Material on Irish railwayana from Railway Antiques Guide

No. 1 September 2003: Cover has illustration of MRNCC Bill posting prohibited. An article on 'Armbands' includes an illustration of a BCDR 'Look Out'. A further article covers 'Wagon Owners' Plates'. There is an illustration of a MRNCC accomodation crossing on p.25 and of NCC cabside 5 on p.29.

Source: KRA703 Source: SRA1299 Source: SRA693

No. 2 October 2003: Cover has an illustration of a 'Multyfarnham' staff. Part 1 of an article on 'Gate and Occupation Crossing Notices' has an illustration of the CIE (enamel 19" x 13 1/2") & DNGR (16" x 17") varieties on p.5 and the 4-line GSWR (10 5/8" x 11 1/4") on p.6. An article on 'Single Line Tokens' explains the various systems. It notes that 'in Northern Ireland the UTA and NIR re-used tablets by sawing off the sides bearing the section name, stamping the new names on the truncated centre strip of the tablet and carrying on as before, since the relevant cut-outs were unaffected by this mutilation.' p.8 has an illustration of a Dunmanway W&T staff with Annets key as well as a 'Float-Ballywillan' W&T and a miniature 'Ballygeary-Rosslare Strand'. On p.19 there is a 'B' Aluminium No. 6 'B'money-Coleraine' tablet.

No. 3 November 2003: Cover has WDLR 5 and 4 line gates. Part 2 of the article on 'Gate and Occupation Crossing Notices' has an illustration of the LMSNCC (19 1/4" x 11 5/8"), MRNCC (19 1/2" x 11 3/4") and MGWR (12" x 7 5/8") gates on p.4, the SLNCR (7 5/8" x 11 1/2") and WTR (12" x 12") on p.6 and the five line WDLR on p.7. It includes Part 1 of an article 'Wagon Builder Plates' and an article on 'Lamp Tablets' with illustrations of a black on white rectangular with a thin border set in from edge 'Mullingar' and a horseshoe lettered 'Mallow', similar to LNER types on p.29.

No. 4 December 2003: Has an article on 'Railway Printed Letterheads' (No Irish), a photo of BCDR wagonplate 383 from the Talisman auction, part 2 of 'Wagon Builders Plates' including an illustration of an 'LMSNCC Rebuilt Ballymena 1945', a centre spread with illustrations of enamels including BCDR fence, GNRI Billposters and the ?CLR? To the Railway Station + finger. There is also a follow up to the articles on 'Shut this Gate' signs.

No. 5 January 2004: Has an article on 'Share Call Receipts' including a Dublin & Drogheda 4th call of £2 - 10s payable 1/5/1840. In 'Wot Is It?' there is an 8" x 4 5/8" cast iron playe 'Act um Iompar ar Boitre 1933 1143 Plata Feiticle' which editor unable to translate. Under 'Repo-Ructions' there is an illustration of the cast aluminium 'LMSNCC Leyland Motors Ltd. Makers 1933' noting that more than the two potential originals are in circulation. Part 3 of 'Wagon Builders Plates' includes an illustration of an oval 'GS&WR/ Built at/ Inchicore/ Works/ 1910' plate.

Source: RAG 5 Source: RAG 5 Source: RAG 5

No. 6 February 2004: Has DNGR Trespass on cover, part 1 of a series on 'Beware of Trains Notices' with Cork & Macroom (Source: DC). On p.12 there are photos of somersault signals at Castlerock with finials which are suggested as ex-Donegal (but Ed. remarks that they are standard McKenzie & Holland products of 40 years ago), LNWR signs and notices (with DNGR boundary plate illustrated on p.37).

No. 7 March 2004: Has part 2 of 'Beware of Trains Notices' as well as an article on 'Wagon Number Plates' by the Editor with illustrations of MGWR 15, BCDR 416, GSWR 7188, DSER 834, BNCR 151, MRNCC 1648, LMSNCC 912. Tim wonders if there was ever a plate headed 'Railway Executive NCC' which held sway for 15 months in 1948-9. An article on 'Railway Gardeners' includes an illustration of a BNCR certificate awarded to the signalman at Coleraine in 1891 for 'flowers in signal cabin'.

No. 8 April 2004: Has 'A spotter's Guide to Platform Lamps' part 1 has a BNCR post lamp (Kellswater). In 'A Letter from Doncaster' Tony Peart describes a purchase at Malton of an LMS pattern loco headlamp (with brass bezel of lens slightly wider than the noticeably narrow body) which proved to be LMSNCC. He also comments on the'lovely little MGWR plate, doubtless in brass' illustrated in RAG No. 7. As Tony notes it is a carriage plate "which Ernie Shepherd's history of the line has as a 6-wheeled 3rd class 30-footer, withdrawn from service in 1949". His comment that 'the MGWR seems not to have used number plates on its wagons' may not be quite correct given that I have two MGWR D plates (1319 - a swivel timber wagon rebuilt 1922 and 1428 - a covered goods built 1922) and know that the non-brass high numbered plates similar to the brass carriage plates were earlier wagon plates. I have No. 71 of 1915 which was a 7 ton rebuild of an 1881 wagon, No. 495 of 1896 which was a similar rebuild of an 1882 wagon and No. 1010 of 1915 which was a 10 ton covered goods wagon.

No. 9 May 2004: Has part 2 of 'Platform Lamps' (although no further Irish described), an article on 'Location Plates', a follow-up article on 'Beware of Trains' with a 14" x 20" sign auctioned at Matlock on 7/11/1992 'believed to be Irish'.

No. 10 June 2004: Has an article on 'First Aid Boxes', one on 'Private Road Notices'including an illustration of the BCDRly 'This ground is the Railway Company's. There is no right of way.' and a GSWR 'No Thoroughfare'. Part 3 of 'Platform lamps' includes a SLNCR illustration - although I seem to remember a discussion at the time that the item, sold at SRA in March 2000, may have been MGWR (subsequently confirmed by Tony Peart in the next issue).

