Warbonnet

It's been a long time coming, and we've been bursting to show you the first of our decorated Class 37 samples to all of you who couldn't make the recent shows at Model Rail Scotland and the London Festival of Railway Modelling. So, here is the first reveal, Accurascale Exclusive 97301 in Network Rail livery. Oh boy! We will be showing further livery examples in the coming weeks, and providing a full update on delivery (on course from Q3 2022) when we receive them all, but in the meantime here is some lovely close ups of what our EE Type 3 will look like. Enjoy! Usual caveats around fit and finish naturally apply, after all it's just an engineering sample sent for critiquing and correction, but we think you will agree that they are shaping up rather nicely. Tempted? Of course you are! Our 37s have been very popular on pre-order, and 97301 is already fully sold out on pre-order. However, if you sign up to our email list on our website as per below you will be prompted should any come into stock via order cancellation. Browse the full range right here! View the full article

It's been a long time coming, and we've been bursting to show you the first of our decorated Class 37 samples to all of you who couldn't make the recent shows at Model Rail Scotland and the London Festival of Railway Modelling. So, here is the first reveal, Accurascale Exclusive 97301 in Network Rail livery. Oh boy! We will be showing further livery examples in the coming weeks, and providing a full update on delivery (on course from Q3 2022) when we receive them all, but in the meantime here is some lovely close ups of what our EE Type 3 will look like. Enjoy! Usual caveats around fit and finish naturally apply, after all it's just an engineering sample sent for critiquing and correction, but we think you will agree that they are shaping up rather nicely. Tempted? Of course you are! Our 37s have been very popular on pre-order, and 97301 is already fully sold out on pre-order. However, if you sign up to our email list on our website as per below you will be prompted should any come into stock via order cancellation. Browse the full range right here! View the full article

You know, we recorded Lima sounds onto a Loksound, but I've got the plague so couldnt do our original plan of filming a video for it. I'm gutted! We will film it when I'm out of isolation though and stick it up!

Hi everyone, We all know the story... Many years ago an Italian model railway manufacturer produced its Class 33 locomotive in CIE orange and black livery to replicate the Irish Metrovicks. It inspired us to one day make a proper model of the Metrovicks which we delivered under our 'IRM' banner late last year. So, why not reverse the roles, and produce a Class 33 based on an Irish Metrovick for Accurascale? Well, we have! Presenting the Class 33 by Accurascale, featuring some retro touches of yesteryear following research for feedback on social media and of course, YouTube comments sections. Does it look like a 33 from 25 ft away? Kinda! Sprung buffers? Pah! Who needs them? We hark back to the plastic grey, rigid goodness of the good old days! Tension locks that look like bumpers from a 1980s Saab? Certainly! Just drink in the pinnacle of "That'll do" model railway manufacturing, just like it was all those years ago... We launch with 33 056 "The Burma Star" as a homage to that old model, with others to follow based on YOUR suggestions! Let us know below what liveries you'd like to see, and place your pre-order via your local stockist. Cheers! Fran

The major drawback of Facebook groups are that it's very hard to search for previous content, or find anything that's not current. So, if you wanted to find that modelling tip you saw a few months previous, hard luck or be prepared to do a lot of scrolling and hoping. Forums are better at indexing that stuff and having it more searchable. This is why we try to insist keeping things on topic, as it makes it easier to find later on for members. And not many groups (or indeed forums) gave birth to a model railway manufacturer! Cheers! Fran

In fairness you’d get grumpy if your bosses inflicted nonsense advertising onto the platform you manage and expect you to deal with the moans, and having to deal with some of the space cadets posting baseless shite that happens on forums. Modding is a thankless task. In person he’s a smashing guy, bit like the owner of this forum. He has also been a massive help in getting the IRM/Accurascale gospel out there, particularly in those early days. Thankfully on here there is no need to bombard you with same, just the odd bit of shameless IRM promoting by myself. End of the day the forum here is thanks to @BosKonay, and there would be no IRM either without him! Cheers Fran

And then there were two.... A55 has now indeed sold out, leaving just A42 and A30 remaining. Flying pickle and silver machine, with not many of either left! Australia is beginning to open up once again, and we are in talks with our friends at ESU about the sound recording of a Crossley loco. As we said before, once we have concrete news we will let you all know, but things are beginning to look a bit more positive... Cheers! Fran

