Regularity

Well, they were built in the USA. Ever considered using google? Typing “Irish Railway loading gauge” into the search engine takes less that posting the question here, and leads to an immediate answer, too... That said, read this: http://www.irishrail.ie/media/ie_2016_network_statement_2904.pdf from which I took: They do use /have used British stock, but the loading gauge is wider: I have travelled on mk3 coaches (bigger foot steps) and also olde coaches where 3+3 seating was available.

We sort of did that in the 1980s, with the more powerful class 59...

A couple of years ago I saw some 3D printed models on Bill Bedford’s stand at either Railex or Scalefourum which had a commendably smooth finish: I thought he had filled and polished the surface, but no, they were as printed. Probably cost more and took longer, but it shows what is possible. The 3D printing technology was designed for rapid prototyping, i.e. testing designs and concepts, where a smooth finish is less important. As resolution has improved, it has been possible to use it to produce pattern masters for surface finishing, and here it really does come into its own. And as I said above, it is possible the get a find finish, although at such a resolution the printing will undoubtedly take longer. If the lower resolution prints were used as the starting point, with surface finishing, either as a one-off or a pattern for resin or metal casting, then this is a good use of technology. Similarly, for small components such as axleboxes with company names emblazoned across them, then the cost of very high resolution printing is worthwhile, particularly for patterns for casting, which may turn out to be cheaper than repeat printing orders. The problem I have with this, as you identify, Jol, is that the lower resolutions are being used to save cost, but without surface filling and polishing being applied by hand. And if you take short cuts on cost, you usually get lower quality.

Just like some lawyers, allegedly ...

Agree on all points. (Pun unintended!)Personally, I would put the cattle dock there, with a section of “open” dock for horses, and an end-loading dock. You could then slew the goods shed road parallel with the loop, which would open out the yard more - you could even, if you wished, replace the toe-to-toe turnouts in the yard with a double slip.

Yep. Nice 4-parter in the Railway Modeller in, I think, 1980. He talks in there about both scales. Edit: April-July 1979. Do I get a “one year out” t-shirt?

Yep. My question was rhetorical, but that is the fundamental point. Using coal at a power station to generate electricity is not only more thermally efficient, but it is also easier to control the emissions, than burning it in the firebox of a steam locomotive. But the capital investment upfront is quite expensive.

And you had the temerity to complain about my pun on “minor railways”...

I agree entirely, but as all artists will agree, it takes a while to develop the techniques required. In fact, you may have tapped into a better metaphor than you realise! In fact, many artists return to the same subject time and time again, scrapping earlier efforts (either completed, or part completed) because what appears on canvas or in clay/wood/metal/stone/whatever isn’t what they have in their mind’s eye. In this respect, you should take comfort from the blind alleys and false starts: like any great artist, they are but learning points on the path to ultimate success. And make no mistake, whether we build an individual item of rolling stock, a small diorama, or a large layout, we are all creating a work of art which says to the the world, “This is what railways mean to me.”

Aye. Possible, but not really worth the effort.

It would also be numbered differently... ...but I think it better that you number and order the levers as per how you will operate it. If you intend to fully detail the signal box interior, you will need to make a few alterations to the lever colours in the frame. The most obvious change would be in the location of the facing point lock (blue) levers.

There is an article in an early BRJ on the painting on LNWR engines. What impressed me was not the number of coats of paint, but the amount of rubbing down to create a smooth surface, which probably removed most of the paint, but which would have created a highly polished surface. Also, a lot of railways used varnishes which yellowed with age (copal?) - and possibly cleaning - which would affect things, too: noticeably on white and pale cream panels on coaches.

What do you think they burned at the power station?

With such classy women as Jenny, Jenna (and dare I add Lauren Cohan?) there is no need for such tittilating. Although I am quite happy to offer my services to see if it would be suitable.

I don’t think so: she can substitute for Jenny any day. Or join her, for that matter.

An RS-1 is 1,000hp, not 1,600. It also has a less rounded nose. What you have there is either an RS-2 (usually 1,500hp) or an RS-3 (1,600hp).

Ah yes. The philibeg. Invented by an Englishman, and popularised by a novelist to impress a German-descended English-born King, fewer than 200 years ago, along with the fabrication of clan tartan and, allegedly a large number of stories that are now taken as legend. About as authentic a national dress as trousered pantaloons are for Englishmen, truth be told, but frankly a lot more fun. Where’s Beau Brummell when you need him?

Careful: he might give you the bird...

Much, much better.

Very good.Do you think Tippi Hedren is a passenger?

[positive_bullying] I think you could get nearer. Next time, make those blades a bit longer: a 9’ pre-grouping blade would do. This time, try to get the rails as close as you can to the red lines, and remove your slide chairs, replacing them with new ones fitted outside the catch point’s stock rail, per purple. [/positive_bullying]

Change the voice over to Jenny Agutter (although Penelope Wilton is perfectly acceptable as a stand in) and you’re on. We keep showing pictures, but let’s not forget that voice... PS It should be noted that you, too, have recently engaged in this activity with a new poster who now has a thread of his own as a consequence!

Yes. I suspect a steam wallpaper stripper might be the best tool,rather than a kettle, if steam is the desired medium.

I presume you mean the track Building? Make “someday” today!

Ultimate proof of this is found, in amongst the verbiage, banter, digressions and pictures of the lovely Jenny Agutter (the “knicker-waver from The Railway Children”), within this part of the forum on a well-known thread:http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/107713-castle-aching/?p=2989785 It is incredible to believe that only a few weeks ago, James was saying that he couldn’t make track, but as a result of what we might term consistent positive bullying, he got down and did it.