Source: D.Cronin Source: RAG10

No. 11 July 2004: Has an article on 'Wagon Repair Plates' and part 2 of 'First Aid Boxes'. The only Irish example encountered appears to be early CIE quite small letters in red on black painted lid 'C.I.E. First Aid Box/Carrick on Shannon' with a '1' in a circle. In the letters' page there is an illustration of a BCDR trespass with the information from Desmond Coakham's BCDR book that they were introduced in 1922 and 422 such plates were supplied by Chatams Ltd. of Tipton in Staffordshire. Tim adds that the plates were riveted on to steel uprights and often broke due to rust between two ferrous metals. In a report on Quorn, a GSWR bridge restriction is noted and illustrated. In 'A Letter from Doncaster', Tony Peart corrects the impression that the lamp which he acquired is SLNCR. It in fact MGWR, and he notes similar designs in Hell's Kitchen at Castlereagh. The SLNCR apparently used post rather than wall lanterns. He also owns the SLNCR nameplate 'Lurganboy'.

No. 12 August 2004: Has an article on the Vintage Carriage Trust Museum, with some amusing Cheshire Lines notices, including 'None but/ company's horses/ allowed to drink/ at this trough'. There is an article on 'Wagon Registration and Star Plates' which includes an illustration of LLSR No3 of 1932 7 3/4 ton. The issue also includes an article on 'Fire Notices'.

No. 13 September 2004: Has part 2 of 'Railway Fire Notices', an article 'A preliminary look at Handbills' with GSR Blackrock and Dublin 5/3/1928 (previously, I think recorded) and a CVR 'Excursion to Belfast' 18/4/1892. Linsay Ferris comment that the GSWR Crawford trespass was a snip at £200 - agreed and wonders about other varieties.

No. 14 October 2004: Has an article 'Wagon Plates - Capacity, Use, Return and Miscellaneous'. The follow up page has an illustration of the GSWR Crawford and a letter from David Hughes noting that it is only in Ormsby and Crawford (dimension 18 3/4" x 13 5/8") forms, speculating that only a few Crawfords made since Ormsbys likely to have been in stores. There is part 1 of an article on 'Railway Envelopes'. In a report on SRA904, Tim notes that the GSWR enamel bridge sold there had previously been seen at Quorn. There is also an article on the 'Darlington North Road Railway Museum'.

No. 15 November 2004: In part 2 of 'Railway Envelopes' there is an illustration of an SLNCR variety from the Audit Office Enniskillen. An article is included on the 'Harpenden Railway Museum' and from John Mander on 'Company Addresses and Secretaries on Bridge Notices'. In 'Ancient Tracks' there is an illustration on p.31 of a fishbellied edge rail embossed 'Arigna Co. Ireland' and notes that the Arigna Ironworks built its own railway from the ironstone pits to the furnaces around 1830, ceasing operation within about three years. Linsay notes being shown a nice BNCR Messenger's lamp at a stall at KRA1004.

No. 16 December 2004: Has an article on 'Carriage Keys' and one on the notices under 'Motor Car Acts'. In 'ebay watch' a pair of 12 foot pillars with a set of 7 spandrels ex-Strabane Station and weighing about one ton were reported to have made £400. There is an article 'Impression of Rubber Stamps' - noted inclusions being Ballycastle, Ballyshannon, GNRB Cavan, GNRI Ballyshannon.

No. 17 January 2005: Has an article on 'Rail Sections and Templates' and on the 'Bluebell Museum. In 'Railway Envelopes' part 3 there are illustrations of GNRI 'Reservation Applications to the agent Belfast Coaching' and an envelope to the Accountant, Amiens St.. In Part 1 of 'Cast Iron Trespass Notices' 2 BCDR and one BNCR are illustrated.

No. 18 February 2005: Has articles on 'Railway Letterheads revisited' and 'GWR uniforms'. John Mander in 'What was the greatest bridge plate of all?' discusses the premia - on No. 1 as distinct from even No. 2 (depending on the uniqueness of the line), a viaduct variant, an unusual appendix letter, a series unique to a small location, an exotic name. The article has an illustration of MGWR 411A. Repro-ructions has a description of the elaborate faking of an LMS horses sign made up from expoxy paste mixed with iron fillings to give rust and steel plates inside the filler to give weight and attraction to a magnet. Tony Peart reports on his GNRI trespass purchase at the bargain price of £140. He also purchased the elegant Polkey handlamp from the Bessbrook and Newry which dates from 1911. He goes on to describe the Bessbrook. The Centrespead has C&BR, UR, WDLR, CVR, CLRR, INWR luggage labels. Part 2 of 'Cast Iron Trespass Notices has CBSCR, DWWR and DNGR illustrations. 'Platform Lamp Updates' has an Irish lamp with the question any ideas? Tony Peart in RAG 19 suggests MGWR. There is an article on Lever Lead and Description Plates' where the normal colour used for individual signals is given.

No. 19 March 2005: P.2 gives a rarity value to Trespass notices treated in parts 1 and 2. There is an article on 'Train Staff Tickets' with illustrations of DNGR, BCDR, GSR, GSWR, SSTLR, SLNCR. In 'A letter from Doncaster', Tony Peart remarks that the Irish specimen in RAG 18 is MGWR. Part 3 of 'Cast Iron Trespass Notices' has a Fishguard and Rosslare R and H illustration. At TRA105 Lindsay notes that the Messenger's corrugated lamp 'Ticket Collector 1' which sold for £480 was possibly GNRI or another Irish line. The issue also includes part 2 of 'Lever Lead and Description Plates'

No. 20 April 2005: Has Part 3 of 'Lever Lead and Description Plates' where two cast iron GSR types (one illustrated) and an aluminium CIE version are described, and part 4 of 'Cast Iron Trespass Notices'. 'ebay watch' notes a Company seal of Great Northern and Western of Ireland Railway seal failing to sell suggesting the £200 starting price may have discouraged while an Irish brown 'To Railway Station' with left pointing hand (one corner bent), thought to be from Inchicore, fetched £107

No. 21 May 2005: Cover has an illustration of a GSR small trespass. An article on 'Railway Postcards' has a GSWR example 'The Gap, Killarney' on p.5. Part 5 of 'Cast Iron Trespass Notices' has 4 each from GNRI and GSWR illustrated. Tony Peart comments on a lamp bought at Malton for £100 speculating on whether NCC or CDRJC [conclusion given in RAG No. 22]. Finally results of the Great Central Auction of April 2005, not found elsewhere and required for the auction results page of this site, are included.

