My 7mm scale 1950s workbench

[KMCE]

That's an excellent coach & I love the finish.

[jhb171achill]

Absolutely superb finish - very realistic!

The original finish, believe it it not was a rich maroon, but it wasn’t just the painter - but more so outdoor storage, weathering, brake dust, the cheapest quality paint they could get, and even poorer undercoat, which got most remaining coaches into this state!

The general manager told Senior that he was so embarrassed by them, he would prefer to borrow one from CIE or the GNR, if there was any sort of special train or “VIP” about….

[Northroader]

The paint finish is great, how you’ve managed to get a totally run down appearance is marvellous.

[Galteemore]

Having acquired a considerable amount of machinery to build ‘Enniskillen’, it seemed rude not to build another engine. The only question was what to build. I had long thought of a D19 Kerry bogie. However, I have also been doing much soul searching on my modelling future - more on that anon. Suffice to say I have ditched - or am attempting to - all my CIE stuff and going SLNC all out. But I still felt I should build a 4-4-0 - as @leslie10646and @jhb171achillknow, I was brought up to respect the GNRI and all its works! I have long had an affection for the GN locos, especially the smaller and more ancient types such as the Ps and PP.
 

As many of you know, the SLNC had two J class 4-4-0s, bought 2nd hand off the GNR. Expecting these two elderly ladies to cope with the vagaries of SL gradients and curves was cruel really - like subjecting your granny to an assault course. Because they had been so short lived and unsuccessful, I’d always written them off, until last year I saw a photo of one gleaming in black. The rods and plates would have been red - what a picture ! And that ridiculous chimney….I was just captivated by the idea of this little old thing heading a smart new clerestory on ‘the mail’. The locos were also the first 4-4-0s acquired by the GN - so the direct ancestor of all the blue beauties that came later. 

Anyway, weeks of filing and cutting and measuring later, we have a free rolling chassis. Loads to do but this is a milestone. Doesn’t look much but this has taken a long time. The foundation is really the 4 oblongs of metal which are drilled together to make rods and frame blanks. Saw to shape, solder up and with baited breath stick the wheels on…so at least she should run. Careers across the floor like a Hot Wheels car so hopefully a good sign. 

Her plates as ‘Black Lion’ - as two words rather than the normal spelling, oddly, are on order and the design came through from the makers today. So I’d better get a move on..,,

Edited November 17, 2021 by Galteemore

[Westcorkrailway]

7 minutes ago, Galteemore said:

Having acquired a considerable amount of machinery to build ‘Enniskillen’, it seemed rude not to build another engine. The only question was what to build. I had long thought of a D19 Kerry bogie. However, I have also been doing much soul searching on my modelling future - more on that anon. Suffice to say I have ditched - or am attempting to - all my CIE stuff and going SLNC all out. But I still felt I should build a 4-4-0 - as @leslie10646and @jhb171achillknow, I was brought up to respect the GNRI and all its works! I have long had an affection for the GN locos, especially the smaller and more ancient types such as the Ps and PP.
 

As many of you know, the SLNC had two, bought 2nd hand off the GNR. Expecting these two elderly ladies to cope with the vagaries of SL gradients and curves was cruel really - like subjecting your granny to an assault course. Because they had been so short lived and unsuccessful, I’d always written them off, until last year I saw a photo of one gleaming in black. The rods and plates would have been red - what a picture ! And that ridiculous chimney….I was just captivated by the idea of this little old thing heading a smart new clerestory on ‘the mail’. The locos were also the first 4-4-0s acquired by the GN - so the direct ancestor of all the blue beauties that came later. 

Anyway, weeks of filing and cutting and measuring later, we have a free rolling chassis. Loads to do but this is a milestone. Doesn’t look much but this has taken a long time. The foundation is really the 4 oblongs of metal which are drilled together to make rods and frame blanks. Saw to shape, solder up and with baited breath stick the wheels on….

An exclusively SLNC 7mm layout, now that’s going to be a challenge. I look forward to seeing how this complex enough looking 4-4-0 turns out.

[Noel]

18 minutes ago, Galteemore said:

Having acquired a considerable amount of machinery to build ‘Enniskillen’, it seemed rude not to build another engine. The only question was what to build. I had long thought of a D19 Kerry bogie. However, I have also been doing much soul searching on my modelling future - more on that anon. Suffice to say I have ditched - or am attempting to - all my CIE stuff and going SLNC all out. But I still felt I should build a 4-4-0 - as @leslie10646and @jhb171achillknow, I was brought up to respect the GNRI and all its works! I have long had an affection for the GN locos, especially the smaller and more ancient types such as the Ps and PP.
 

