Warbonnet

Hi everyone. IRM will be donating a couple of prizes for the raffle naturally. Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, Past the 60% sell out of these now. Absolutely flying out the door. Don't miss out! https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/cie-bogie-fertiliser-wagon/availability_pre-order? Cheers! Fran

With lots of recent arrivals in stock hogging the limelight, it's time to turn our attention to one of our more recent announcements for a progress update. This time it's the turn of our lovely Siphon G vans, as they now reach the decorated sample milestone. We gave the first glimpse of the decorated samples a couple of weeks ago with the announcement of our latest "Accurascale Exclusive" release, the Enparts Siphon G with bespoke tooling to cover the vans at the very end of their mainline careers. Now, it's time to preview the rest of the range. These decorated samples allow us to assess the livery application of the models, the quality of the paint finish and the colours used to ensure we get the final models as spot on as possible for modellers who will eventually run them on their layouts or add them to their collections. Decorated samples also allow for checking of general fit and finish of parts, and while good in many areas on these samples, there is room for improvement in several aspects. We have instructed the factory to correct these areas on the production models. One area that we were keen to correct from our original first samples was the bodyside planking arrangement, which, as can be seen on these new samples, has been retooled for a more accurate representation of the real vans. Thank you to the eagle eyed customers who spotted this and informed us. Another improvement made to the first samples is the location of the end gangways. These have been lowered slightly following feedback and additional research. However, this is not immediately apparent on these samples as the original gangway parts have been used on these samples, but the final production models with use new parts to complete the effect. When it comes to livery application itself, most have been approved for the production models, apart from the Enparts shade of green and the BR maroon livery above, which needs a closer matching to the swatch samples we originally provided. However, this is all part of the correction process and the whole point of the decorated samples. We will also be using a matt finish on the production models, moving away from the satin finish on these samples to be more representative of a wooden bodied vehicle. Wheels will also be blackened to a new standard, along with the beautiful metal buffers. These final tweaks are minor in the production process but will elevate these models from "very good" to the "gold standard" we continuously push for. The sheer variation and detail we have put into these vans sets a new bar when it comes to non-passenger carrying coaching stock and allows us to depict these iconic vans across their long and varied career. With such minor tweaks required we can soon start production, allowing us to keep to our schedule for delivery in late Q4 2022/early Q1 2023 before the factory closes for Chinese New Year! It really feels good to be delivering on schedule once again after the disruption and uncertainty of the last couple of years, so let's hope this continues! Pre-order your Siphon G today at a price of £54.95 from your local stockist, or direct via the Accurascale website. Enparts is only available direct via our website. The Accurascale website also gives you 10% off when you buy two or more, with free postage and packaging to the UK and Ireland. You can also use partial.ly on our website to spread the payments over 6 months at no additional cost! (open on the Siphons for another 4 weeks) Browse the range and place your order by clicking here! View the full article

Hi everyone, Just a heads up to say we are approaching the 75% pre-sold mark on these. Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered a set so far and supported the RPSI. Don't miss out on these packs, surely a collectors item in the future. Due at the end of this year. Pre-order yours here: https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/mark-2-coaches/products/rpsi-set-1 Cheers! Fran