No. 22 June 2005: Has an article on 'Railway Service Badges'. p.10 In 'ebay watch', Harry Payne writes: "a few enamels of note: a rather battered NBR trespassers £92, and an even worse GNRI one which was apparently dug out of a peat bog made £14 with about a third of the text rusted away - probably the biggest restoration task I've ever seen....several GNRI [table]pieces also cropped up, 2 different sized jugs making £67 and £72, a lettered soup-plate £46, a crested one £36, and a sugar bowl £46." On p.11 in 'A letter from Doncaster', Tony Peart discusses in detail a Malton signal lamp purchase (stated to be illustrated on p.32 of RAG 21, but not) which he had thought was CDRJC but on evidence of the large brass carrying handle which normally lies flat on top of the chimney (and a picture in 'The LMS in Ireland' by Mark Kennedy) he now believes is NCC of BNCR design. On p.13, John Mander notes the number of B&CDR tresspass plates being documented at Warwick Railway Museum as 422. He explains by 2 plates at every crossing on rural lines etc. wonders what became of them suggesting that a metal detector would unearth a hoard. On first aid boxes he mentions only one documented Irish one so far. On p.11 Lindsay Ferris notes that the sole Irish lamp example in the Doncaster collection is an all copper pattern as used on the MGWR.

No. 23 July 2005: Several pages on 'BR Cap Badges' On p.15 in 'Train Service Handbills' Tim Petchey illustrates a GSR example of a handbill giving notice of the "New and Accelerated Suburban Train Service between Blackrock & Dublin" of 5 March 1928. On p. 24 there is an illustration of a GSWR weighing ticket.

No. 24 August 2005: Articles on 'Dividend Warrants','Signal lever description plates' and 'Colonel Stephens' Railway Museum' plus an index to RAG issues 1-24 . In Part 1 of his article on 'D Wagon Plates', Tim Petchey notes on p.3: "11 inches wide x 6 1/2 inches deep...two bolt holes (tp accomodate square-shanked coach bolts with domed heads) conformed to standard...Apart from those of the Midland, plates of this type did not appear until after grouping, although one or two Irish lines did adopt them before their own grouping into the GSR in 1925. I have certainly seen derelict wagons at Wexford earing fragments of MGWR 'D' plates, and I seem to recall seeing a DSER example as well.....The story was reflected in Ireland with the GSR and CIE both using the 'D' plate.

No. 25 September 2005: An article on 'Ground signals at Doncaster Museum' plus one on 'Fawley Museum Open Day'. P.2 'Repro-Ructions' comments on ebay and several other unusual GSWR Ormsby trespasses which have been turning up. It notes green paint being aerosol type with bright metal underneath, corner fixing holes are part of casting including flash, Section 90 of Act is quoted rather than Section 38, roughness at edge under the paint comes away in the form of casting sand, etc.. In part 2 of his series on 'D' plates there is an illustration of CIE 12 tons 1735A commenting "Over in Ireland the 'D' plate continued to be used by the GSR and then by CIE, though the latter was inclined to fix the plates to the actual body sides of the wagons rather than the solebars. I obtained my CIE example courtesy of a grounded van body at the side of the road, used for storing Highways Dept. materials." Cast Iron Trespass Notice Part 9 from Tim Petchey has an L&LSR trespass illustration on p.31 with description and dimensions. On p.41 a Tralee & Dingle Goods Invoice 1896, approx 17 1/4" x 6 3/4" slightly grubby is offered at £6.

Source: RAG25

No. 26 October 2005: There is an article on cap badges by Tim. Included are illustrations of a GNRI (page 3) and a GSR badge (page 7) with the comment 'The GSR provided train staff (or were they bus staff?) with a fetching shield-shaped badge in red enamel with white initials over a scroll containing the occupation with brass letters.' Repro-Ructions has a page of comments from readers on the GSWR Ormsby (4 painted in different colours were reported at a Salisbury Market with more apparently in stock). On GSWR type 4-line gates, it has illustrations of BH&BR (Belfast Hollywood & Bangor), LLSR and GCR&BVR (Giants Causeway and Bush Valley) examples, being offered at an event in the NE of England and, subsequently, at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, and since then on eBay. There is also (pages 16-19) a guide to the IRRS Collection, with many illustrations. eBay watch also reports on the metallic bronze painted Ormsby trespasses and wonders how at least 3 seem to be in the US.

No. 27 November 2005: Has Part 11 of 'Trespass Notices', 'Tourism Fliers' and 'MIN D Wagon Plates' and 'Carriage Prints', but nothing Irish.

No. 28 December 2005: Has an illustration of MRNCC trespass on its cover. Articles included 'Coal Wagon Labels' and 'Shedcodes'.'Cast Iron Trespass Notices Part 12' included a MRNCC trespass. A look at the Isle of Man reported that in Port Erin booking hall a number of posters including an MGWR 'Visit Galway' example and at Laxey there is what appears to be a cast iron seatback for Portlaoise with a raised border and half round ends above the fireplace in the Mines Tavern.