As many of you know, the SLNC had two, bought 2nd hand off the GNR. Expecting these two elderly ladies to cope with the vagaries of SL gradients and curves was cruel really - like subjecting your granny to an assault course. Because they had been so short lived and unsuccessful, I’d always written them off, until last year I saw a photo of one gleaming in black. The rods and plates would have been red - what a picture ! And that ridiculous chimney….I was just captivated by the idea of this little old thing heading a smart new clerestory on ‘the mail’. The locos were also the first 4-4-0s acquired by the GN - so the direct ancestor of all the blue beauties that came later. 

Anyway, weeks of filing and cutting and measuring later, we have a free rolling chassis. Loads to do but this is a milestone. Doesn’t look much but this has taken a long time. The foundation is really the 4 oblongs of metal which are drilled together to make rods and frame blanks. Saw to shape, solder up and with baited breath stick the wheels on….

Respect 

[Mayner]

1 hour ago, Galteemore said:

Having acquired a considerable amount of machinery to build ‘Enniskillen’, it seemed rude not to build another engine. The only question was what to build. I had long thought of a D19 Kerry bogie. However, I have also been doing much soul searching on my modelling future - more on that anon. Suffice to say I have ditched - or am attempting to - all my CIE stuff and going SLNC all out. But I still felt I should build a 4-4-0 - as @leslie10646and @jhb171achillknow, I was brought up to respect the GNRI and all its works! I have long had an affection for the GN locos, especially the smaller and more ancient types such as the Ps and PP.
 

As many of you know, the SLNC had two J class 4-4-0s, bought 2nd hand off the GNR. Expecting these two elderly ladies to cope with the vagaries of SL gradients and curves was cruel really - like subjecting your granny to an assault course. Because they had been so short lived and unsuccessful, I’d always written them off, until last year I saw a photo of one gleaming in black. The rods and plates would have been red - what a picture ! And that ridiculous chimney….I was just captivated by the idea of this little old thing heading a smart new clerestory on ‘the mail’. The locos were also the first 4-4-0s acquired by the GN - so the direct ancestor of all the blue beauties that came later. 

Anyway, weeks of filing and cutting and measuring later, we have a free rolling chassis. Loads to do but this is a milestone. Doesn’t look much but this has taken a long time. The foundation is really the 4 oblongs of metal which are drilled together to make rods and frame blanks. Saw to shape, solder up and with baited breath stick the wheels on…so at least she should run. Careers across the floor like a Hot Wheels car so hopefully a good sign. 

Her plates as ‘Black Lion’ - as two words rather than the normal spelling, oddly, are on order and the design came through from the makers today. So I’d better get a move on..,,

Well done nothing like getting stuck in using traditional scratchbuilding techniques as opposed to overanlysing the whole business and getting no where.

Will she be Blacklion as Blacklion or after the re-build with Glencar's boiler and superstructure?

The North Wales Narrow Gauge did much the same thing re-building the single Fairlies  Snowdon Ranger & Moel Tryfan into one usable loco during WW1 when Moel Tryfan retained her identity despite receiving Snowdon Ranger's chassis/power bogie. 

[David Holman]

Splendid prototype and that chimney certainly is a statement! Having built Enniskillen, shouldn't think there is anything too scary on this loco and with at least 1000 less rivets to do, less tedious too. So satisfying to have a rolling chassis - the rest is just cosmetic now (!).

 Will definitely look forward to seeing the model develop and seem to remember the Sligo also had a couple of GNRI 0-6-0s too, not to mention the Garrett that never was...

[Angus]

7 hours ago, Mayner said:

............. as opposed to overanlysing the whole business and getting no where.

I think you've managed to sum my whole modelling life in a line there! 

 

9 hours ago, Galteemore said:

going SLNC all out.

Ah! the true way, pure and unblemished! I admire your focus, I would always be tempted by other lines.

Out of interest have you managed to source some drawings or are you working from photos?

Black Lion is look great!

[Galteemore]

Thanks everyone. I’m prone to over analysis myself. In fact sometimes modelling seems like some kind of esoteric ceremony requiring all kinds of elaborate mental preparations before anything gets done! I have to say that having this forum is a great help in keeping me focused on producing work…..

