Clogherhead - A GNR(I) Seaside Terminus

[Patrick Davey]

On 20/8/2025 at 12:04 PM, Tullygrainey said:

Great pics Patrick. Shows off the fleet, but also the location, to perfection. Bet that lot make a merry racket!

More rackets than Wimbledon

[Patrick Davey]

Hi everyone - I’ve just uploaded a new video to my ‘Brookhall Mill’ YouTube channel, entitled ‘A Class Act’.

It’s an appreciation (not a review) of the IRM A Class models which were released back in 2021.

I’ve put a good bit more effort into this video than was the case for previous videos, so I’d be very grateful for any comments and also any corrections!!  It’s centred on my Clogherhead DCC layout and has lots of sound effects and a newly-composed soundtrack too.

Lots of people helped me with this video and also with my A Class ‘journey’ to date - all are credited at the end!

Thanks for watching and I hope you all enjoy!!

Patrick 

 

https://youtu.be/J5QyaovuGIo?si=b3tPdTyVQ6NXpmoV

[Tullygrainey]

35 minutes ago, Patrick Davey said:

Hi everyone - I’ve just uploaded a new video to my ‘Brookhall Mill’ YouTube channel, entitled ‘A Class Act’.

It’s an appreciation (not a review) of the IRM A Class models which were released back in 2021.

I’ve put a good bit more effort into this video than was the case for previous videos, so I’d be very grateful for any comments and also any corrections!!  It’s centred on my Clogherhead DCC layout and has lots of sound effects and a newly-composed soundtrack too.

Lots of people helped me with this video and also with my A Class ‘journey’ to date - all are credited at the end!

Thanks for watching and I hope you all enjoy!!

Patrick 

 

https://youtu.be/J5QyaovuGIo?si=b3tPdTyVQ6NXpmoV

Lovely work Patrick and a great tribute to the models.

[Galteemore]

Fab work Patrick. Great tribute. And a great backdrop/soundtrack! 

[Louth]

Great production Patrick. Very professional and shows your layout and the locomotives to their very best. I assume you played the background music.

[jhb171achill]

On 25/8/2025 at 9:08 AM, Patrick Davey said:

Hi everyone - I’ve just uploaded a new video to my ‘Brookhall Mill’ YouTube channel, entitled ‘A Class Act’.

It’s an appreciation (not a review) of the IRM A Class models which were released back in 2021.

I’ve put a good bit more effort into this video than was the case for previous videos, so I’d be very grateful for any comments and also any corrections!!  It’s centred on my Clogherhead DCC layout and has lots of sound effects and a newly-composed soundtrack too.

Lots of people helped me with this video and also with my A Class ‘journey’ to date - all are credited at the end!

Thanks for watching and I hope you all enjoy!!

Patrick 

 

https://youtu.be/J5QyaovuGIo?si=b3tPdTyVQ6NXpmoV

This has got to be the best video relating to a model railway subject that I have ever seen! Love the specially composed music too - all in all, utter genius, both the layout, the video production and the music!

[Patrick Davey]

21 hours ago, Louth said:

Great production Patrick. Very professional and shows your layout and the locomotives to their very best. I assume you played the background music.

Thanks Kevin, very kind!  And yes, guilty as charged re. the music!

6 hours ago, jhb171achill said:

This has got to be the best video relating to a model railway subject that I have ever seen! Love the specially composed music too - all in all, utter genius, both the layout, the video production and the music!

Thanks a mil JB - very kind words!  I thought you would approve of the ‘instant’ unboxing!

On 25/8/2025 at 9:50 AM, Galteemore said:

Fab work Patrick. Great tribute. And a great backdrop/soundtrack! 

Thanks David!

On 25/8/2025 at 9:44 AM, Tullygrainey said:

Lovely work Patrick and a great tribute to the models.

On 25/8/2025 at 9:44 AM, Tullygrainey said:

Lovely work Patrick and a great tribute to the models.

Thanks Alan!

[jhb171achill]

3 hours ago, Patrick Davey said:

 

Thanks a mil JB - very kind words!  I thought you would approve of the ‘instant’ unboxing!

 

Yup!

For the least interesting, as opposed to your MOST interesting, we gave several choices.

1.  Watching paint dry

2. Watching grass grow

3. Watching a video of an over-talkative railway enthusiast spending an hour and a half, ninety mind-numbing boring minutes, opening a box, taking the wagon out of it, setting it on a table and walking around it, still wittering on about some inane nonsense…..!

