GNR wagons ex-works, early 1940s.

[jhb171achill]

See attached; from the GNR’s commemorative book, published then. 
Note the purpose-built turf wagon. 

The image of the Fintona tram is in its original dark maroon and white livery. 

Meanwhile a chemist in the lab gets paint pigments spot-on for the next paint batch order….

[Metrovik]

What type of experiments were they cooking up in "THE LABORATORY"?  I can only think of detonators possibly?

Edit: oh right, paint!

Edited June 2 by Metrovik

[jhb171achill]

6 minutes ago, Metrovik said:

What type of experiments were they cooking up in "THE LABORATORY"?  I can only think of detonators possibly?

Edit: oh right, paint!

Paint was one thing; they were meticulous about proper adherence to guidelines on colour, not just on rolling stock, but buildings. They also tested and monitored chemicals used elsewhere, such as creosote for preserving sleepers. 

[Mol_PMB]

Superb - many thanks!

I like the double-deck sheep/pig wagon?

They would not all have been grey - the vac-fitted wagons would have been orange-brown. 

Edited June 2 by Mol_PMB

[Metrovik]

3 minutes ago, jhb171achill said:

Paint was one thing; they were meticulous about proper adherence to guidelines on colour, not just on rolling stock, but buildings. They also tested and monitored chemicals used elsewhere, such as creosote for preserving sleepers. 

Wow, they really were so much more than just trains! Would any other companies on this Island have had such labs? 

[Mol_PMB]

10 minutes ago, Metrovik said:

Wow, they really were so much more than just trains! Would any other companies on this Island have had such labs? 

I think I’ve read of Inchicore having labs too, possibly of a different style. Vague recollection is that they tested fuel samples? I’d have to look it up later as I’m away from home. 

[jhb171achill]

1 hour ago, Mol_PMB said:

Superb - many thanks!

I like the double-deck sheep/pig wagon?

They would not all have been grey - the vac-fitted wagons would have been orange-brown. 

Latterly, yes, but still grey I think in the early 1940s when these pics were taken. 

Actually, I’ve a spare copy of this book for sale. If anyone’s interested, €20 + postage anywhere. Local post rates for north, south & Britain. 

Binding is a bit shook, but this book is a hens teeth thing by now.

Edited June 2 by jhb171achill

[jhb171achill]

2 hours ago, Metrovik said:

Wow, they really were so much more than just trains! Would any other companies on this Island have had such labs? 

Absolutely. Inchicore and Broadstone did, and I’m sure the likes of the NCC did too. 

[Flying Snail]

These are great - some gems in there: love the Finona tram photo, but the bogman in me is drawn to the the turf wagons and the briquetting plant . That double decker livestock wagon is interesting too.

[mfjoc]

Much of the testing in the Lab in inchicore in the 1980's was the analysis of lube oil for diesel engines for all the CIE companies.

 

[jhb171achill]

2 hours ago, mfjoc said:

Much of the testing in the Lab in inchicore in the 1980's was the analysis of lube oil for diesel engines for all the CIE companies.

 

Yes, I forgot about that! The GNR lab would have had a lot to do with that too, and now that I think of it, I think I was told they also I tested something to do with the metal content of rails. The last time I had any sort of detailed conversation with the former works manager there, I was probably in my 20s, wish I’d paid more attention and asked more questions!

[leslie10646]

And the calorific value of the coal which they got. I believe tests of turf as well during the "Inconvenience".

Hey, @jhb171achill, why buy the book when you've displayed most of the contents here?

Its photo content is probably more valuable than the text, which, I think, was repeated in The Jurnal in due course.

At the time, though, it was rightly considered a book to have.

[jhb171achill]

1 hour ago, leslie10646 said:

And the calorific value of the coal which they got. I believe tests of turf as well during the "Inconvenience".

Hey, @jhb171achill, why buy the book when you've displayed most of the contents here?

Its photo content is probably more valuable than the text, which, I think, was repeated in The Jurnal in due course.

At the time, though, it was rightly considered a book to have.

It actually gives an excellent historical description and summary of the GNR’s constituent companies, like the D&DR, DBJR, INWR, L & E, PDOR, UR, etc. 

[jhb171achill]

Book sold.