Modelling Irish Railways

The resurgence of interest in the railways of Ireland which has occured over the last decade or so, has resulted in the appearance of more Irish layouts at model railway exhibitions. Modelling an Irish scene is more challenging than embarking on yet another layout of a GWR branch terminus, but as this book demonstrates, it is not beyond the prowess of most modellers and can provide a great deal of interest and fulfilment. Beginning with a brief resume of Irish railway history and why the railways of Ireland developed in the way they did, the book tackles head on the thorny question of scales and gauges which has sometimes deterred potential modellers. It runs through the different scales and gauges that can be used for modelling Irish railways and suggests different ways of tackling the problems which the main Irish gauges of 5ft 3in and 3ft can cause. Individual chapters then look at how to create both broad and narrow gauge layouts. Information is provided on how to modify propriety items, where to find kits and on scratchbuilding. Layout plans offer a range of ideas, based on prototypes, from a simple single track station to more complex junctions and locations where both broad and narrow gauge lines converged to create a mixed gauge layout. Advice is also given on signalling, operation and timetabling and many other aspects which need to be considered when tackling an Irish location. Fully illustrated throughout, this is that rarity, a railway modelling book which covers genuinely new ground and offers modellers a fresh direction in which they can channel their expertise.