Of these, (1) and (2) are preferable…..

Edited August 28 by jhb171achill

[DJ Dangerous]

On 25/8/2025 at 9:08 AM, Patrick Davey said:

Hi everyone - I’ve just uploaded a new video to my ‘Brookhall Mill’ YouTube channel, entitled ‘A Class Act’.

It’s an appreciation (not a review) of the IRM A Class models which were released back in 2021.

I’ve put a good bit more effort into this video than was the case for previous videos, so I’d be very grateful for any comments and also any corrections!!  It’s centred on my Clogherhead DCC layout and has lots of sound effects and a newly-composed soundtrack too.

Lots of people helped me with this video and also with my A Class ‘journey’ to date - all are credited at the end!

Thanks for watching and I hope you all enjoy!!

Patrick 

 

https://youtu.be/J5QyaovuGIo?si=b3tPdTyVQ6NXpmoV

Just found your video on YouTube, @Patrick Davey. Very well put together, hopping between model and prototype seamlessly.

Also functions as a great guide for anybody new to the hobby.

Great videography, if that’s a real word.

Only suggestion is that it needs more cowbell.

 

 

[Patrick Davey]

17 minutes ago, DJ Dangerous said:

 

Only suggestion is that it needs more cowbell.

 

Well I did use iMOOvie

[Signal Post]

Wow Patrick,

That is a wonderful video, would do credit to any professional documentary maker, mind you not too many documentaries have specially commissioned theme music.....

In answer to the question that you asked in the video regarding the white marker lights being extinguished when the cab lights come on the short answer is no, you are not doing anything wrong. I have had a look at my own and using A3R with a standard IRM A class EMD decoder the white marker lights remain illuminated regardless of whether the cab lights are on or off, similarly with A55 with an IRM Crossley decoder.  Figuring out what the problem is will take a little bit of work, so I'll begin by asking a few questions:

Q1. Is it a standard IRM A class Loksound decoder?

Q2. Has there been any changes made (intentionally or otherwise) to any of the CV settings on this decoder (other than assigning a new loco address)?

Q3. Does the fault occur with the opposite direction of travel selected (on the video it is shown happening at the No.1 cab end (fan), if the other direction of travel is selected does the same thing happen at the No.2 end?

Q4. If red (tail) marker lights are also selected on (F11 ON, on standard decoder) do they remain illuminated when cab lights are selected on?

I would suggest swapping the decoders for a test ie put the sound decoder in A15 and the non-sound decoder in A3R. If the problem transfers onto A15 then it would indicate an anomaly with the sound decoder, however if the lights continue to work normally on A15 whilst the marker lights extinguish on A3R whilst using the non-sound decoder then this would indicate some form of problem with the loco....

Let me know how you get on with the above and then I'll probably have some more questions!

[Patrick Davey]

@Signal Post thank you for those kind words!

As far as I recall I believe I tried swapping decoders between locos and the problem matched the decoders, and all of my sound decoders had the same issue, 1 EMD and 2 Crossley.

But I will try it again to make sure.  Updates tomorrow and thanks for offering to help!

[Patrick Davey]

@Signal Post - here’s a summary of the cab light issue with my A classes:

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part series

And Part 2:

 

[Signal Post]

Interesting......!

I would agree with you that the problem appears to be with the decoder (or possibly controller) rather than any hard-wire issue with the locos, which is good news.

My first thoughts were that the problem was with a CV (configuration variable) setting on the sound decoder, although this would seem unlikely it is not impossible, however given that the problem is occurring on both EMD and Crossley sound chips this possibility seems even less likely.

Next area to investigate would be the controller that you are using, what make/model is this?

Some controllers have an icon on the display that will show a light-bulb symbol when F0 (front marker lights) is selected on, if you have one of these does it remain displayed when the cab lights are selected to ON (I assume that you are using F23 for the cab lights)?

Did you use this controller to assign the loco address to each DCC chip or was it done on another device (eg a LokProgrammer)?

Questions, questions......!

[DJ Dangerous]

Worth bearing in mind, as per THIS post, that the cab lights (F23) and shunt lights (F12) are hard-wired backwards, so both cab lights illuminate simultaneously instead of in one cab only, whereas the shunt lights only come on at one end, not both.

 

On 31/1/2022 at 9:03 AM, Warbonnet said:

Hello Noel,

Back on November 27th we sent out an email detailing an error on the DCC function list. I have copied and pasted it below in full to assist you.