I think it will be the pastiche version of Blacklion, John, as the images mostly date after 1928. And yes, David, there’s lots to build - would be nice to find more evidence on the 0-6-2Ts too….

There’s a drawing - a basic one - in Norman Johnston’s GNR loco book, Angus. It’s roughly to scale, having checked out key dimensions. Having played around with a scale ruler and calculator, I have had it blown up to some odd percentage by a local copy shop and the result is a 7mm drawing giving key placements for wheels etc. You can see it in photos above. But photo analysis will be critical and Alan O’Rourke has been helpful here. 

Having been brought up with a wealth of Irish railway books, I knew that a UG was like a U, an SG like an S and so on. Perhaps a JT might be like a J….analysis of Norman’s book confirmed this suspicion, so I cheekily asked Roger Crombleholme if he’d let me see a JT drawing from his kit when I ordered stuff recently. This he kindly did, and we have a front elevation of cab and smokebox as a result. The cab isn’t exactly the same, but the roof profile is very similar, so that’s a huge help. 
 

 

Edited November 18, 2021 by Galteemore

[KMCE]

12 hours ago, Galteemore said:

Careers across the floor like a Hot Wheels

Something very satisfying about a coupled loco rolling well.

 

[Galteemore]

Well that’s 3 months work finished. I have been working on a commission for the new owner of Rosses Point. An 1890s MGWR branch train was ordered so that’s what he got! Alphagraphix kits suitably backdated.

Delivered tonight and he seems happy, which made me happy. The nameplate is temporary until the correct ‘Robin’ ones arrive. Hopefully we’ll pass the @jhb171achilllivery test …

Edited April 8, 2022 by Galteemore

[jhb171achill]

MIGHTY stuff! Very well done! Pure Achill line.....................!

[David Holman]

Fabulous! 

[2996 Victor]

Stunning work! The entire train, loco and carriages, looks beautiful.

Jealous? Moi?

Cheers,

Mark

[KMCE]

Fantastic work Sir.  Looks excellent.

[Galteemore]

As in many other areas, the SLNC ploughed its own furrow in the area of train control.  Block and staff instruments were kept in the station house, not the signal cabin as other railways did. I purchased a Peco signal box interior kit recently, and as I can’t prototypically use the  block stuff they provide in an SLNC cabin, thought it should go in an authentic location! As part of my station build, the Peco machines (which are not quite correct but beggars …..etc etc ) has been painted up and installed in the station office….it will be invisible in the gloom when the roof goes on but I’ll know it’s there ! The green cabinet is, of course, for secure storage of the tickets that were issued in lieu of the train staff. The left hand instruments are Belcoo-Florencecourt, right hand Florencecourt to Enniskillen.

Edited May 8, 2022 by Galteemore

[David Holman]

Works beautifully through the windows.

[2996 Victor]

Splendid! Perhaps an interior light to show off your work, perhaps not too bright as would befit a gas mantle?

Cheers
Mark

[Galteemore]

Thanks Mark - I won’t deny I’m tempted by a MERG gaslamp twinkler for the station and signal cabin….,

[David Holman]

I've got LEDs in the trainshed and locoshed on Fintonagh, which give a nice low level light. Unfortunately, no idea what type they are and pretty much impossible to access now...

[Galteemore]

Have more or less finished Florencecourt’s building. Thankfully the original still stands - if a little changed since 57, which helps check that it looks right. I had the huge privilege of walking round the site earlier this year, and filling in some gaps in my knowledge with help from the owner. Here’s some pics of the model, the original, and a painting by David Briggs.
 

A bit more weathering will be done when I get the layout advanced and install the building. The wash house chimney will be stuck down in due course - it’s a bit wonky here. And yes, the original station notice boards were LMS ones, as study of other photos has revealed! The GNRI one does look very low, but again, that is just how it was.

All boxed up now in a plastic container to keep the dust off till I build the layout …

 

 

 

Edited May 28, 2022 by Galteemore

[David Holman]

A real beauty, inside and out!

[Galteemore]

Thanks 

25 minutes ago, David Holman said:

A real beauty, inside and out!

Thanks David - and Belmullet’s station building proved very helpful in seeing how the project should come together ….

[Galteemore]

No steam era train is complete without a brake van, so I’ll have to build a few for my layout. First one done, built using the 1921 drawings from Manorhamilton works. Plasticard with compensated chassis. Tons of mistakes- hopefully it passes the 2’ rule - but the next one will be better! It’s a drovers van - effectively a one vehicle train comprising guards, goods and passenger accommodation! The homespun lettering is quite authentic - the SLNC didn’t run to elaborate fonts!