No. 29 January 2006: has an article on 'Single Line Tablets' by Lindsay Ferris with many illustrations from the collection of Andy Wells and one on 'Didcot Railway Centre. There are illustrations on p.24-5 of a WTR 'Luggage Deposit Receipt', a Co. Donegal Railways 'Excess Luggage Receipt'and an SLNCR 'Excess Fare Ticket'.

No. 30 February 2006: has an article on 'Axlebox covers' with many illustrations including DSER, SLNCR, W&LRy 1906, CLRRy, CBPRy, CVR, CBSCR 1924, GSR 1927 and WCR 1912. Tim notes that the GSR C1 1927 6"X3" is the post grouping version of the WCR 1912 cover. The editorial comments again on GSWR style fakes and ebay watch remarks on the geographic spread of the repro GSWR trespass.

No. 31 March 2006: has an interesting article on 'The Relative Rarity of Trespass Plates' by John Mander although exclusively dealing with English plates. The centre spread has nameplates Eske, Liffey, Binevenagh, Eagle, Lough Swilly, Olderfleet Castle, Chichester Castle and Queen Elizabeth. Part 15 of Cast Iron Trespass Notices has illustrations of T&DLR, Ulster Railway and Waterford and Central Ireland varieties. On page 36 there is a photo by Geoff Woodward of axle box covers at the Bleadon & Uphill Railway museum in 1967 including several Irish (WCR 1909, WCR 1917, WDR, Castlederg & Victoria Bridge Tramway, CDR and C&L) previously unseen. On page 38 there is a photo of the station sign at Strabane and the new one at the Ulster Folk Museum.

No. 32 April 2006: in 'Cast Iron Trespass Notices: Follow-Up 1' has GNRI tramway and GNRB notices. There are comments on the SLNCR makers' plate sold at Sheffield and an advertisement for the disposal of a large amount of paperwork with one Irish lot including CVR, CIE, CDRJC, LMSNCC, MGWR (2), Waterford Steamship Co., GSR (4) and GNRI (19).

No. 33 May 2006: Little of particular Irish interest apart from the admission by the editor that it was he who acquired the "humble 3/4 mile post top from the Londonderry & Coleraine Railway. Thanks to the Museum Association Chairman, this was secured (at what I thought was more than the odds) to join the similar 3/4 which has stood in splendid isolation in Winchecombe for the last thirty years."

No. 34 June 2006: This issue has a follow-up on axle box covers. It includes illustrations of an LMSNCC Belfast example as well as GNR No. 7 of 1898. The latter is noted to bear "no resemblance to the GNR offering in RAG30 page 38". This is probably for the reason that it is likely to be GNRI. A very similar cover GNR 9x4 1/2 No. 8 which is thought to be GNRI is illustrated on the GNRI page of my railway classification site (and also reproduced below). The editor comments (but see next issue for remarks from a reader) on a pocket watch at GWRA auction described as Glasgow & South Western noting that he had "looked long and hard at the inscribed initials on the back of this watch and could not satisfy myself if the small character gollowing immediately after the 'G' was a small 't' or a small ampersand. The former would have made it Great Southern & Western!" Lindsay Ferris reporting on a visit to the Great Western Railway Museum at Didcot notes that one of the larger enamel signs made for the opening of the Fishguard route to Ireland was on view to celebrate 100 years since the route opened. In Part 1 of the article on '1861 Act Weak Bridge Notices', GSWR and GNRI varieties are illustrated on page 28. It notes that a second GNRI version, illustrated on my other site (and shown below), carries precisely the same message, but in only nine lines of text (as against 11) and has a thin white border set in slightly from the edges. It is pointed out that the GSWR version expands coverage to include 'Steam road rollers and other unusually heavy vehicles'. In an article on 'Cast Iron Door Plates', GNRI 'Station-Master', 'Private' and 'Ladies Waiting Room' varieties are illustrated on page 35 and the editor comments "The GNRI also used a distinctive pattern of plate, with fancy ends. Though known to have originated on the GNR(I), similar plates are reported to have been found on lines of the BNCR. I am unable to explain why this should be so! Sizes vary for no apparent reason, with the 'Ladies Waiting Room' being 5 3/4" high and the 'Station Master' 5 1/8"."

Source: RAG34 and D.Cronin

No. 35 July 2006: Part 1 of an article on 'Boundary Markers' by the editor includes an illustration of a DNGR marker. The entry notes that "As, in modern terms, a 'wholly owned subsidiary of the English L&NWR, the DN&G's ironwork was all provided from Crewe, but mercifully bearing the name of the Irish line. This was so of the cast iron boundary plate BMDN101, which is precisely the same as the LNWR one, but with the revised initials. It is flat, oval, 8 7/8"x4 7/8". It stands to reason that the DNGR will have had the more common LNWR pattern upright cast iron post with rounded top embossed 'DN&GR Co. BOUNDARY POST' down the front. I have yet to find evidence of such a post, but in anticipation have allocated it the reference BMDN102 (not illustrated)." In a letter from Simon Turner on page 8 it is noted, with regard to the watch discussed in RAG34, that Alexander and James Mitchell were clock and watch suppliers to the Glasgow & South Western and not to other companies. There is also a letter from yours truly asking for information on BCDR antimacassars for the Downpatrick & County Down Railway. On page 25 there is an illustration of a DNGR Omeath bag with padlock. In Part 2 of '1861 Act Weak Bridge Notices' there is an illustration of an MGWR variety with the comment "This plate is as unusual for its great size (nearly 38"x22") as its is for its tiny letters (3/8"). As with the MS&L/GCR pattern, this type was prone to breaking due to the action of the rust between the plate and the old rail post to which it was riveted. In this case though, the break was usually down the middle, in line with the single central post. Page 39 has an illustration of the MRNCC accomodation gate notice sold at Solent, commenting on "the strong interest in Irish notices".

Source: RAG35

No. 36 August 2006: Unusually, there is nothing specifically Irish treated in this issue which includes part 2 of 'Boundary Markers'.