Following the recent delivery of our Class 55 Deltic locomotives, and news that our Class 92 and Class 37 locomotives are now in production, it is time to check in with our fourth Accurascale locomotive project; the 78xx Manor Class locomotives. Let's take a look at where we are to date and provide you with a full update on progress so far! In the past week or so we previewed the first decorated sample of 7820 'Dinmore Manor' in BR lined black livery. This was produced with our first decorated samples of the locomotives that we received and previewed back in December 2021, but after being excluded from the initial parcel, it went walkabouts in the postal system and only recently arrived! This model will be subject to the same corrections as the other models (correct placement of the tender lining and additional sheen applied to the black livery) as well as the addition of the white line on the distinctive decorative lining. We also previewed the smooth running characteristics and the DCC sound project recorded for the Manor (as well as showing you the processes behind recording the sound file) with Hornby Magazine. Once again thank you to our friends on Hornby mag team, and our friends at the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway for facilitating us. Check out the video below! Since the video was filmed, (and following our own extensive testing of the locomotives) we have concluded that further refining and tweaking of the sound project and the DCC set up in the locomotives was required. The first samples of the locomotive (as per the locomotive in the Hornby Magazine video) only featured one speaker in the tender. Production models will feature a speaker in the boiler of the locomotive as well as the tender. We are also improving the housing for these speakers to give better sound quality. While it may seem that the Manor is a largish tender locomotive, packaging is always an interesting challenge, especially when we are using such a large amount of diecasting to aid pulling performance. The tender itself is used to house the majority of the electronics, such as the DCC decoder and circuit board. This also aids the ease of disassembly for fitting a chip of your own choice. While the tender space aids in the packaging, it is quite a small space in itself due to the smallness of the tender and our desire to accurately represent the cut out for the coal capacity. We are keen to ensure our locomotives have "stay alive" powerbank capacitors for uninterrupted running over dirty sections of track. When using the originally specified 21 pin interface, we found that it took up too much real estate in the tender to allow for the capacitors. Therefore, we have changed this to a "Next 18" interface and sound decoder which has a smaller footprint. This means that we have conducted a complete redesign of the printed circuit board (PCB). These changes allow the powerbank and speaker to remain in the model as per the specification. Further improvements to the models based on the findings from the first decorated samples include improvements to the look and fit of the crankpins, improvement to the firebox flicker, cosmetic improvements to the finish on the surface of the wheels and axles and rerouting of wires within the locomotive for a cleaner, more reliable solution. These improvements and enhancements of the model are now underway and will be implemented into the finished production models your receive. We want our first steam locomotive to provide quality running characteristics, feature excellent detail, finesse, quality and prototypical accuracy, as well as enjoying unbeatable features such as an industry leading sound file. The Manor is our first rodeo in the world of steam locomotives, and we have learnt a great deal along the way, reacting positively to feedback and pushing further improvements into the package as we go. We could've just settled for an average model, and almost put on sale the samples as they were, but it is simply not "The Accurascale Way". We certainly do not want to deliver an average model to customers, who we know will appreciate the quality of the final model and enjoy a class leading locomotive on their layouts and in their collections. With the improvements in mind, production will now begin in early Autumn, and delivery will be in Q4 of 2022. We apologise for this sight delay, but excellence takes time and cannot be rushed. Our model was on cusp of being great, so we will take this extra couple of months to push it into this bracket. With several variants sold out direct via Accurascale, and retailers also reporting strong pre-order sales, we advise that you place a pre-order sooner rather than later. Don't miss out, it would be simply be bad Manors to go with anything else. Pre-order yours today via your local Accurascale stockist, or direct by clicking right here! View the full article

Hi everyone, If it's any use I believe the current plan is to land the Mark 2 run first. When the time comes we will be retailing these, the 201s and other future models on the IRM website, so look out for news and updates regarding pre-ordering. We will naturally post any info re numbers, pricing and delivery etc once we get them there and on here. Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, Ordered your Ferts yet? Assembly of our decorated samples are under way, and this time we are going for green bags inside! They're flying out on pre-order. Make sure you don't miss out on a Q4 2022 delivery. Pre-order yours: https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/cie-bogie-fertiliser-wagon/availability_pre-order? Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, As of this morning 60% of the run is already sold, and UK dispatch finally begins in the coming days (these orders are safe and accounted for stock wise) So, if you're on the fence, it's time to get off! The more in stock items we sell, the more shiny new stuff we are encouraged (and financed!) to make! Order yours here: https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/magnesite-wagons Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, We just had the product snaps for the magnesite wagons done for the website, and very pretty they look too. Here's some to feast your eyes with! Order yours here: https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/magnesite-wagons Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, Now the As have been out in the wild almost a year and settled down nicely, we can sell off the very last of the warranty stock we held back in reserve for any replacements required (we are quite conservative on this to ensure everyone was covered! And don't worry, we still have some kept as spares etc which will not get sold off, and we do have lots of spares still) So, pretty much all running numbers are back on sale in very, very limited numbers. Fill yer boots, as this is 100%, last chance saloon: https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/a-class-locomotive Cheers! Fran

