If I was to do everything over again, I would use more posts to create more spline points around the rock to make smoother curves, as well getting a longer spirit level, as there is a significant slope from one side of the loop to the other.
I am happy with how my track turned out, and it will get better as I improve my technique. I will need to make some fishplates to make sure the ends of the rails line up better as the joints tend to encourage the wheels to jump the rails in places.
My own history of the West Clare includes a branch from the terminus at Kilrush which passed through Cooraclare and Kilmihil for the purpose of extracting turf from the bogs there, in addition to livestock in areas such as Creegh, Kilmihil, Cooraclare, Lisseycasey which were not served by the West Clare. After closure in 1961, the infrastructure did not suffer the same level of destruction as many other parts of the West Clare and so when the West Clare was revived in Moyasta, a separate group made efforts to reopen the Mid Clare. Through savvy purchases of equipment which was useful rather than authentic, a sizeable roster was built up and now daily passenger services are operated the length of the line, mainly serving pensioners doing their shopping in the town of Kilrush. Turf (peat) trains are still run during the summer as far as Kilrush for consumption there and shipping via the Shannon to Limerick. The planned reopening of the line between Kilkee and Kilrush via Moyasta junction has happened and there is much cooperation between the two concerns, (which will be my excuse for when a model of Slieve Callan eventually appears).
I have a few more details to figure out yet but I am happy that I have something down and I will be able to move forward with battery RC conversion of my locomotives. I'm sure after the winter there will be plenty of repairs to be made but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
Regards,
Eoin
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