No. 37 September 2006: In an article on a visit to the Amberley Working Industrial Museum, there is a report on the presence, and a picture, of Guinness Brewery Loco No. 23 built by W Spence & Son Dublin in 1920, together with a close up of the makers' plate. [Note: A wagon Spence plate (see below) was auctioned at SRA1200 and described there as "from 5'3" haulage wagons used for Guinness locos 37 x 21.6 cms - where 'Design' is replaced by 'Patent' this would be the loco plate"]. On the centre spread there is a photo of GNR Dundalk WW Makers 1898 plate.

Source: RAG37 and SRA1200

No. 38 October 2006: Harry Payne on 'ebay watch comments 'You may remember my commenting last time about the amount of replica cast iron and wondering if it would depress the price of the real stuff - well an apparently genuine GSWR gate notice made only £40, so I might be right.' Looking at the recorded sales on this site, price seems ok for the real thing - so maybe not that right. Tim notes 'Gabriel' at SRA and LMSNCC wagon plates (seldom seen).

No. 39 November 2006: Has articles on boundary markers and the Bluebell Museum. There is a comment on the modest price of £200 for the MGWR poster header. Apart from auction results, nothing specifically Irish.

No. 40 December 2006: Has articles on BR enamels, running-in boards and the Penryn Museum. There is a comment on the ebay GSWR Dunn & Bennett candle stick, not seen before, which sold for £ 205. Apart from auction results, nothing specifically Irish.

No. 41 January 2007: Has articles on BR enamels Pt.2, and handlamps. Apart from auction results, nothing specifically Irish.

No. 42 February 2007: Has and article on BR enamels Pt.3. In 'ebay Watch' Harry Payne notes 'And on the poster front, a beautiful GSWR 'Ireland for Happy Holidays' bearing a sticker at the bottom giving the address of the New York agency came up in the States. A vivid rural scene featuring three baslet-carrying colleens, all in bright art-deco colours, it should have had the collectors jumping. It didn't, and went only for the $500 reserve/ I'll never understand this game.' An article 'Early Locomotive Builders, 1825-1864' lists on the basis of two 1938 issues of 'Locomotion' 98 firms including at 'No. 39 T.Grendon - Drogheda (Ironworks) - 1844/59'. The dates represent first and last locos built. In a Visit to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at Tywyn, Part 1, Linsay Ferris notes under 'Enamel Signs' 'I noted a very rare Cavan & Leitrim Railway Accomodation Crossing/Shut and Fasten Gate Notice..' and a Donegal Railway Co. poster header board, under 'Cast Iron Signs' 'Trespass notices are represented by a double sided L&LSR 'Trespassers Prosecuted' notice..'and 'There is also a cast iron Poster Head Board headed 'L&LSRRy notices'. Under 'Station & other signs' an 'Emalough (bilingual) from the Tralee and Dingle Railway' is noted. Later under 'County Donegal Railway' it is noted that 'There are three nameplates from this much heralded railway. They are 'Stranorlar' (ex CDR Class 5a 2-6-4T No.2A built Nasmyth Wilson No. 956 of 1912, renamed 'Blanche', loco preserved) , 'Glenties' (zx CDR Class 5 2-6-4T No.17 built Nasmyth Wilson No. 829 of 1907, loco renumbered No. 5 and renamed 'Drumhoe' in 1937. Loco preserved) and 'Finn' (ex CDR Class 2 4-6-0T built Neilson No. 4576 of 1893. Loco scrapped in 1931). Note the two different styles of nameplate, with 'Stranorlar' and 'Glenties' having curved ends, and 'Finn', a more rectangular pattern'. The article concludes 'To whet your appetite the collection has items not mentioned including the ...Clogher Valley Railway,..and Schull & Skibbereen Railway, amongst others.'

Source: RAG42

No. 43 March 2007: Has articles on BR enamels Pt.4, as well as a second update on Boundary Markers. In Part 2 of a report of a visit to the Narrow Gauge Museum at Tywyn, by Linday Ferris, there is a picture of CVR 1936 Rebuilt Aughnacloy Works from Hudswell Clarke loco No. 698 of 1904 which VVR No. 4 was originally built as a 2-6-0 Tank was then rebuilt in 1936 to a 2-6-2 Tank. While not Irish, there is also a photo of the nameplate 'Irish Mail' of Hunslet Engine Co. No. 823 of 1903 a quarry 1ft 10 3/4 in. 0-4-0 saddle tank. In 'On the Stalls' at Great Northern Fair in Newark in February an 'MGWR(I) tresspass notice' is recorded. Apart from within auction results, nothing else specifically Irish.

Source: RAG43

No. 44 April 2007: Has articles on BR enamels Pt.5 and 'LNER Door Plates - the Definitive List?'. In Part 3 of a report of a visit to the Narrow Gauge Museum at Tywyn, by Linday Ferris, Clogher Valley and County Donegal items are treated. For the former, in addition to the items previously indicated, there is an antimaccassar with embroidered initials CVR and for the latter it notes that a Saxby & Farmer semaphore signal, ex Stranolar Station, is in the collection, but that this "superb and famous signal is not on display". There are pictures of the Ballydehob-Skibbereen train staff and ticket box and reference to the LLSR staff 'Carndonough-Clonmany' and a 2-lever ground frame from the CDRJC. A snippet included on the SSLR was 'the need for passenger trains to reverse out of Skibbereen station into a dead shunt, before proceeding towards Ballydehob'. Photos are also included of a rare Wise divisible train staff from Wales. The CLR had Wise instruments at one stage, but maybe not the divisible staff! Mike Newport's has an article on Metro-Cammell plates with many pictures. This is of interest since many Irish wagons originated from constituent companies. 'ebay Watch' notes the following Northern Ireland cast iron station names: Finnaghy(£78), Lambeg(£108) and Hilden Halt(£142). Apart from within auction results and adverts, nothing else specifically Irish.

