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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.

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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.

A collage of three black-and-white images: a vintage train logo, a man working on a detailed model train set, and an outdoor photo of a man and woman posing together with trees in the background.

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.

A quaint cottage with a thatched roof is covered in lush green ivy. It sits at the end of a gravel driveway, surrounded by small shrubs and trees under a clear blue sky.
Preserving a Legacy:

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.

A vintage red toy train engine with black smokestack and various markings, including the number 14 and a circular emblem, is displayed on a light blue surface against a light background.
A museum display with a glass case showcasing a model train on a wooden base indoors. Adjacent is a green entrance sign with the Irish text "Bealach Isteach" outside, placed on grass near a white building.

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!

A truly unique
attraction in the heart
of Malahide.
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