Our latest announcement are four additional Brush Type 2 locomotives to our launch range, with the new stablemates featuring London Underground trip-cock gear and other detail differences never before seen on a model of these charismatic locomotives. For peak-hour Monday-Fridays suburban services from Moorgate on the City Widened Lines to Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North, 61 Hornsey, later Finsbury Park and Hitchin, Brush Type 2s were delivered with London Underground trip cock gear, D5586-5615/22-7/39-54/71-9, the major spotting feature being the operating lever on the side of the bufferbeam cowling on the secondman's side. Six of these, D5671-6, were fitted with Whitaker-style tablet catchers in the early 1960s for use on Highdyke iron ore branch in Lincolnshire and retained their recesses well into the 1980s, long after the equipment had been removed. A further eight of the trip-cock locos were uprated with ETH equipment between 1971-5 for ECS workings out of King's Cross and other London terminals, becoming 31401/2/3-5/7/8/20. Four new locomotives featuring these detail differences, never before offered on a high quality, ready-to-run (RTR) model will now join the first run of the our Class 31 line up, across four new running numbers and liveries. D5615 brings great news to many modellers who were surprised by the lack of a BR green, small yellow panel Brush 2 in the initial range. It will appear in BR green, small yellow panel with trip-cock gear and has the Mirrlees "production" style of exhaust which has also never been done before on a high spec OO/4mm model of the Brush Type 2. This will be one of two locomotives in green, with 5674, in BR green with full yellow panel, BR logo, trip-cock gear and tablet catcher recess also joining the fleet. For BR blue era fans, two additional Class 31s in this guise join the range, including another long awaited Class 31/4. 31402 will come complete with trip-cock gear and additional roof panel from its time earlier in life when it was uprated to 1,600hp in yet another Accurascale Class 31 first. The quartet is complete by 31248 in BR blue with trip-cock gear and tablet catcher recess. Naturally, the specification of these four models mirrors the unbeatable list from our first announcement as we continue our ambition to lead the hobby. As well as our standard and well regarded traction, light and sound package, our Class 31 features working radiator fans – driven from a separate motor – and separately switched tail lights, allowing not just the either end to be illuminated as required, but also individual tail lights or both depending on era. Utilising our standard specification of ESU PowerBank capacitors for smooth uninterrupted running, ESU Loksound 5 decoder with bespoke DCC sound package and twin speaker set up, including ‘AccuraThrash’ bass reflex speaker it promises to catch the characterful thrash of the real locomotives. It will also include a wheel flange sensor, automatically playing flange squeal on sound fitted locomotives as they hit curved track for extra realism on factory fitted DCC sound models. Both DC and DCC sound options are available on all locomotives except D5615, as per D5549 it requires sound recording of a Mirrlees power unit, which we are currently looking for to record. Should our search yield an operational power unit that can be recorded, then DCC sound fitted options of these locomotives will be made available. With a DC/DCC ready price of just £169.99 DC/DCC ready, and £269.99 DCC sound fitted, we are once again demonstrating their commitment to offering the very best quality, realistic models at realistic prices for the modeller. Pre-production samples will be available to view at our stand at the London Festival of Model Railway this weekend. These locomotives can now be pre-ordered via your local Accurascale stockist, or direct via our website for delivery in Q2, 2023. To browse the range, click here. View the full article