Source: RAG44

No. 45 May 2007: Mike Newport's has Pt. 2 of an article on Metro-Cammell plates with many pictures (including that of a CL&R 1888 Bristol Wagon Works axlebox cover). GEC traction plates, BR enamel signage Part 6 - door plates, as well Part 1 of an article on Tie-on Labels Part 1 are included. In the latter there are pictures of an S.L. & C. Railway headed blank tie-on label, GNRI, GNRB and CDR similarly printed cycle labels 'To be attached to Cycle by Passenger who should see that Ticket Number, inserted hereon agrees with that issues, and destination.', a CDRJC Banking engine ticket to be filled up and tied to the train staff before commencement where a banking engine was required. Apart from within auction results and adverts, there was nothing else specifically Irish.

No. 46 June 2007: Has Part 7 of BR enamel signs, Australian plates, Cast Iron Trespass Notices Follow up 3 (which includes LMSNCC Trespass with illustration from the Yieldingtree Museum Trust) and Tie-on labels part 2 (which includes UTA and GNRI examples) and Lamps from the London & Tilbury. eBay Watch notes the LLSR Trespassers sign at £312. The GNRI tie on label is for articles returned to General Stores at Adelaide or Dundalk. The UTA example is addressed to Civil Engineering Dept., York Road, Belfast printed on green card and is folded in half after writing.

Source: RAG46

No. 47 July 2007: Has Part 8 of British Enamels, Cast Iron Trespass, Follow-up 4, Shed Codes, Visit to the Midland Railway Study Centre at Derby etc; as well as comments on the two CVR signs at Sheffield with illustrations of the two signs.

No. 48 August 2007: Has Part 9 of British Enamels - Station Entrance Signs, LNER Seatbacks Update, German War Locomotives, Boundary Markers, Third Update, and an article on the Midland Railway Study Centre at Derby Part 2. In the latter, other cast iron signs are mentoned including MRNCC trespass, MRNCC Bill posters will be prosecuted, Stick no Bills, Do not spit, Engines are not allowed, etc. two Bell Signal Code notices and others (but no illustrations).

No. 49 September 2007: This issue includes Part 10 of British railway enamel signage. This included a BR(M) General Agent for Ireland and comments "The LMR's General Agent for Ireland had a totem header on his sign (30" x 18") - and was he really located in Dublin? - what a prize, a BR totem marked sign from Ireland". Although, I hate to quash the idea, looking at the Stafford auction page, where this item was sold, says it is from Holyhead. There is a letter with a picture of GWR 'Fishguard-Rosslare' paperwork in the form of an envelope with a map inside. There are also articles on Tramcar Builders' Plates by David Love, the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and Museum by Lindsay Ferris and Tawley Railway Museum Open Day by the Editor as well as regular columns and reports.

Source: RAG49

No. 50 October 2007: Has the concluding Part 11 of British railway enamel signage, an article on the Dutch Railway Museum, an article on the Hibberd 'Planet lococomotive' builders, one on Railway Emphemera by the editor, and a particularly useful article on Cleaning Brass by Mike Sharman as well as other regular columns and auction reports.

No. 51 November 2007: This issue has Part 1 of an article by the Editor on Poster Board Headers. In that article illustrations of the CVR, Donegal Railway Co. , GSWR Timetables, GSR(Ireland) - as noted intended for England, and GNR(I) examples are included. I am not so sure that the latter arched cast iron example was a poster header but have no idea what it and its straight version in several pieces was. In addition there is a carriage print update by Greg Norden and article on Lister Locomotives, a guide to Railway Auction House charges, an article on the Corris Railway Museum, a follow-up letter on cleaning brass as well as regular reports and columns.

Source: RAG51

No. 52 December 2007: This issue has Part 1 of an article by the Editor on Poster Board Headers two L&LSRy are illustrated and commented on as follows: "This company used cast iron poster board heads, though the two noted are both designated for other types of publicity. As far as is known they were painted black with white lettering." A MGWR poster head is also illustrated with the comment "True to Irish main line companies, the MGWR produced cast iron poster headers. This example is 43 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches, with no raised border save for an underline beneath the lower line of lettering." In the letters page there is a further letter on the cleaning of brass - soak in 'Silverdip' then polish with a toothbrush and Auto Solvol chrome polish. A second letter treats the removal of Brasso polish and the freeing seized parts. There is an article on the Chasewater Railway Museum with four pages of photos of signs, but no obvious Irish ones. eBay watch noted a gold and enamel pass Great Southern (Ireland No. 3 in the name of M D Stewart which sold for £355 and a single line staff 'Ardee-Dromin' which went for £346. Mike Newport has a picture of a 1938 GSR plastic Inchicore Works builders' plate and comments on whether it might be railway or road concluding that it was more likely the former. The issue also has the usual comprehensive auction reports.

Source: RAG52

No. 53 January 2008 : The first issue for 2008, in addition to having an image of a 2008 plate on the cover, has articles on GWR uniforms, Recycled wagon plates, Shed codes, plus further letters on the cleaning of brass (a comprehensive one even suggesting the grit of emery paper used and hints on varnishing). In the auction reports there is a photo of the MGWR enamel lamp tablet from Mullingar and the comment that the £75 price was modest.

Source: RAG53

No. 54 February 2008: Aside from articles on Western gauge glass lamps, ebay watch noted a blue-on-white GNRI crested small milk jug at £160 and a GSR milk jug (crested on the base) for £103. In an update to cast iron trespass notices a CDRJC notice is illustrated. The similarity to the MRNCC notice and the relationship of part owner is mentioned. The first line lettering is in 1 inch letters with the remainder being 3/4. Size is given as 19 1/2 x 11 3/4 inches with 1/2 inch radius rounded corners and flat-topped raised border. It is painted black with white letters and classified as extremely rare. A Donegal Railway Co. Notice is also illustrated. This is unusually of cast brass. Tim was sceptical of this sign because it was in a collection where things were not always what they seemed. He noted that another example had materialised suggesting that the item might be genuine. In subsequent issues it seems to have been determined that there may have been an original sign and several (6) copies. Comments on auctions as usual elicited comments on the Walker Bros. plate from the CDRJC and an item noted on the stalls - a 'Glenealy-Wicklow' large W & T staff.

