English Electric Class 37 Co-Co. Locomotive.

They Just keeps Going.

The D6600 1960's (1960-66) built Deisel-Electric's are still in British operation today, apart from N-Irleand. These engines were re-calssified as 37/4 from the standard 37/0, there are now 37/5, 6, 7, and the newest Network Rail 97/3. 

From passenger service hauling in the 1960's to around 1990, they know are used in all frieght movements, to the Royal Scots train and part of the cambrian Nuclear flask trains. 

Meanwhile they are to be found all over the system in various private colours, and only 12 of them carry name plates.

With a speed of 90 mph top speed, they were restricted to 85 and now to 80mph. These 107 ton engines are some of the most reliable to be kept in over 50 years of service.

Aircraft Carriers. Part-Two.

Many of the worlds developing navies have sought over the years to top off their fleets with an aircraft carrier. They believe that it is an essential part of any advanced navy to have such a vessel in service. The aircraft carrier could then be described as a sea naval air power system, giving that nation an great advantage over the lesser. But is that really true? 

Israel has one of the most sophisticated and advanced navies in the world, yet it has no need of a sitting duck.

Many nations have sought to build dedicated carriers just for V/STOL aircraft and helicopters, even now the U.S. Navy is starting to think on those lines, with its Wasp class. 

The development of the Boeing-Bell OV-22 Osprey has lead to a much improved delivery system?

Irish trains.

Ireland has turned a corner over the last few years with the introduction of some top quality new rolling stock, such as the Class 22000/29000 Trains built in South-Korea/Japan. Millions has been spent on line, station, signalling improvements and extended electrification, bring the whole system in the Dublin area up to modern standards.


It is interesting to see the split between the passenger and freight locomotives, while the Class 201's remain on the very long distance Dublin-cork services and Belfast Dublin. 


Everything looks for a bright future, with plans to reopen lines and add a few new ones too?

Irelands Railways.

New Railway stock.

Has the modernization of the railway network and rolling stock, north and south in Ireland taken away the charm, that it once had? 

Or has the newness of it all improved everything, speed, cleanness and comfort? 

Ireland has that unique limited gauge of track found on the massive railway networks of Brazil, India and Australia

The Coras Impoar Eireann colour scheme of orange, black and white, latterly yellow on those predominantly American 121/141/181/071/111 and the Canadian 201 stock locomotives had seemed to mark out a difference. 

Perhaps I'm getting old and have to many reminiscences that cover the sleekness and modern look of the new?

Am I right or am I wrong?