Our latest announcement are four additional Brush Type 2 locomotives to our launch range, with the new stablemates featuring London Underground trip-cock gear and other detail differences never before seen on a model of these charismatic locomotives. For peak-hour Monday-Fridays suburban services from Moorgate on the City Widened Lines to Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North, 61 Hornsey, later Finsbury Park and Hitchin, Brush Type 2s were delivered with London Underground trip cock gear, D5586-5615/22-7/39-54/71-9, the major spotting feature being the operating lever on the side of the bufferbeam cowling on the secondman's side. Six of these, D5671-6, were fitted with Whitaker-style tablet catchers in the early 1960s for use on Highdyke iron ore branch in Lincolnshire and retained their recesses well into the 1980s, long after the equipment had been removed. A further eight of the trip-cock locos were uprated with ETH equipment between 1971-5 for ECS workings out of King's Cross and other London terminals, becoming 31401/2/3-5/7/8/20. Four new locomotives featuring these detail differences, never before offered on a high quality, ready-to-run (RTR) model will now join the first run of the our Class 31 line up, across four new running numbers and liveries. D5615 brings great news to many modellers who were surprised by the lack of a BR green, small yellow panel Brush 2 in the initial range. It will appear in BR green, small yellow panel with trip-cock gear and has the Mirrlees "production" style of exhaust which has also never been done before on a high spec OO/4mm model of the Brush Type 2. This will be one of two locomotives in green, with 5674, in BR green with full yellow panel, BR logo, trip-cock gear and tablet catcher recess also joining the fleet. For BR blue era fans, two additional Class 31s in this guise join the range, including another long awaited Class 31/4. 31402 will come complete with trip-cock gear and additional roof panel from its time earlier in life when it was uprated to 1,600hp in yet another Accurascale Class 31 first. The quartet is complete by 31248 in BR blue with trip-cock gear and tablet catcher recess. Naturally, the specification of these four models mirrors the unbeatable list from our first announcement as we continue our ambition to lead the hobby. As well as our standard and well regarded traction, light and sound package, our Class 31 features working radiator fans – driven from a separate motor – and separately switched tail lights, allowing not just the either end to be illuminated as required, but also individual tail lights or both depending on era. Utilising our standard specification of ESU PowerBank capacitors for smooth uninterrupted running, ESU Loksound 5 decoder with bespoke DCC sound package and twin speaker set up, including ‘AccuraThrash’ bass reflex speaker it promises to catch the characterful thrash of the real locomotives. It will also include a wheel flange sensor, automatically playing flange squeal on sound fitted locomotives as they hit curved track for extra realism on factory fitted DCC sound models. Both DC and DCC sound options are available on all locomotives except D5615, as per D5549 it requires sound recording of a Mirrlees power unit, which we are currently looking for to record. Should our search yield an operational power unit that can be recorded, then DCC sound fitted options of these locomotives will be made available. With a DC/DCC ready price of just £169.99 DC/DCC ready, and £269.99 DCC sound fitted, we are once again demonstrating their commitment to offering the very best quality, realistic models at realistic prices for the modeller. Pre-production samples will be available to view at our stand at the London Festival of Model Railway this weekend. These locomotives can now be pre-ordered via your local Accurascale stockist, or direct via our website for delivery in Q2, 2023. To browse the range, click here. View the full article

Agree about the silver one, George. But even then, really not many left now (less than 60 last time I checked) so they're starting to dwindle. To be honest I reckon we will have the last of them for sale at Bangor next month, then that will be it more or less. Cheers! Fran

And then there were 9....

A mere 15 of A55 in Black left in stock folks..... We all love a bit of black beauty, right? https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/a-class-locomotive/products/a55-a-class-locomotive

Hi everyone, We just opened our very last carton of these, so 12 left of route 202 at the absolute bargain price of just €19.99. Grab them while you can! https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/exclusive-irm-buses/products/mcw-metrorider-dublin-bus Cheers! Fran

Not to forget Eugen, Gareth and now Paul, Steve, Tim, and Vitaly who have joined our production team and have worked on and/or are now working on lots of exciting IRM projects. And that's not to mention our admin and warranty crew. We've grown quite the team as we have grown over the last two years in particular, with a wealth of expertise to make us better than ever now on board. Those guys are the heroes of IRM, I merely communicate the news on their behalf and let them do what they do best (and mess around with the odd bus for my sins) Cheers! Fran

You could just buy our bogie packs and take the wheels out of them? Cheap as they are. Correct, our wheels are NMRA RP110 profile wheels. Cheers! Fran

The rotating axle caps were first done in American HO around 10-12 years ago I believe, but we were the first to have it in OO on our taras. Cheers! Fran

Hi David, Sorry, missed this post with everything going on around the shows at the moment (Glasgow done, Alexandra Palace to come!) We're at 30% pre-sold on these, and expect to see some decorated samples in the coming weeks. They certainly got very favourable reactions from the Irish contingent that travelled over to the Glasgow show upon seeing them for the first time. Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, Almost at 50% sold out on these now already, so thank to everyone who has ordered for your contributions towards the RPSI! Don't miss out on them, complete your RPSI rake here! https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/mark-2-coaches/products/rpsi-set-1 Cheers! Fran

Hi everyone, Have since sailed past the 50% pre-sold on these. They will be here at the end of the month too, so don't miss out! https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/exclusive-irm-buses Still some route 203 local links and Intercity advertising buses left, but not many! Cheers! Fran

Not to cause a frenzy/panic but if you dont grab them now and you want them later on you may end up paying significant premiums....