Updated A Class DCC Function List

 

As you play with your A Class you may note that there has been a mix up with two functions. This is due to a misprint in the operating manual. F12 is in fact "Shunt Mode Marker Lights - Front and Rear" and F23 is "Cab Interior Lights". In the manual this is stated as the opposite way round. Apologies for this mix up.

You can download the updated list by clicking on this link.

F25 does function as an engine room light but as per prototype it is very faint. Please check across a couple of your locos in case the one you are looking at is not working correctly.

Thanks,

Fran 

Is it possible that this affects how the sound decoder interacts with the loco?

Roads And Rails posted a simple fix for the wiring, here:

 

 

[Patrick Davey]

I’m using an NCE PowerCab and it definitely does weird things from time to time - usually when I press F11 for rear marker lights, the whistle sound activates first, a second press does as expected.  Some other times when I select an already operating locomotive, it other turns off or changes direction!

Possibly all related?

[Signal Post]

No this isn't relevant to the problem that he is experiencing. The lighting mod described will change the lighting effects, basically F23 will then turn both front and rear shunting lights on (one red and one white on each end) as per prototype and F23 cab lights will then only switch on at front (in direction of travel). I don't think that Patrick's locos have been modified as evidenced by cab lights coming on at both ends. I have both modified and unmodified locos and neither will cause the marker lights to extinguish when cab lights are selected on.

I wish it was this simple D.J. but I feel a bit more head-scratching will be required on this one...!

[Patrick Davey]

33 minutes ago, DJ Dangerous said:

Worth bearing in mind, as per THIS post, that the cab lights (F23) and shunt lights (F12) are hard-wired backwards, so both cab lights illuminate simultaneously instead of in one cab only, whereas the shunt lights only come on at one end, not both.

 

Is it possible that this affects how the sound decoder interacts with the loco?

Roads And Rails posted a simple fix for the wiring, here:

 

 

Yes I am familiar with this video. I have watched it a few times but my soldering skills would not be appropriate for this level of precision!

[Signal Post]

5 minutes ago, Patrick Davey said:

I’m using an NCE PowerCab and it definitely does weird things from time to time - usually when I press F11 for rear marker lights, the whistle sound activates first, a second press does as expected.  Some other times when I select an already operating locomotive, it other turns off or changes direction!

Possibly all related?

I suspect that it is related to the controller. When you have switched the cab lights on (and the marker lights have extinguished) if you then turn the marker lights on with one press of the F0 button (and they re-illuminate) then this would confirm that the problem lies in the NCE PowerCab.....

 

7 minutes ago, Patrick Davey said:

Yes I am familiar with this video. I have watched it a few times but my soldering skills would not be appropriate for this level of precision!

Yes it's a slightly scary mod given the risk of damage and the fact that the IRM locos are covered by a lifetime warranty.....

btw it is possible to modify the CVs so that the marker lights wil be on at both ends simultaneously (as per the prototype), however with the cab end lights its all or nothing (ie both ends on or both ends off)... unless you choose to go waving a soldering iron about!

[Patrick Davey]

2 hours ago, Signal Post said:

When you have switched the cab lights on (and the marker lights have extinguished) if you then turn the marker lights on with one press of the F0 button (and they re-illuminate) then this would confirm that the problem lies in the NCE PowerCab

I can confirm that the marker lights do not illuminate when this is attempted.  The only way I can get them to work simultaneously is by swapping in a standard chip.

IRM I think recommended I reset the chip to factory settings but dopey me wasn't able to follow the steps

[Signal Post]

It might be worth trying a factory reset, although whatever about a single decoder going "rogue" or having a CV value changed inadvertently it seems unlikely that 3 of them (an EMD and 2 Crossleys) would have the same problem....

The way to perform a factory reset varies slightly from controller to controller (although they all do the same thing) and is not necessarily obvious to the uninitiated! It involves setting CV8 to a value of 8 (for the IRM decoders). I found this clip which shows quite clearly how to do it on an NCE PowerCab, note however that after performing this the loco address will default back to 3 and will need to be programmed back to your desired number.

Personally I wouldn't expect this to cure the problem, given the symptoms that you have described.

My next suggestion would be to try your loco on a friend's layout, preferably one that uses a different type of controller. I know that you have some friends up there with lovely layouts so it'll be a good excuse to see them again!

