Connolly Station in "N"

[driver301]

Hi All,

 

Its been a while since I last posted on the site & the last time I did I was planning a model of Colbert Station Limerick. After careful consideration & much head scratching I decided to go with a model of Connolly instead.

 

The deciding factors for me were:

1)The ability to run through trains.

2)The variety of stock that ran/runs into Connolly Station.

 

I have had to scale the model back a fair bit due to space constraints but the overall look of the model should still be fine once fully completed. The model measures 6 ft x 3 ft & is built on an Argos wallpaper pasting table which folds meaning the model can be easily transported to exhibitions.

 

The model now has all woodwork, track-work, electrics done & I will be starting the buildings this week.I will post the up to more photos soon & hope to post regular updates as the model evolves.

Edited September 22, 2013 by driver301

[Garfield]

Looks like an excellent project... any more photos?

[jhb171achill]

Are those N gauge 071s? Hand made, presumably? They look very well... are there close-ups?

[josefstadt]

Can't wait to see this develop.It is an excellent concept - as you say great variety of stock operating to and from this station over the years. Even had beet trains through the loop line platforms in 1996.

[BosKonay]

Just wow!!

Please send us more photos - pretty please!!!

 

I've borrowed some 'ideas' from Connolly but to do the station faithfully is still on my bucket list :)

[driver301]

Thanks for the kind words lads. I will be posting plenty of pictures in the coming days/weeks so you will be able to see the layout develop.

 

@JHB171achill The Locomotives are all shapeways 3d prints. The 2700 DMU is a modified Farish class 158, the 2800 DMU is a heavily modified Farish class 158, my 22000 ICR is again a heavily modified Farish product this time being a class 168. All transfers were supplied by Des from Studio scale models.

 

Below is a closer image of 2 locomotives standing in the loop line area of the layout(apologies for the poor quality of the image)

[BosKonay]

You've done a stunning job on them! God bless yer eyesight!

 

Any more of the multiple units? They look quite heavily modified!

[Dave]

Stunning work, great job:tumbsup: Love that 071

[jhb171achill]

Superb stuff! More N gauge needed!

[Riversuir226]

There superb well done

Will be keeping an eye on this thread

[dave182]

Wow! Well done on this, I had a go at n-gauge and modelling Irish subjects but I was getting so frustrated at the fiddlyness (is that a word?!) that I gave up! The detail you have achieved on the rolling stock is fantastic! Did you find it difficult to get a chassis that would fit under the 071's? The layout itself looks great and really captures the feel of Connolly. Lolling forward to see this progressing further!

[irishthump]

That 071 is stunning! What chassis did you use for the locos?

[Grange Castle]

Now this is what I call modelling ! For me my modelling skills stop at being able to open the box to take my RTR loco out. You've done a fine job so far they look fantastic !

[201bhoy]

Stunning!!!!!!!!!

[Aussie Phil]

The greatest talents make it so you can't pick the gauge with ease and this is what you have achieved so far. Keep the photos coming. I as a kid modelled in N scale and loved it. Have slowly moved up in scale since from N to HOm to HO and now On30. N scale was definitely the hardest to gain realism in. Thanks again for sharing. Love the locos can't believe they were 3D printed.

[moogle]

Nice to see another N gauge layout on here! A bit modern for me but nice all the same.

There's not many of us Irish outline N gauge modellers on here so I'll be watching this one for sure.

[ttc0169]

Another masterpiece in miniature as have been your previous layouts Paul,

Certainly one to watch for me...well done-keep up the great work.

[Broithe]

Stunning!!!!!!!!!

 

I generally object to the constant, unnecessary and inappropriate use of the word 'stunning'.

 

This layout, however, does merit such a description.

 

And more!

[patrick]

Great to see another Irish N scale layout here. I look forward to seeing it develop.

[Hunslet 102]

Great work on such a small scale.Looking forward to following this Connolly station build in tandum with Amiens Street.

[driver301]

 

Hi Guys,

 

I got a bit of work done over Christmas & now the north end of the station is taking shape. Work is now progressing at a decent pace & I will post updates on a more regular basis. Here are a couple of images showing some recent work (apologies about the picture quality)

[craven1508]

Tasty! N is tiny and takes even more skill and patience,

well done:-bd

[ttc0169]

Another classic irish N gauge layout in the making to add to the award winning"Wellington bheag"and"Carlow"layouts-well done Paul,

Looking forward to your updates.

Keep up the great work.

[scahalane]

Great start, looking forward to see it progress.

[BosKonay]

Be still me beating heart!!! You've captured already the feel of the place and as for n - my hat is off to you and your eyesight Sir!

[jhb171achill]

That is indeed a masterpiece of one with exceptional eyesight - and skills.

 

Dare I live in hope of seeing a few blue 4.4.0s about the place!

 

On a serious note, this idea of 3D prints seems to be generating a lot of valuable new opportunities. Presumably it would be a relatively simple matter to churn out DD stock, various modern railcars and 141s. For a 141, though, what chassis would be short enough?

[Horsetan]

The great thing about "N" is the sheer volume and area that you can cram into a given space.

 

How will you be recreating the signalling?

[EPBrophy]

Looks absolutely brilliant. Can't wait to see more.

[Train model]

Real cool keep us posted

[UP6936]

Looks great. Where are you getting the loco shells?

[Sulzer201]

It is an amazing project and great to see a model of this premier station.

[irishthump]

The whole project is great, but I can't get over how good those locos look in N gauge!

[finnyus]

That looks absolutely unreal Paul!

[driver301]

Thanks for the kind words folks.

 

Just to try answer a couple of queries from your comments:

 

1)Regarding the signalling I think I will simply scratchbuild dummy modern signals. At a later stage I may try to replace these with working colour lights.

 

2)All of the DMUs are converted British Stock:

The IE Class 29000 is a UK 350 EMU.

The IE Class 2800 is a heavily modified UK 150.

The IE 22000 ICR is a modified UK 168.

The IE 2700 is a modified UK 158.

 

3)The Locos are all Shapeways items which just need to be finished & a suitable donor chassis found. With the 121s & 141s I used a lifelike SW9 chassis which was short enough.

 

I hope to get some more work done over the weekend & will hopefully post an update early next week.

[Shinkansen]

Excellent work there Driver,

very interesting to see someone tackle Irish outline in 'N' gauge. The chance to be able to model a more prototypical station/trains whilst not taking over the whole house is a great bonus! Great possibilities with Connelly Station... DARTS, Commuters, Enterprise etc... not to mention the station building itself which is an imposing bit of architecture. Keep up the good work

Tom