I’m afraid we won’t be be able to make the Wexford show as we don’t have staff to cover it being a national holiday, but who knows what may come up at Bangor… Cheers! Fran

Now that our Irish Metrovick is delivered, the Deltic is very nearly finished production, the 92 is underway and with both the 37 and Manor now making great strides, it's time to unveil our next locomotive project! Introducing what may be our most extensive tooling suite yet, the Brush Type 2/Class 30 and 31. Developed from detailed surveys of numerous examples of the real thing, as well as a 3D scan and an extensive range of works drawings, this model aims to be the definitive representation model of the classic BR mixed traffic design and covers almost every detail variant that existed throughout their 65-year life. This model is now fully tooled up with several working samples now in our possession for evaluation and testing. Prototype History Ordered as a result of the British Transport Commission’s modernisation plan of 1955, the first locomotive – numbered D5500 – was outshopped from Brush Traction’s Kestrel Works, Loughborough, in September 1957. Only the second of the ‘pilot scheme’ designs to be revealed after English Electric’s D8000 Type 1s, the initial 20 members of the class – quickly nicknamed ‘Toffee Apples’ due to the shape of their power handle – were provided with a Mirrlees JVS12T engine. The discovery of metal fatigue issues with this power unit in the early 1960s led to the decision to re-engine the entire fleet, BR choosing the familiar EE 12SVT instead – almost identical to that used in the Class 37 – albeit downrated to 1,450hp. Their place among the earliest of mainstream diesel designs plus the addition of a Spanner Mk.1 steam generator for train heating came at a cost. Tipping the scales at 107 tons required the rare use of the A1A-A1A wheel arrangement with two powered axles and a non-powered centre axle to spread the load. Despite their low power to weight ratio, even before the final example was delivered in December 1958, further orders eventually totalling 243 locomotives were committed for ‘production’ versions. These commenced delivery in February 1959 – most now with cab roof-mounted headcode boxes replacing the disc style of train identification – with the final example, D5862, being handed over to British Railways in October 1962. The early 1970s saw 24 locomotives upgraded with 320kW Brush BL100-30 alternators (the same as the Class 45/1s and Class 47s) primarily for ECS duties on the new air-con fleet out of London terminals. They were given the new TOPS sub class 31/4, numbers 31401-31424, while the remainder of the fleet was split under the 1973 TOPS scheme as 31001-31019 (Class 31/0) and 31101-31327 (Class 31/1). Class 30 was reserved for existing Mirrlees engined locomotives, although all were re-engined before TOPS renumbering. A further 44 Class 31/4s were modified between 1983-5, becoming 31425-31468 – the first ‘refurbished’ locos, with two further examples, 31400 and 31469 following in 1987/8 following collision write offs. The entire fleet was initially allocated to the Eastern Region from new with North Eastern depots later gaining allocations. By the early 1970s increasing numbers were joining the Western Region to replace the hydraulics and by 1988 they had joined the London Midland in sizeable numbers to replace the Class 25s. Although never allocated to the other two regions they were commonly seen on the Southern on inter regional passenger and cross London freight services. By the early 1990s the Class 31s were starting to see increasing numbers of withdrawals, but two other sub classes were notable for their appearance that decade. Class 31/5 were former ETH-fitted machines with deactivated train heating equipment for use by the departmental sub sector – basically Class 31/4s renumbered by changing the third digit to a ‘5’, while the spot hire and open access operator Fragonset converted a pair of locomotives to Class 31/6 in 1999 with through ETH cabling and controls. These were employed in top and tail formation with a Class 31/4. After EWS retired the final examples in 2001 the class continued to see regular test train use throughout the decade courtesy of Network Rail, which operated four locomotives, and a handful of other operators. The final NR machines were finally taken out of service in 2017, leaving just a single main line-registered example still working today – Nemesis Rail’s 31128 – although this number is expected to increase. This leaves around 30 preserved Class 31s extant with a handful of stored locomotives with various owners. Our Model Our modular tooling can be adapted to represent nearly all variations of this long-lived class from their as-built appearance right through to the present day. For the discerningly detail minded, this includes three different styles of exhaust port (Mirrlees ‘pilot scheme’ or production and EE), with or without roof fan grille, original/plated boiler port and water filler, additional roof panel for the 17 locos modified in their early days with uprated 1,600hp engines, different