Our Siphon G bogie vans are progressing well through development, with tooling amendments from feedback on the first sample now complete and decorated samples are beginning to arrive from the factory. The first decorated sample to arrive from the factory is our new "Accurascale Exclusive" announcement, ADB975784 (ex-1006) in the classic "ENPARTS" livery! (Look out for the revealing of the rest of the decorated Siphon G vans in the coming weeks. They're looking pretty special...) Converted for Enparts use in 1978, ADB975784 was one of a squadron of at least 24 Siphon G vans used by the Western Region for transporting spare parts for locomotives and rolling stock from Swindon to the larger Motive Power Depots. They soldered on in service until 1985, making them a favourite pre-nationalisation favourite of the corporate blue era. Our latest "Accurascale Exclusive" covers the Siphon in this condition, suitably modified and decorated for this traffic, including blocking off of the gangways and vents as well as receiving the Enparts livery of green with suitable markings. A firm favourite with enthusiasts of this era, it seemed the perfect addition to our "Accurascale Exclusives" range of limited edition models available only direct via the Accurascale website. Delivery is slated for late Q4 2022/Q1 2023 and can be ordered below for a price of £54.95 inc postage and packaging to the UK and Ireland, with 10% off when you buy two or more. Early pre-ordering is advised to avoid disappointment! Pre-order your Enparts Siphon by clicking here! (Please note that this decorated model is still a pre-production model, so fit, finish and printing will all be further improved/enhanced before production.) View the full article

It sure is Noel re bogies, in fact we've had them in stock for a while now. Clip in replacements: https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/accessories/availability_in-stock+accessory-type_wheels-bogies?sort_by=created-descending These bogies are already employed on the last run of Tara mines wagons (blue and the three red oxide packs that landed just after the As last year.) The coupling mech is a tweak on the chassis of the wagon, so this cant be offered as a like for like replacement. Cheers! Fran

What is rare these days? Well, one could argue that our fertiliser wagons are. We really didn't make enough of them during the first round of "Project 42" judging by the feedback we have received via email and at shows. Do you know what else is rare? Improving a product, then selling it for less than the first run! Well, that's what we have done. To make up for the disappointment of the first 'fert' run selling out so quickly, we have REDUCED the RRP by €10 to €89.95 per twin pack. Who else does that? Not only that, but we have improved the wagons too, with modification to the coupling mechanism and now brass bearings on the bogies to eliminate squeaking and improve running and rolling resistance. Four different twin packs are available to pre-order with our usual 10% off when you buy two packs or more, and FREE Ireland and UK postage and packaging! Due in Q4 of 2022, we are currently awaiting livery samples which we will preview in the next couple of weeks. Also, because of supply chain demands, this production run will be smaller than we hoped too, so please make sure you get your pre-order in ASAP to avoid disappointment. Pre-order yours by clicking here! View the full article

Sadly not enough plastic to print my ample frame! Of course what also helps us with new projects is selling out of current stock as we can reinvest the money in new tooling, so fill yer boots lads! https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/wagons/availability_in-stock? Cheers! Fran