 

Edited September 3, 2022 by Galteemore

[jhb171achill]

3 hours ago, Galteemore said:

No steam era train is complete without a brake van, so I’ll have to build a few for my layout. First one done, built using the 1921 drawings from Manorhamilton works. Plasticard with compensated chassis. Tons of mistakes- hopefully it passes the 2’ rule - but the next one will be better! It’s a drovers van - effectively a one vehicle train comprising guards, goods and passenger accommodation! The homespun lettering is quite authentic - the SLNC didn’t run to elaborate fonts!

 

Very nice!!

 

[David Holman]

Beautifully captured. Love these vans - prototype for the shortest mixed train? Whatever, by the end of their days, they mimicked ancient timber framed buildings, with barely a straight line or right angled corner anywhere, so getting that look is no mean feat.

[StevieB]

On 7/4/2022 at 10:51 PM, Galteemore said:

Well that’s 3 months work finished. I have been working on a commission for the new owner of Rosses Point. An 1890s MGWR branch train was ordered so that’s what he got! Alphagraphix kits suitably backdated.

Delivered tonight and he seems happy, which made me happy. The nameplate is temporary until the correct ‘Robin’ ones arrive. Hopefully we’ll pass the @jhb171achilllivery test …

The broadside view of 107 in black and white reminds me very much of Wainwright’s P class on the SECR.

Stephen

[Galteemore]

By convention, a locomotive is said to exist when her frames are erected. So another engine, is, I suppose, on my roster. A recent and very fortuitous encounter (thanks to a lead from @David Holman) resulted in me effectively being kindly given a very early North Star kit for a Small Tank, provided that I supply motor, wheels, etc and actually build it. So the workbench has been cleared of all else and ‘Lurganboy’ has begun to take shape. I never like to post about locos on here until I have a rolling chassis. And tonight we have…..note the classic SLNC signature piece of rear pair of drivers almost touching….

Edited October 23, 2022 by Galteemore

[David Holman]

Lovely stuff. Amazing what can turn up  - when I bought my two, they were the last that Northstar had and he only let them them go when I agreed to buy both.

 For me, the artwork on the etchings is still some of the best I've ever worked with and suspect it was probably an early use of CAD. Hope you enjoy the build as much as I did. Indeed, still find it hard to believe someone would do a kit of such an obscure loco in the first place - but then they are rather splendid!

[Galteemore]

Thanks @David Holman! The etches are something else as you say. 

This one is a real piece of history, as I think it might be a really early version……I looked back at your build and the etches are quite different, as these pictures show. Yours are brass but mine are NS. Not only that but the drawing out is very different- look where the rod etches are in each…..I also think the rods have changed slightly, as mine have the joint on the short portion. 

[Patrick Davey]

This is amazing - I am always in awe of anyone who can do something that I could never do and this is very firmly so!!!!

[Galteemore]

6 minutes ago, Patrick Davey said:

This is amazing - I am always in awe of anyone who can do something that I could never do and this is very firmly so!!!!

That’s very kind Patrick but if you can use a knife and fork you can do this stuff. Soldering is nowhere near as hard as people think. And a chassis jig is worth the cost - really helps that initial foundation go in. 

[Galteemore]

I’ve recently realised that I need to build a test track/photo plank as I have a few engines being built that will need testing and I don’t have a layout right now. This morning found a cheap shelf in IKEA’s ‘damaged goods’ dept. This afternoon I cut the sleepers. And tonight built about 3’ of track. Dummy rail bolts and fishplates fitted where they will be seen. All cleaned up and hopefully prime (after sleeper gapping) tomorrow. The apparent dog leg is a bit of an optical illusion - omit long story as to why - and shouldn’t be visible when the scenics go in. It’s nice to have some 5’3” track back in the house…

Edited November 30, 2022 by Galteemore

[leslie10646]

On 12/4/2021 at 12:59 PM, WRENNEIRE said:

I prefer mine clean!

I'm a bit late to this discussion but I have to agree, with David, David (think about it, the wording is correct!). I like clean model locos too and if you look below, they CAN be authentic!

How do you explain this photo of your loco months before closure

At Glenfarne, taken by the late Lance King, Copyright IRRS

PS The building looks great.

Edited November 30, 2022 by leslie10646