This is something that I have recently become more interested in, partly as a result of some requests for Irish Rail liveried coaching stock vinyls.

Unlike OO, where there are some superb (if pricey) models available, the N Gauge scene seems almost entirely bereft and reliant on some excellent 3D printed models from Valve Design via Shapeways and conversions of UK stock. It rather reminds me of the N Gauge scene in the early 70s, with a real creative knack needed get results.

Anyhow, my latest request has been for bodyside overlays for the popular GM Class 201 Co-Co diesel. Shapeways produce a bodyshell to fit the original Dapol 66 Chassis, so I approached this with some trepidation - how well would my vinyls sit on a loco with heavily ribbed bodysides?

The actual result took me by surprise - it actually doesn't look half bad, IMHO, especially considering that I have done nothing to smooth the bodyshell down...yet.



I can see myself having to do myself some matching Mk3s for this one! I have some plans for other hauled stock in the pipeline - time is my biggest enemy!

So, has anyone else taken the plunge with modelling the Emerald Isle?

Looks great!

I can do one in NSE if you like 

Livery looks great. I don't model Irish rail, but I was wondering how Irish models get on in regards to scale?

Irish railways have a bigger gauge than standard gauge, how is this overcome in 1/160 or 1/148? I don't quite understand? Maybe some one could explain?

Great looking model by the way captain, well done!

   No thanks, I've already go a Class 66 to repaint, a 455 to finish, 3 ferrywagons to build and paint......   Also waiting for a couple of Sandites..... 

I'm no fan of modern stuff but that is one superb model, Adam

Quote from: captainelectra on February 22, 2012, 08:18:53 PM
This is something that I have recently become more interested in, partly as a result of some requests for Irish Rail liveried coaching stock vinyls.

Unlike OO, where there are some superb (if pricey) models available, the N Gauge scene seems almost entirely bereft and reliant on some excellent 3D printed models from Valve Design via Shapeways and conversions of UK stock. It rather reminds me of the N Gauge scene in the early 70s, with a real creative knack needed get results.

Anyhow, my latest request has been for bodyside overlays for the popular GM Class 201 Co-Co diesel. Shapeways produce a bodyshell to fit the original Dapol 66 Chassis, so I approached this with some trepidation - how well would my vinyls sit on a loco with heavily ribbed bodysides?

The actual result took me by surprise - it actually doesn't look half bad, IMHO, especially considering that I have done nothing to smooth the bodyshell down...yet.



I can see myself having to do myself some matching Mk3s for this one! I have some plans for other hauled stock in the pipeline - time is my biggest enemy!

So, has anyone else taken the plunge with modelling the Emerald Isle?

Great looking 201 there Captain!
They were all named after rivers in Ireland.
Which one is it?

Its true that the only bits available are by Valvedesign and Worsley Works.
The latter are in 2mm scale though I believe he will do them in N if you ask nicely. 
Otherwise its bashing stuff as you say.
Not too difficult as I do it. Yes, I model the Emerald Isle!
Albeit only the 1950's, so the 201 is a wee bit modern for me. 
The older era is not too hard to do actually as a lot of the carriages designed by Bredin in
the Great Southern railway period (1925 to 1945) were very similar to a lot of LMS types.
Indeed if you model Northern Ireland they had LMS ones to replace those lost by bombing.
(By the Luftwaffe, not the IRA!) Same colours just with NCC on the side instead!

Quote from: owl729 on February 22, 2012, 08:33:24 PM
Livery looks great. I don't model Irish rail, but I was wondering how Irish models get on in regards to scale?

Irish railways have a bigger gauge than standard gauge, how is this overcome in 1/160 or 1/148? I don't quite understand? Maybe some one could explain?

Great looking model by the way captain, well done!

There's two different types of modeller, the 2mm scale and the N scale.
The 2mm ones use 10.5mm gauge track, the N scale ones use 1/148th scale on 9mm gauge track.
Most people, including me, choose the latter for ease of available r-t-r to bash.
The Valvedesign stuff is 1/148th scale.
So unless you're into making your own track and chassis compromise is the name of the game!

A recent 'bash' I did is on reply No 30 on my layout thread: http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=2185.30

Here are a couple more modern Irish coaches straight off the drawing board...


Mark 3 Suburban Push-Pull Open Standard


Mark 4 Restaurant Car

I'm working on the respective driving trailers for these coaches. The Mk3 is relatively easy but the Mk4 is going to be real fun!