Source: RAG54

No. 55 March 2008:This issue has Enamel Trespass notices. Included are BNCR brown on pale cream with a narrow brown border at the edged 15x12 inches, very rare, a CIE white on black 12x15 inches, a direct descendant of the GSR, quite rare, GNR (Ireland) "Hereby ..prosecuted", white on blue 20x12 inches, quite common, similar but with Great Northern Railway first line, Company (Ireland), second, white on blue, not so common, and finally Great Northern, Railway Company (Ireland), white on blue, precisely the same wording as the other two but in a slightly different layout, 20x12 inches and less common than the other two. In the letters page a clarification of the Donegal trespass sign that one example and subsequently six from a foundry in Stevenage. Many other columns including Welsh Narrow Gauge Ephemera, Shed code Corner, some Ground Signals, etc. were included as well as auction results.

Source: RAG55

No. 56 April 2008: As well as Shed code corner, barcodes, a recent review by ex-editor John Mander and the colour of Totems had part 2 of Enamel trespass notices. Included were a GSR bilingual white on black 18x15 inches, described as uncommon, a GSR white on black 12x15 inches which it was noted "This notice was also used, with modified heading by CIE, see ETCI101. Quite rare." and an MGWR Public Warning "Black on White 12 7/8x17 7/8 inches. Quite rare."

Source: RAG56

No. 57 May 2008: This issue, now including some colour plates, has articles on GNER Ltd modern relics and the usual columns and auction reports. The column Repro-Ructions has cautionary tales on the practices of some sellers of clocks, number plates and facsimile timetables on ebay and recommendations on referral to Trading Standards. In part 1 of an article on Charlie's lamps there are pictures of a large GSWR copper lamp at Hell's Kitchen and of a Letterkenny Railway (worked by LLSR) signal lamp interior in Saxby & Farmer case with tall chimney. In Enamel Trespass Notices Part 3 there is an illustration of a SLNCR trespass, "white on black with narrow white border set in from the edges and a narrow white panel in the bottom left hand corner between border and edge, lettered in black upper case 'WILLING & Co. Ltd. LONDON' 16x12 inches, very rare."

GSWR lamp. Source: RAG57 Letterkenny lamp. Source:RAG57

No. 58 June 2008: Has the results of a very early auction at Knight, Frank and Rutley in London on 8 February 1968. Many Irish items appeared, often at, what would now be considered as, knock-down prices. Those instanced are: GNRI nameplate 'Croagh Patrick' £55, GNRI nameplate 'Lough Gill' £35, LMSNCC 'King Edward VII' nameplate & cabside No.98 £62, BCDR cabsides No.9 £7, No.15 £6, GNRI cabsides No.209 £6, No.206 £7, LMSNCC cabsides No. 15 £6, No.69 £7 and No.86 £9, MGWR No.106/1885(Broadstone) brass & No.1730/1898 cast iron £24, GNRI Dundalk 1915 & 130/D2 1934 £9, Kitson & Co. Leeds ex-Castlederg & Victoria Bridge Tramway £6, Nasmyth Wilson & Co. No.831/1907 ex CDRJC 'Letterkenny' £7, GSWR No.173/1874 & No.46/1878 £8, GNRI poster board heading £4, GNRI semi-circular poster board heading (curved in 4 sections) £5, LLSR double sided trespass £3, MGWR semi-circular poster board heading £5, DNGR gate £5, Bessbrook & Newry Tramway Co. gate notice £3, GNRI double sided trespass £4, CLR 'Mohill' station sign & Welsh Highland Railway poster board header £6, GNRB board bridge restriction £1, Hill of Howth tramway notice £13, BCDR carriage notice x2 £26, BCDR boundary post £2, MGWR hand bell £13, Loco chimney ex GSWR No.100 £12, INWR ticket punch & carriage key £4, Crossgar-Downpatrick N Junct. tablet £5, 4 Irish train staffs £7, West Clare Railway hand lamp £3, CBSCR station lamp £12, Cavan & Leitrim Railway station lamp £6.
Otherwise, ebay watch recorded a Bangor NI poster by A.J.Wilson at £193 and there musing from John Mander on GNRI enamels. "The three GNRI examples offer another puzzle with identical wording but different layouts especially of the company title. However in ETGN202 the title occupies almost half the sign and has a much better layout than 201 or 203 but was it the latest of the versions? The 203 is surely the poorest". There are reports on the Stafford, GWRA and GCRA auctions. In the latter case Lindsay speaking on the inclusion of an LBSCR Harper's semaphore block instrument at £2700 notes that most were used in Ireland, so it is rare to find an English example.

No. 59 July 2008: This issue has articles on the Outeniqua Railway Museum in South Africa, rhe Stafford Barn Railway, old signal boxes as garden sheds, and LNER cast iron family of signs. Two Irish buttons were noted on the stands at Sheffield, one from the Ulster Railway and the other from the Waterford & Tramore.

No. 60 August 2008: Has an article on a French crested nameplate and a comment that two fakes based on the GSWR gate (headed W&KR) appeared at the June Malton auctions. Of particular interest for Irish items is a two page article with a number of colour photos on the Enniskillen Railway Museum, which is also a barbers. The museum, from the pictures, has quite an amount of GNRI and SLNCR. Many posters are on display, 10 Webb & Thompson staffs, 8 miniature staffs (with apparently a complete set of staffs from Enniskillen to Bundoran), a Lough Erne nameplate, a GNRI fire surround, a GNRI arc poster board heading, two weighing machines, a 'Tea Car on this train', a SL&NCR poster board, a GNRI billposters, a Permanent Way bicycle, and a GNRI enamel trespass, GNRI 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 mile markers and three GNRI makers' plates. Much more is there. The article notes that many cabinets contai small artifacts including timetables, handbills and other paperwork, china, tickets, tableware and much more.