In a move that will surprise absolutely nobody, we're formally announcing an exclusive model of the BR Class 89 ‘Badger’ prototype electric locomotive in OO/4mm scale, available direct only from Rails of Sheffield and Accurascale. Yes, that's right; It's Badger time! History Designed by Brush Traction and constructed by British Rail Engineering Ltd at Crewe Works in 1986, the unique Class 89 was the prototype for a planned fleet of locomotives that would take over from the HSTs on the electrified ECML and supplement existing motive power on the WCML. Unfortunately, British Rail changed its requirements before the locomotive was even completed, eventually ordering Class 90s and 91s instead. The Class 89 design was later considered for Channel Tunnel use, but was superseded by what eventually became the Brush Class 92. Used as a test bed between 1986 and 1988 on both the East and West Coast routes, it eventually settled into service working between Kings Cross and Leeds. Delivered in the InterCity Executive scheme, it was repainted in the new Swallow livery in December 1988 and named ‘Avocet’ by the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher the following month. It continued in this duty until July 1992 when it was side-lined following a failure. It was subsequently purchased for preservation and wore de-named Swallow livery until, in a shock move, it was acquired by privatised ECML operator GNER in 1997 to help with a drastic motive power shortage. Repainted into GNER dark blue, it returned to operation on Kings Cross to Leeds and Bradford trains. Withdrawn for a second time in 2001 it joined the AC Locomotive Group’s preserved fleet at the end of 2006 and repainted back into its original InterCity livery the following year. The Class 89 story does not end there. The ACLG is currently restoring this locomotive back to operational condition with plans to fit it with the necessary equipment for a return to the national network. In December 2021 it announced a partnership with Locomotive Services Ltd to fund the final stages of 89001’s rebuild that will also see the unique machine join LSL’s stunning fleet of main line certified electric locomotives for a period of five years. The Model We first mooted this exclusive model with Rails of Sheffield in 2020 as an “expression of interest” among the public to see if there was sufficient desire in creating this unique locomotive in model form. Demand was healthy, but due to the COVID 19 pandemic, access to the real locomotive for surveying and scanning was impossible. However, following the easing of restrictions in 2021 and beyond, we were able to continue working on the model, including conducting a full survey facilitated by Mervyn Alcock and the staff at Barrow Hill, while Wabtec Brush were able to provide copies of the original drawings. We would like to thank both parties in making this model come to fruition through their invaluable help. To do this unique piece of modern British railway history justice, a museum quality model featuring a high level of detail and prototype fidelity and a range of operational features are required. Thankfully, taking the technological innovations and know-how from projects such as the Class 55 Deltic, Class 37 and Class 92, we have been able to pack the Class 89 with a whole host of features. Our model will utilise the same sound set up as their existing diesel and electric locomotives, as well as the DCC operated rising and lowering pantograph. The 89 will also feature a powerful and silky smooth 5 pole skew wound motor with twin flywheels, helical cut gearing, flange squeal sensor, full lighting package including illuminated cab dials and more. This project is the second such partnership between ourselves and Rails of Sheffield, and builds on the successful cooperation with the Class 55 Deltic, which included a number of special editions commissioned by Rails in partnership with the Deltic Preservation Society and Locomotion Models. However, the Class 89, which will feature five different livery variants, will be available to purchase from both Rails and Accurascale direct online. The five livery variants are as follows: Oct-86 to Nov-88 BR InterCity Executive livery Dec-88 to Jul-92 Named Avocet on 16-Dec-88 and debuts in InterCity Swallow livery Mar-97 to Jan-99 Reinstated for service 3-Mar-97 and repainted into GNER blue with white logo (loco had been purchased in 1996 by Sea Containers) Feb-99 to Jun-07 Returns to service after repairs at Brush in GNER blue with gold logo Apr-19 to present Classic InterCity Swallow livery with Modern OHLE Flashes CAD is now complete and it has entered the early stages of tooling. The first tooled sample is expected in time for the Warley show in November 2022, with decorated samples following in early 2023 and then delivery slated for Q3 2023. Orders can be secured via the Accurascale and Rails of Sheffield websites for just a £30 deposit, with prices for the DCC Ready version priced at £229.99, and the DCC sound ESU Loksound 5 fitted models £329.99, reflecting the limited nature of this very special release. (We are aware that this breaks with our tradition of "announcing with tooling sample". As this is a one off locomotive both Rails and Accurascale feel it's important to gauge interest in a one-off locomotive and an update is long overdue!) When ordering direct with us you can also select to pay a deposit and then the balance when the locomotives arrive in stock, or easy installments over six months at no extra cost! These buttons will appear in your cart ahead of check out. Pre-ordering is now open on both websites; www.accurascale.co.uk and www.railsofsheffield.com Specification The Class 89 model will be based on Accurascale’s ground-breaking Class 92 platform, with all-wheel powered six-axle bogies and a pantograph that can be raised or lowered almost silently under DC or DCC control. Highly-detailed OO scale model, 1:76.2 scale Minimum Radius 438mm (2nd Radius Set-track) Die-cast metal chassis RP25-110 profile OO wheels Separately-applied etched metal/plastic detail parts, including grab handles, steps, wipers, etc. Scale width wire handrails Full underframe tank detail with brackets and pipework Fully sprung metal buffers and bufferplate, factory-fitted pipework and screw couplings (for display) Dummy knuckle coupler provided in polybag Kinetic NEM coupler mounts at correct height and mini-tension-lock couplers DCC ready [21-Pin MTX Socket] or Factory-Fitted DCC Sound options High Performance traction, to include; Five-Pole motor with two flywheels Metal Helical Gear box for maximum performance and slow speed running Gearing arranged so locomotive can achieve minimum scale top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h) DCC ready with PowerPack capacitor for uninterrupted power All wheel drive (sprung centre axle) and all wheel pickup Fully detailed Lighting Pack, including: Directional lighting, DC and DCC Switchable Red and white marker lights with day/night options Separately switched cab lighting and illuminated, driver’s desk, auto/off on movement Scale-sized Brecknall-Willis High Speed pantograph raised and lowered by DCC control (auto up and down operation in DC with power on/off) Customised Dual-Speaker Technology with large ‘Accurathrash’ Style Bass Speaker and smaller 'iphone' style cube for higher frequencies (on DCC Sound-fitted models only) Hall sensor for flange squeal effect (on DCC Sound-fitted models only) View the full article

