Tag Archives: alan o’rourke
Editorial: November 2009
Alan O’Rourke What is the ideal design for a model railway layout? I suspect that there are as many answers as there are modellers, both active and armchair, and that for most, design is constrained by available space. But what … Continue reading
Filed under Editorial
Editorial: May 2009
Alan O’Rourke It is now ten years since I took over the post of editor of New Irish Lines, and I am rather aware that my little musings are usually of a retrospective nature, so it may be rather refreshing … Continue reading
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GNR Butter Van
Alan O’Rourke In the days when everything went by rail, some companies found it worth while building highly specialised vehicles for perishable traffics, which attracted premium rates, even if it meant those vehicles must have spent half their time … Continue reading
Filed under Prototype, Scale Drawings
Lineside Details: GSWR Mileposts
Alan O’Rourke Irish railways used a number of methods to mark distances: the symbolic steel sheet squares, diamonds, triangles and arrow-heads of the MGWR were probably the most original design. Other companies used metal, stone or wooden markers. The … Continue reading
Filed under Prototype
Editorial: November 2008
Alan O’Rourke I used to buy secondhand model railway magazines for specific articles, particularly drawings or construction products. However, when browsing them now, I find myself drawn at least as much to the editorial sections. I have to admit … Continue reading
GNR Hopper Wagons and Plough Vans
Alan O’Rourke Until the end of the 19th century, the typical ballast wagon was a primitive short wheelbase vehicle, with low drop sides, leather flaps to try and keep the stone dust out of the grease-axle boxes and, possibly still, … Continue reading
Filed under Prototype, Scale Drawings
Lineside Details: GSR and CIE Tubular Post Signals
Alan O’Rourke The traditional material for signal posts was either wood or steel lattice. However, from the 1930s onwards, several companies tried more modern ideas, typically tubular steel, and these diagrams show the CIE design, including new light-weight metal … Continue reading
Filed under Prototype, Scale Drawings
