Some not-so-good news...
Regards
John
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joseph P.Keegan" To: Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 7:25 AM Subject: [DCCUK] Fw: Off topic Fw: Fry model railway Dublin Ireland.
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>> Some sad news if you followed Cryil Frys model railway from the 1950's to
>> 1980's which contained both broad and narrow gauge railway and trams. >> Regards
>> Joe Keegan.
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Dear All,
>>>
>>> Most of you will not be aware that the Fry Model Railway, owned by >>> Dublin
>>> Tourism and housed in a purpose built building in Malahide Castle >>> grounds
>>> has been given notice by Fingal County Council., the owners of the >>> premises.
>>>
>>> The reason for the eviction is not clear.
>>>
>>> Again, most of you will have visited the Fry Model Railway at some time, >>> and
>>> would be aware of the significance of this working layout, and >>> associated
>>> static displays. It is the only working layout on the island to >>> represent
>>> the history of our railways over the past 170 years or so, with the main
>>> line representing Belfast - Dublin - Cork, and including the narrow >>> gauge
>>> and such delights as the mail boat sailing from Dun Laoire, and the >>> Guinness
>>> barges on the River Liffey.
>>>
>>> The layout, as far as we can ascertain, is to be put into storage, >>> following
>>> its dismantling. The deadline for this is the end of February. No >>> further
>>> details are available, and the future of both public and enthusiast >>> viewing
>>> is uncertain.
>>>
>>> An alternative location should be found, if possible, and we are >>> appealing
>>> to ALL of you to come up with suggestions, north, south, east or west, >>> in
>>> order that this magnificent collection should be kept available for >>> public
>>> viewing. One suggestion is that it be re-erected in the grounds of >>> Collins
>>> Barracks Museum in Dublin, which would have the advantage that it would >>> be
>>> on a Luas route, close to Hueston/Kingsbridge station and on numerous >>> bus
>>> lines. This is an area which should be explored further. It must be
>>> remembered though, that the layout is effectively a living organism, and
>>> requires maintenance on a regular basis, and the possibility of a >>> continuous
>>> upgrading, as it has had over the last 20 years or so. Money will be
>>> required on an ongoing basis to maintain it, hence, it cannot be free
>>> entrance, wherever it may end up.
>>>
>>> Timing is somewhat fortuitous, as the politicians in the South will now >>> be
>>> more amenable to pressure, with an upcoming election, so I appeal to all >>> of
>>> you to exercise whatever influence you have to ensure that the Fry Model
>>> Railway has a future in the public eye.
>>>
>>> There will be one more opportunity to see the layout in action before >>> its
>>> demise in its current form, and when we find out when that is to be we >>> will
>>> notify the community of modellers and railfans on the Island. We would >>> be
>>> keen to see a large turnout for that event to ensure that the
>>> authorities
>>> see that there is a huge interest in this collection.
>>>
>>> There is also a requirement for a more formal support group for the Fry
>>> Model Railway, and a Friends of the Fry Model Railway is now in the >>> process
>>> of formation. You are invited to give it your support.
>>>
>>> I also appeal to you to ensure the widest possible circulation of this
>>> e-mail by whatever means possible among the model and prototype railway >>> community.
>>>
>>> Best regards
>>>
>>> John Hamill
>>>
>>> Chairman Model Railway Society of Ireland
>>>
>>> Interim Convenor, Friends of the Fry Model Railway
>>>
>>> snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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