Turn Your Deltic Up To 11 With Our DCC Sound Decoders and Speaker Kit Have you bought one of our new DC/DCC ready Deltics and wish you went for the DCC sound version? Are you seeing videos online of the full Napier drone on our factory fitted sound models and fancy a slice of the action? Well, now you can upgrade for the full Accurathrash experience! With a sugar cube speaker already installed in your locomotive, you can now order our new "Accurathrash" EM1 type bass reflex speaker, and our full sound project pre-loaded on an ESU Loksound 5 decoder. So, you can fully retrofit your Deltic and it's all plug and play! We are also launching a Lokpilot 5 which is completely tailored for our Deltics, so you can access all the lighting an control functions with ease. Stock is due in approx. 4 weeks time, and once again we offer unbeatable value, with the Loksound 5 sound decoder priced at £100.00, the Accurathrash speaker is £14.95 and our Lokpilot is just £29.50. Pre-order here: https://www.accurascale.com/collections/dcc-decoders-and-accessories View the full article

Prefer stuff like this personally

Our NEM pockets are at the correct NEM height (we double checked after too!) so we were puzzled by that. Still, second best loco ever on his leaderboard. We'll take that. Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, Great to see them landing on layouts and in collections. They're selling fast, so if you fancy some, now's the time to act: https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/magnesite-wagons Cheers! Fran

