Cyril Fry
Cyril Fry’s collection, now a cornerstone of this museum, offers a unique window into the history of Irish railways, meticulously recreated in miniature.
Cyril Laurence Fry
A Life Driven by Rails
Born in 1905, Cyril Laurence Fry was captivated by the trains that thundered past his Dundrum home. This childhood fascination blossomed into a lifelong passion, shaping his career and inspiring him to create a legacy of intricate model railways.
Early Life
Sent to boarding school in England at the age of ten, young Cyril’s love for trains only deepened. He helped establish a model railway club, immersing himself in the world of miniature locomotives and landscapes. At 17, he embarked on an apprenticeship, ultimately becoming an engineer with the Inchicore Railway Works in Dublin.
But Fry’s engineering talents extended beyond the workplace. In his spare time, he meticulously crafted over 350 precision-made model trains. His attic transformed into a miniature railway wonderland, complete with a complex layout featuring working signal lights and level crossing barriers.
Fry’s dedication to detail was extraordinary. He often consulted original plans and drawings from railway companies, ensuring accuracy in every aspect of his models. Each tiny component, from wheels to doors, was cast using individual moulds and then painstakingly filed and hand-painted.
His artistry was so refined that he could even add his name to each miniature masterpiece.This collection, a testament to Fry’s passion and skill, now forms the heart of the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide. Come and witness the intricate beauty of these miniature worlds and celebrate the legacy of a man whose life was forever intertwined with the magic of railways.
The Cyril Fry Collection
Following Cyril Fry’s passing in 1972, his extraordinary collection of model trains found a new home with Dublin Regional Tourism. Initially housed at the CIE works in Inchicore, the intricate models and sprawling layout from Fry’s attic captivated transport enthusiasts and model railway aficionados. In 1988, a dedicated exhibition showcasing Fry’s work opened at Malahide Castle.
The “Irish International Railway and Tramway System” offered a comprehensive look at the history of mechanized transport in Ireland, delighting visitors until its closure in 2011.
Now, a new chapter unfolds at the Casino Model Railway Museum. Inspired by both Fry’s original attic layout and the Malahide exhibition, a modern working layout has been created, bringing these miniature worlds to life once more.
Recognizing the fragility of these 70- to 80-year-old treasures, the museum is committed to preserving Fry’s legacy for generations to come. His wish that the models be protected for posterity is honoured here, ensuring that their intricate beauty and historical significance can be enjoyed by all.
The Casino Model Railway Museum stands as a testament to Cyril Fry’s enduring passion and a celebration of Ireland’s rich railway heritage. Come and experience the magic!