iarnrod

Exactly. Currently progressing nicely in Inchicore.

Thanks Martin.

It will have the side handrails and the rear cab windows which were plated over in IE service are being re-instated. It is basically the original grey livery but in current spec as regards LED lights etc.

Whats the three due this year? I think this method is the only commercially viable way to create authentic models for the early CIE era. Best of luck and hopefully these models can proceed to production stage. Would love to see some of the early CIE built carriages produced via this method.

All the more reason for either a re-run by MM or a newer updated model released by either MM or IRM. Lots more Irish railway modellers exist these days since these locos were first released back in 2007/8. They were excellent models when they were released and still are good models, but most of the MM 141/181's are displaying an unsightly gap between the cab fronts and the underframe at this stage and there is also the strange expanding cab sides issue where the cab protrudes over the underframe on either one or both sides of the cab(s). Not sure what causes these issues, but from experience, once you removed the cabs and main body to insert sound etc., the cabs never really sat back into place correctly. However, these issues also exist on models that have never been used and stored in their boxes since purchased, so could be a design flaw of sorts as similar issues do not exist on the 071 Class locos which have a similar cab design, albeit made by a different factory.

No 071 Class models listed?

That's probably a very accurate reflection of the size of the Irish model railway market in 2020. Not big by any means, but a lot bigger now than it used to be. Just look at the demand for sold out MM and IRM items on ebay these days for evidence of this. When I see such evidence of the Irish market size, it makes me feel very thankful indeed for the brave decision by both MM, many years ago, and IRM, in more recent years, to supply this market with top of the range models. With the models that have been released, that are due to be released imminently and that will be future realeases, we really are in the golden age of Irish railway modelling as Irish railway modellers have never had it so good. Long may it continue.

And there was me thinking all along that it was an urban myth

Get most of my models from Dave B, known in this parish as Wrenneire. Absolutely sound to deal with. He has sourced many long sold out MM models for me over the years, and keeps my wants list in his little black book should he come across a collection for sale. Rumour has it that he may well have a second black book, but that's for people on his hit list .

Thanks Fran. One of the models on my list. Looks amazing.

Just noticed one thing. In the photos of the real locos in the IR livery that JHB posted, the top white line on the bodyside extends across the top of the large bodyside grill, but on the model it doesn't.

James Bond is looking the dog's dangly bits.

Best detailed MM locos to be released thus far. Both these and the A Class are seriously stunning models. Delighted to see an IE version with the earlier light setup.

@Warbonnet What's the latest information regarding delivery dates for the 001 Class? Also, presuming no limit on quantity produced for any particular model apart from A1? Thanks

The MM 141/181's were excellent models when they were released and still hold up today. However, they were first released back in 2007/2008, so model loco specs have improved a lot even since then. When you look at the IRM 001 and the MM 121, you are seeing the current detail and spec levels that any new loco being released nowadays seems to have, both here and in the UK. As more people start modelling the Irish scene, thanks to the efforts of both MM and IRM, the MM 141/181's are getting scarcer and this is reflected in the price that they are commanding on ebay at present. I don't know if we will see another run of the MM 141/181 models. If we do, happy days, but I would much rather the 141/181 and even the 071 was released with the same detail and spec levels that we are now seeing on the forthcoming 001 and 121 models.

Absolutely stunning model. If you removed the coupling and added the pipework etc. on the front end, it would be hard to tell that isn't the real thing from certain angles. Both the IRM 001 models and the MM 121 models now bring Irish locos to a supreme next level in terms of detailing. Would love to see the earlier 141/181/071 models get this new next level detail treatment.

Absolutely spot on weathering on those wagons. Just as I remember them. Well done on an excellent job.

Hopefully, Paddy Murphy might do some Mk.2's in IR livery after the 121's. I have that IRRS journal and can take a photo of that article and send them to you in a day or two if that helps. Just have to dig it out.

Another rake of ballasts would be nice. Perhaps in CIE or IR era livery though.

New and unused Dapol Class 68 68008 in DRS livery. DCC Ready version. €140 Bachmann FNA wagon 38-345. Used but mint condition. €30 Can meet in Dublin or Wicklow area or postage available at cost.

Thanks Mayner. I think Herbert still volunteers in the IRRS archives on Tues nights.

Is this drawing from a publication or what's the origin of it?

So about €173 per 121 from Hattons at today's currency rates.

Paint shade looks a lot better in your adjusted photo of the containers, Fran. Always hard to tell from a photo, as you guys probably well know. Have no doubt that IRM have researched this to the full extent possible in any case. Thanks for the reply.