With production of our first run of our hotly anticipated Class 37s underway, it's time to reveal the first sample of our Class 37/7 tooling. This forms the basis of the forthcoming Heavy Tractor Group (HTG) limited edition model of their locomotive, Class 37/7, no 37714 and a glimpse at our future. The model was presented to the HTG for appraisal and checking over ahead of decoration samples which will arrive later this year. It also showcases our thinking for their second production run of the Class 37 project, after the first production run of Class 37/0, modernised Class 37/4 and 37/6 begin to arrive in stock later this year. The Class 37/7 will be forming part of an extensive run two of the English Electric icons which will be announced later this year, along with other variants of this popular class. A limited edition model of 37714 was essential as the real locomotive formed a large basis of the initial research for our Class 37 project, and producing a model in its Railfreight Metals sector livery as per service condition seemed a fitting tribute. Fans of the machine in preserved machine can replicate it in its preserved guise too, with the optional “Cardiff Canton” nameplates being available in etched format in the detail pack, but not printed on the locomotive body sides. During May, we were lucky to visit the Great Central Railway at Loughborough to visit the locomotive, meet HTG officials, and introduce the model to the real locomotive. As per any pre-production model, small tweaks are required, but overall the model is shaping up to be the most accurate rendition of the Class 37/7 heavyweights in model form to date. Speaking about the model, Graham Hubbard of the HTG stated; “We are honoured to have helped Accurascale with the development of the 37/7 for their superb range of locomotives. The levels of detail are truly excellent and the model truly is a small version of the real thing! "We cannot thank Accurascale enough for their amazing support for us ,with the limited edition model of 37714 ,will see not only 37714 but also D6700 secure for the future." Our Senior Project Manager Gareth Bayer explained the significance of the model and the future of the Accurascale Class 37 range; “We were keen to get the Heavy Tractor Group on board for the Class 37 project, as their locomotive sports a number of features that a rare on preserved examples but common on the fleet as a whole, especially on the post 1990 fleet. Happily they very graciously allowed us to borrow 37714 on a number of occasions, for 3D scanning, measuring - inside and out - and sound recording, and all of these surveys contributed heavily to making our first run of models as accurate as possible. “The 'heavyweights' are a particular favourite of mine so it has been pleasure to work with the HTG to create what we think is the definitive model of this distinctive Class 37 sub-type. The group's exclusive edition of 37714 is also the perfect taster for our second run that will introduce many all-new variants, including several never before tooled, to the mix. “As with our initial range, this exclusive will correctly match the configuration of the real thing, including double riveted roof, plated bodyside windows and steps, welded replacement long range fuel tank, single piece nose grilles, windscreens with toughened middle window only, and the correct style of cab interior.” As you know, sales of the Accurascale Class 37 have been very strong, with our website sold out on our direct sales (except for new exclusive 37 402!) and several retailers now selling out on pre-order too. The demand for the HTG limited edition of 37714, which is strictly limited to 504 pieces has been similarly strong, with stock rapidly depleting. This locomotive will be in stock in Summer 2023. Be sure to keep an eye on our website for run 2 of the Class 37 later this year, and visit the HTG site to purchase your limited edition model of 37714, available both in DC/DCC Ready and DCC sound fitted guises: https://www.heavytractorgroup.org/shop View the full article

Nice to see the magnesites in action on Barrow Street!

Hi everyone, We have begun shipping these out and they're now in stock! Order yours here: https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/exclusive-irm-buses/products/cie-forklifts Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, Great news! The Magnesites are now in stock and being dispatched to customers as we speak. Ordered yours yet? https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/magnesite-wagons Cheers! Fran

Thanks guys, a truly great day here after a long, hard slog. The team that worked on it put their heart and souls into it and it will show. Our CAD man is especially buzzing today. I might even have a celebratory Makky Ds this evening while others soak up the plaudits Cheers! Fran

