Links To Some Interesting Sites
Here are some useful links on my favorite topics. Not an exhaustive
list, but it should be enough to keep you surfing for a while, and all
are good jump-off points.
Live Steam / Large Scale / Model Railroading
The ultimate source of information for all aspects of live steam
railroading
in the smaller scales. Check out the site, then subscribe! You won't
regret
it.
NEW LINK. The group, based in
the U.K., devoted to the modelling of narrow gauge prototypes in 16mm
scale
on 32 mm track, the most common of these being the Welsh two-foot gauge
railways. While I don't fit into their usual membership profile,
I became a member a while ago and haven't regretted it for a
moment.
Their magazine, distributed to the membership four times a year, is an
invaluable resource. Their web site is developing nicely, and is
well worth a visit.
Engineer and model maker. A skilled builder of locomotives in the
garden
scales, he is presently dedicating his talents to a series of American
logging locos for Catatonk Locomotive Works (go to Steam
in the Garden On-Line for current information). Mike's site has
color
photos of some of his other projects.
The online catalog of Roundhouse Engineering. If their catalog doesn't
tempt you, then you're certifiably immune to the live steam bug.
A dealer of various lines of live steam locos and some neat battery
powered
stuff. An especially useful source for North Americans interested in 16
mm scale / 32 mm gauge railways.
One of the largest suppliers to the hobby in the U.K. and possibly the
world. They stock live steam locomotives, LGB, and their own extensive
line of narrow gauge kits, modifications (mostly based on the Lehman
line),
buildings, and details. Their entire catalog seems to be on-line. I've
found their overseas service to be quite satisfactory, especially on
items
in stock. They accept credit cards for payment, and are available for
consultation
by phone, fax, or e-mail.
A British firm, manufacturers not only of the West Clare Extension's
wonderful
battery tram but also a number of pieces of rolling stock (both kit and
RTR), as well as detail bits in both resin and white metal. Their
on-line
catalog is well worth a look or two if you're interested in the world
of
the British narrow gauge.
Another British firm who make an assortment of wheels, axleguards, and
various detail bits, mostly in plastic. Their on-line catalog is
partial--definitely
request to receive the full catalog via mail.
Yet another British firm (they're finally discovering the Internet!)
Manufacturers
of a line of white metal detail parts for rolling stock (wagon hinges,
braces, undercarriage details, and such) and buildings (gutters and
drainpipes,
etc). I have no personal experience with their products, but have seen
photos and reviews in several places--and they look great.
Proprietor Geoff Munday must be a wizard. He lines out and
detail-paints
new locos, and the effect is nothing short of miraculous. If you plan
to
order a loco from Roundhouse, for example, he can arrange to collect it
straight from the factory and finish it before shipping it off to you.
His Web site shows many examples of his work. Even if a new loco isn't
in your future, it's well worth a look just for the images.
NEW LINK An impressive collection of
images and descriptions of narrow gauge railways in all scales and
gauges,
both outdoors and indoors. Very inspirational.
Devoted to funky little industrial locos, both steam and diesel. Fun!
NEW. More than the title
indicates.
Lots of useful information about live steam locos, but also subjects
such
as ways to modify Accucraft's RUBY loco, and a page on pop-pop
boats.
Rather than explain it all, I suggest you check it out.
NEW. A book retailer in the U.K.
which
specializes in books on railways of the world, engineering, mining
history,
and whatever else intrigues the proprietor. Their catalog (not
on-line
at the moment, sadly) is a fascinating read. If you can't find
anything
of interest in it, check your pulse. They are not the only book
dealers
around, but I've dealt with them a number of times and have always
received
wonderful, prompt service.
NEW Control a Marklin HO railroad
over
the Internet. You have to see this; it's actually kind of fun.
As for a few non-rail related links, some of
my
faves are:
The word of the day in Irish, for the aspiring Gaeilgeoir.
RTE's Irish-language radio service. They broadcast live over the
Web using Real Player (available through a link on the site) if you
want to keep your ear for the language from getting too rusty.
For everything you need to know about the glamorous world of
competitive
rowing.
To my home page
To my West Clare Extension page and photo
galleries