[Patrick Davey]

That was a very helpful video on resetting the decoder, I’ve done it and still have the same problem, as @Signal Post anticipated

[Patrick Davey]

Now that Brookhall Mill has found a fabulous new home, the process of chipping my DC locos for running on Clogherhead can start and my two OO Works locos have now been chipped, and also fitted with ‘stay alive’ capacitors for extra running smoothness.  The blue U class was not a great runner in the past but thanks to the great work of Alan Nixon who serviced and cleaned the loco as well as adding the chip and capacitor, she’s running much more smoothly than before.  The black UG, although strictly inappropriate for this layout in her current late-UTA livery, was always a solid runner and is even more so now.  Although I think I will definitely change her to an all-black livery which will be more appropriate for this layout.

Many thanks to Alan @Tullygrainey 

Edited September 19 by Patrick Davey

[Galteemore]

Great stuff Patrick. Just need to get some coal in those tenders! 

[Patrick Davey]

My two OO works steam locos are settling in very well to their new home - it's amazing to see them glide effortlessly over the ancient Peco double slip at the station throat and the U in particular just looks 'right' when sitting at the platform:

 

The UG looks pretty much at home with a short goods train:

Although it will definitely need to get re-liveried into GNR black.

When I repainted the three former Brookhall Mill linen vans into standard GNR grey I decided to give them a bit of weathering too.  This came out a lot darker than expected but it'll have to do!  I've also weathered my Provincial Wagons brake van as it was looking far too pristine behind these vans so it has been toned down a good bit too:

 

 

Edited September 20 by Patrick Davey

[Galteemore]

Fabulous work all round Patrick. Sad though it is to see Brookhall go, this will be a more satisfying layout to operate. The greater sense of space also tells here. The U with a healthy rake doesn’t look crowded or compressed. I think a backscene - simple sky/landscape - would set it off very nicely. 

Edited September 20 by Galteemore

[Patrick Davey]

26 minutes ago, Galteemore said:

Fabulous work all round Patrick. Sad though it is to see Brookhall go, this will be a more satisfying layout to operate. The greater sense of space also tells here. The U with a healthy rake doesn’t look crowded or compressed. I think a backscene - simple sky/landscape - would set it off very nicely. 

Cheers David - I had been thinking that recently so it may happen!

[derek]

22 hours ago, Patrick Davey said:

My two OO works steam locos are settling in very well to their new home - it's amazing to see them glide effortlessly over the ancient Peco double slip at the station throat and the U in particular just looks 'right' when sitting at the platform:

 

The UG looks pretty much at home with a short goods train:

Although it will definitely need to get re-liveried into GNR black.

When I repainted the three former Brookhall Mill linen vans into standard GNR grey I decided to give them a bit of weathering too.  This came out a lot darker than expected but it'll have to do!  I've also weathered my Provincial Wagons brake van as it was looking far too pristine behind these vans so it has been toned down a good bit too:

 

 

Brake van looks very well Patrick. Just need to assemble my one now.............. I have it a couple years now, so it will be about time.

[Patrick Davey]

I took the bull by the horns and painted out the UTA lining on my OO Works UG, making it more GNR-like and suitable for Clogherhead.  I still have to deal with the buffer beam number and add some weathering but overall it has come out very well.  I will also be re-numbering the locomotive so some research needed there. 

[Galteemore]

Numbers 145-149 is your range of choice I think Patrick, as the model is of the 1948 batch rather than 1937 (you can tell as it has 3 plugs on the firebox). You’ve made a great job of that. I’d probably use a small amount of Humbrol ‘metalcote’ gunmetal on the handrails which will relieve the colour scheme a little.

Edited September 22 by Galteemore

[Patrick Davey]

Railtec do this series of transfers for GNR(I) diesel railcars so I think if I take the 714 and put the 7 to the end I could be sorted for UG 147!  Hoping the GNR lettering is correct.....

 

Edited September 22 by Patrick Davey

[Patrick Davey]

Here she is, with thanks to Ernie:

 

[Patrick Davey]

Looking at those transfers, it seems that every one of the 145-149 series would be an option.

[Galteemore]

1 hour ago, Patrick Davey said:

Railtec do this series of transfers for GNR(I) diesel railcars so I think if I take the 714 and put the 7 to the end I could be sorted for UG 147!  Hoping the GNR lettering is correct.....

 

It’s not 100% right. Should be shaded red. I have an ancient 7mm set from North Star - see below 

But it’s very close and will look fine ! 

[Patrick Davey]

4 minutes ago, Galteemore said:

It’s not 100% right. Should be shaded red. I have an ancient 7mm set from North Star - see below 

But it’s very close and will look fine ! 

Cue the age-old bodge of weathering to cover it!