We've published some delicious decorated samples of our forthcoming Class 37s on social media in recent weeks. In the meantime, we have been working hard behind the scenes to progress the project and we can now give you a full update on where we are at. Firstly, for those of you who have missed the decorated pictures; just drink this awesomeness in. Don't they look pretty? Apart from some fit and finish issues which always occurs with pre-production samples, and naturally will be remedied on the model that enters traffic on your layout, our EE Type 3s are looking very tasty indeed. Samples of the four main types we are producing in the first run (The first 5 built, 37/0 with Scottish 'car' headlamp, 37/6 and modern Class 37/4) as well as Accurascale Exclusive 97301 have all arrived, been tested and feedback was sent to the factory for subtle tweaks and improvements. Some areas we have identified for improvement are on the roof, which requires better fit and finish to accurately represent this crucial area. We are also tweaking the horn grilles as they just don't quite cut the mustard. We have also further enhanced the fan grille and other areas since these decorated samples were made. Thanks to the eagle eyed viewers and feedback gained from RMWeb regarding the position of the Scottish car headlamp, and further work with the factory to reduce its size, we are making improvements in this area too. The printing and paint in general will receive enhancements too, as evidenced on the sector Class 37s with their poorer paint coverage in some areas. Again, the models you receive will be spot on. On our original batch of EE Type 3's, D6700-6705, require some additional work around the connecting doors on the front of the locomotives, as we are not happy with the fit and finish here, and other small areas that require improvement. However, once implemented, they will form a cracking model of one of the nations most favourite diesel locomotives. We knew our Class 37s would be very popular when we first announced them at Warley in 2019. However, we did not know just how popular they would be. It seems our attempts at producing the definitive model of these icons have proven to be a massive success among modellers. So much so, that to avoid swamping the factory and to ensure delivery in a timely fashion, we will now have to batch produce them and deliver the entire first run over three deliveries. The delivery schedule is as follows: Batch 1 is the Scottish Headlamp 37/0s and modern 37/4s. These are now in production and scheduled to ship at the end of August from China, arriving in stock in mid-October. Batch 2 is the 37/6s and the Yellow 97/3. Planned shipment end of October, arriving in stock in mid December. Batch 3 is the Blue/Green 37/0s. Planned shipment end of December, arriving in stock in February 2023. Naturally, we would've loved to deliver these in chronological order of when they were first announced, but the tweaks required per sub class dictate the delivery schedule now, with the first batch the easiest to progress into production while further tooling work continues on the Class 37/6 and the blue and green Type 3s. The good news is that production is now underway, with injection moulding of batch 1 complete and painting is about to start. Of course, with complete sell out on pre-order, you may have a feeling of missing out. However, we have some good news! A previous modern Class 37/4 was ear-marked for a special commission that was not proceeded with. So, we have added it to our "Accurascale Exclusives" range instead, and now offer it for sale to you direct. Welcome to 37402 in the retro classic livery of BR Blue Large Logo livery. Outshopped by Loram in February 2016, 37402 was the second member of the Direct Rail Services Class 37/4 fleet to be returned to the BR large logo scheme, after 37401 Mary Queen of Scots, which had led the way after being repaired and repainted into this iconic paint scheme by the SRPS at Bo’ness in late 2013. 37402 was released from Derby wearing non-standard numbers and with its Stephen Middlemore nameplates still in their ‘Compass’ livery position below the radiator, although these were fortunately both fixed at Kingmoor before the locomotive entered traffic a few weeks later, going straight into action on the Cumbrian Coast loco-hauled services between Preston, Barrow and Carlisle. 37402 became a regular on these popular workings and while they ended in May 2018, DRS had plenty of employment for its expanding fleet of heritage liveried Class 37/4s. This included Network Rail test, saloon and railhead treatment trains, the Greater Anglia ‘short set’ passenger services between Norwich and Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, nuclear flask, engineers, railtours, stock moves, ‘thunderbird’, route learning and other duties. By the end of 2018 the sight of pairs of large logo 37/4s either top and tailed or working together became almost commonplace all over the network. The detail configuration of this locomotive is identical to our other large logo ETH-fitted ‘tractor’, 37409, with the main spotting features of these DRS era machines being the revised LED tail lights, multiple working socket on the nose, toughened windscreens, cab step and door kickplates, and – for those machines that previously wore Compass branding – the plated central window on both sides of the body. Notably though, 37402 was provided with a large Eastfield ‘westie’ logo in the classic position, an embellishment never given to 37409. This locomotive will arrive in batch 1 in October, so make sure you pre-order yours to avoid disappointment. Considering how the rest of the Class 37 range has sold this will not hang around for long. Order here! View the full article