Enniskillen Museum and barber shop. Source: RAG60

No. 61 September 2008: The issue contains an article on French steam plates with one each diesel and electric as well as a report on the Darlington Railway Museum. Tim has a long article on cross the line notice with the GNRI one as the only Irish example (a month before a similar Donegal sign appeared at GCR).

No. 62 October 2008: Has articles on sack trucks, BR Uniform Badges 1966-1994, a report of aluminium fake makers plates, including a Beyer Peacock 1901, being offered on eBay, a large GWR Fishguard route map enamel which could not fin a buyer on eBay at £500, another article on French plates, this month mostly electric. The centre spread has a Donegal Railway brochure and a GNRI 1952 timetable. There is a reprint of a Railway Executive circular on the replacement of former main line company free passes. A comment notes that LMS passes were valid on the DNGR and the CDRJC.

GNRI timetable and Donegal brochure. Source: RAG62

No. 63 November 2008: Follows up on the cross the line article adding among others the Donegal Railway example. It has a article on the Conway Valley Museum, buying railwayana from BR in the past, LNER engraved Pacific worksplates. The appearance of the Donegal Railway cross the line notice was noted together with four staffs from Irish narrow gauge lines. The centre spread has colour photos of carriage window labels, including Laghey, Ladies Only and Smoking from the CDRJC. Part 1 of bridge number plates covers the English GNR.

CDRJC Ladies, Laghey and Smoking labels. Source: RAG63

No. 64 December 2008: ebay watch notes an art deco LMSNCC ashtray by Coalisland Pottery which fetched £33. The issue revisits the Tywyn museum and includes photos on LLSR and Donegal Railway poster headboards, a Cavan & Leitrim enamel gate notice, Guinness brewery No 13 and its William Spence builders plate. The colour centre spread includes SLNCR and MGWR railway stamps and a Co. Donegal excess luggage receipt. An article by the editor recalls the 1959 sale of all but one of the locos of the SLNCR and the sale of an LMSNCC cast iron trespass for £4 in February 1968.

No. 65 January 2009: Had the usual content, including a follow-up on bridge plates, but nothing specifically Irish noted.

No. 66 February 2009: Had a centrespread of paper CDRJC Tresspass notice. David Love reminisces on visits to Ireland in 1965 and 1968 which began his fascination with Irish railways afterwards reflected in acquisitions of builders plates from an Irish collector. These were more recently supplemented by purchases from the collector's widow of a patently original GSWR (now much reproduced) gate and two 'Sairseal' named train carriage boards. Lindsay remarks on the GNRI 12 inch roundhead clock ex Strabane South Cabin which went for £920 at GCR on 17/1/09. Bridge plates, part 4, has a photo of my DNGR plate no. 2. ebay watch reports on a small 8"x4" with the (I) ground off which sold for an incredible £155.

No. 67 March 2009: Had the first part of an interesting piece by David Love on New York Subway plates. A picture of a Donegal flyer advertising First Class is included. GNRI Luggage labels to Belfast and Greenore appeared in the small ads.

No. 68 April 2009: ebay watch records a GNRI heavy fireplace fender making £120. Part 6 of bridge numberplates has BNCR (simple rectangles with rounded corners and very fancy numerals, the 3-digit plate being wider than the 2-digit one) and GNRI (mimics the MSJ&AR to some extent with the company initials being embossed aroud the raised border on the upper curve of the oval plates) illustrations. In the commentary on the SRA auction a DSER monogram at £480 and a UTA cast iron wagon plate 2686 at £180 are highlighted.

No. 69 May 2009: Has a four page article on the CDRJC including a useful review of nameplates and their design (two patterns a square border, believed to be older and rounded corners). The author, Lindsay Ferris, usefully gives his views on which type of plate affixed to individual locomotives. In comments on the Malton auction, it is noted that the 'Wheelbase 10 ft' wagon plate, which sold for £8, is reputely Irish. ReproRuction has a photo of a GSWR styled gate with initials W. & W.R (purporting to stand for the Wolverhampton & Walsall Railway). Advice being 'do not touch it'.

No. 70 June 2009: Has a useful letter commenting on CDRJC plates from Gordon Marshall. He reports that he has the other plate from Stranolar and Meenglas, both of which he has owned for 25 years. The brass number plate of 3 did have an A ground off. He notes that Blanche's nameplates are still on the loco at the Transport Museum and Columbkille's at the Foyle Valley Museum. He had never seen worksplates but thinks they must exist somewhere. In this issue Lindsay has the second part of his article on the CDRJC. This mostly covers railcars.

No. 71 July 2009: Has a letter commenting on the Fry museum and including a photo of the Donegal footbridge notice there and a GNRI Ballyshannon station seatback. It is also mentioned that a reader has a workplate from a CDRJC Class 4 loco and is checking on the loco. A bilingual CIE enamel trespass (vertical pattern white on black) was noted on the stalls at Sheffield.

No. 72 August 2009: ebay watch records an Irish Commercial and Railway Gazeteer from 1893 in vgc selling at £103. David Love comments on a plate from a Ransome and Rapier 0-4-0 narrow gauge diesel, No. 84, ordered in October 1938 by Murphy Brothers Ltd. of Dublin and still working. It moved a bit in its career, working in 1982 at the Shamrock Machine Turf Co., Shane Valley, Co. Offaly, but by 1996 it was working for Midland Peat Moss Ltd, at Killinagh, Co. Westmeath. The BCDR zinc alloy cabside No. 5, and selling at TRA for £320, is noted to have been unfortunately broken in two.

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