbed into the GSR or ceased to operate following the 1934 Transport Act? 

My father who lived near Brittas County Dublin in the 1930s spoke fondly of the "Paragon Bus Company"  that operated a direct Dublin-New Ross Bus service and of the DBST running converted Model T busses and not a railway enthusiast he also spoke of Model Ts operating on the Clogher Valley.

An friend of my father lived beside the DBST at Crooksling spoke about borrowing a p.w. trolley (which had a damaged wheel) for evening/nightime joy-rides as young adults to-Brittas.

 

[jhb171achill]

No, unless he gave them away before he died.

I know that the handful of models still owned by his family don't contain any road vehicles.

His railway-liveried road models consist of the above, a GNR lorry and a Dinky toy bus in CIE green. All are Dinky toys except the one above which is Minic. Other than that, his vehicles were just ordinary Dinky toy cars etc of the day. he didn't repaint anything else that I can think of. Today I listed and catalogued the very last of the bits and pieces in his spares box - down to broken signal posts, etc., so at this stage it would seem that no further material is likely to come to light, though I am following up one more lead at present.

It would be interesting to see models of the pre-IOC buses indeed.

Intrigued by the story of a model T on the CVR - never heard of that......

Senior recalled seeing the little ones on the DBST all right - they used to go out that way for summer picnics.

[Newtoncork]

Did Fry ever model the MPD's and MED's? He modelled all the CIE models of the same time and I'm sure he was very aware of the developments in the North.

[jhb171achill]

2 hours ago, Newtoncork said:

Did Fry ever model the MPD's and MED's? He modelled all the CIE models of the same time and I'm sure he was very aware of the developments in the North.

No. His northern models were as follows:

1.   Narrow gauge - CDR, LLSR, Ballycastle, Cushendall and Clogher Valley stuff. Strangely, he ignored the Ballymena & Larne which had some very nice stock.

2.  NCC: He did a "Jeep" (No. 5), a U2 (Dunluce Castle), a full rake of NCC "North Atlantic" carriages, and a few wagons.

3.  Two BCDR locos and several BCDR carriages - again interestingly, he ignored their 6-wheel stock which right until closure constituted by a very large margin, the vast majority of BCDR stock (I think they only had about 6 bogies).

4.   DNGR loco and coaches.

5.   GNR(I) stuff.

Yes, he would indeed have been aware of these developments, as his last models WERE 1960s in origin - Cravens and 141s. By this stage the MPD and MED sets had been in traffic for quite a few years. He travelled on a number of IRRS excursions as well, so he may have been on one of those which visited York Road in the early 60s - if so, he'd have seen the UTA railcars all round him. Strangely he made no AEC or BUT railcars; an omission like that would be the same as someone who set out in this day and age to make a model of all CURRENT Irish trains, omitting an ICR or a 201.

I guess he didn't like railcars; at this stage (1960s / 70s) there were quite a lot of enthusiasts (jhbSenior included) who looked on these with disdain, as they (a) remembered steam and (b) saw railcars as being somewhat analagous with the 1950s / 60s overall decline of the railways. Certainly, sifting through all the major photographic collections, it is clear that railcars north and south are not to the forefront of 1950-70 photography!

[minister_for_hardship]

On 17/10/2023 at 10:51 PM, jhb171achill said:

 

Prior to the GSR, the Irish language and script style were studiously avoided by railway companies, whose directors would almost to a man been of the opinion that it dodn't matter.

Oddly enough, the GS&WR Clerkship examinations had an Irish exam, in that hard to read script. Granted it was about 1920 and perhaps the writing was on the wall (excuse pun) of the old regime at that point? If I recall, they did refuse to handle parcels with addresses written in Irish at an earlier stage.

[jhb171achill]

MALAHIDE MODEL RAILWAY MUSEUM

As of now, the museum will open five days per week; Wednesday to Sunday inclusive.

On Mondays it’s closed for layout and model maintenance anyway, but Tuesdays have been very quiet since it first opened.

This will be reviewed periodically in the future to see if Tuesday (or Monday afternoon) opening is warranted.

……and here’s a photo of Fry’s; Ballinamore, believed to be 1959 just before closure.

Yes, modellers, it has a RED buffer beam! 

Edited January 20 by jhb171achill

[Bob229]

15 hours ago, jhb171achill said:

MALAHIDE MODEL RAILWAY MUSEUM

As of now, the museum will open five days per week; Wednesday to Sunday inclusive.

On Mondays it’s closed for layout and model maintenance anyway, but Tuesdays have been very quiet since it first opened.

This will be reviewed periodically in the future to see if Tuesday (or Monday afternoon) opening is warranted.

……and here’s a photo of Fry’s; Ballinamore, believed to be 1959 just before closure.

Yes, modellers, it has a RED buffer beam! 

Thanks for the update on my must visit list for 2024

Edited January 20 by Bob229

[Newtoncork]

Took the two eldest kids (19 & 20) to the Fry yesterday. Great to see it very busy, lots of families. My eldest did metalwork at school and one thing did come up. How Cyril Fry actually made his models? I know there is a display of his workbench, but how he actually made those CDR railcars from metal is amazing.

I think there is a whole category of second level students doing engineering and metalwork who would be very interested in how he did curves, cut out windows etc. Leaving Cert students could be very inspired by his work and, of course, it's getting a new generation interested in the hobby. For Leaving Cert engineering, they need to work on a metalwork project, maybe taking them to the Fry and explaining how he did it, would help enthuse them.

Any thoughts?

[jhb171achill]

1 hour ago, Newtoncork said:

Took the two eldest kids (19 & 20) to the Fry yesterday. Great to see it very busy, lots of families. My eldest did metalwork at school and one thing did come up. How Cyril Fry actually made his models? I know there is a display of his workbench, but how he actually made those CDR railcars from metal is amazing.

I think there is a whole category of second level students doing engineering and metalwork who would be very interested in how he did curves, cut out windows etc. Leaving Cert students could be very inspired by his work and, of course, it's getting a new generation interested in the hobby. For Leaving Cert engineering, they need to work on a metalwork project, maybe taking them to the Fry and explaining how he did it, would help enthuse them.

Any thoughts?

Let me know by PM. I'm involved with this museum. We are trying to look at ways of having new events this year - and that would be an excellent one.

He used tinplate and he used shaped wooden blocks to bend things round. he was an excellent tinsmith. One or two of the wooden blocks have survived - I think there's one on that table. I was in yesterday at one stage - pity I missed you! Bogies, wheels, etc., were a mix of bought ones and ones he cast hyimself. The self-cast ones are generally very brittle nowadays and must be handled with extreme care.

Worth pointing out that as of now, while the museum is open today for the bank holiday, on an ongoing basis it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays for maintenance etc. Opening is 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:30), Wednesdays to Sundays inclusive.