NRN roof antenna for both main cab roof styles, as-built ‘Toffee Apple', production and refurbished bodysides, with water filler steps, plated steps and reskinned steps and standard or vertical ‘one piece’ radiator grilles. The 61 locomotives provided with trip cock gear for working on London Underground routes are also covered, while the Whitaker-style tablet catchers for use on High Dyke iron ore branch in Lincolnshire have also been moulded. The cab fronts feature a myriad of different options with disc and headcode box versions, different nose door and handrail configurations, ‘offset’ and centrally mounted sealed beam headlights, LED-style tail lights, toughened driver’s cab windows and two different ETH jumper locations. The underframe and bogies are highly detailed with numerous separately-applied parts, while the battery boxes also come in original and modified condition, the latter including the extra latches to reduce the likelihood of the doors opening while running. There are numerous different bufferbeam options allowing the original ‘red circle’ electro-magnetic engine control equipment of the ‘Toffee Apples’ as well as the more standard ‘blue star’ electro-pneumatic gear of the production batch. Vacuum-braking, air braking, control pipes, steam heat and different ETH options are also appropriate to the individual running numbers, as are a full set of miniature snowploughs and a high fidelity one-piece moulding suitable for use with NEM couplers. We also have some surprise options in store that will be revealed in due course. The specification continues our ambition to lead the hobby. As well as our standard and well regarded traction, light and sound package, our Class 31 introduces working radiator fans – driven from a separate motor – and separately switched tail lights, allowing not just the either end to be illuminated as required, but also individual tail lights or both depending on era. Utilising our standard specification of ESU PowerBank capacitors for smooth uninterrupted running, ESU Loksound 5 decoder with bespoke DCC sound package by Jamie Goodman with twin speaker set up, including ‘AccuraThrash’ bass reflex speaker it promises to catch the characterful thrash of the real locomotives. It will also include a wheel flange sensor, automatically playing flange squeal on sound fitted locomotives as they hit curved track for extra realism on factory fitted DCC sound models. Initial engineering prototype samples arrived with our production teams in mid-January, with models and their component parts assessed for fit, finesse, and finish. Improvements have been identified in areas such as the roof fan grille and other areas, but overall the models are shaping up as accurate representations of the venerable Brush Type 2s, capturing their characterful quirks such as bodyside curve, plethora of grilles and distinctive cab shape. Check out our development and running samples in this video with our friends at Hornby Magazine! A total of ten running numbers covering a wide period of operation of these stalwarts make up the first release, with a DC/DCC ready price of just £169.99 DC/DCC ready, and £269.99 DCC sound fitted, once again demonstrating our commitment to offering the very best quality, realistic models at realistic prices for the modeller. Pre-production samples will be available to view at the Accurascale stand at the forthcoming Model Rail Scotland (stand B44) and London Festival of Model Railway shows. Delivery is expected in Q2 2023, with pre-ordering available via our network of local stockists and direct via their website. Click here to browse and pre-order the range. Running Numbers and Liveries for Run 1 Class 30 D5549 BR green (as delivered) Class 31/1 5544 BR blue (pre-TOPS) Class 31/1 5803 BR green w/FYE, Double Arrow Class 31/1 31110 Railfreight (white cantrail stripe) Class 31/1 31128 BR blue (privatisation era) Class 31/4 31409 BR blue w/white stripe Class 31/4 31420 InterCity Mainline Class 31/4 31421 Regional Railways Class 31/4 31432 BR blue (cantrail stripe) Class 31/5 31514 Civil Engineer's Dutch Accurascale Class 31 Specification - Highly-detailed OO gauge model, 1:76.2 scale on 16.5mm track - Minimum Radius 438mm (2nd Radius Set-track) - Die-cast metal chassis - Bogie with separate footsteps, brake cylinders, speed recorder and end brake rigging - RP25-110 profile OO gauge wheels - Brake blocks on bogies in line with wheels - Scale width wire handrails - Etched metal/plastic detail parts, incl. grab handles, steps, wipers, etc. - Etched metal roof grille - Etched metal pre-painted nameplates, plaques and arrows (if applicable) - Accurate high-fidelity miniature snowploughs - Full underbody battery box/air tank detail with pipework - Fully sprung buffers, multiple pipework variations and screw couplings - Kinetic NEM coupler mounts at correct height with mini-tension-lock couplers - DCC ready [21-Pin MTX Socket] or Factory-Installed DCC Sound options - Two quality speakers with large sound capsules for best possible sound (DCC Sound models only) - Wheel flange squeal sensor on DCC sound fitted locomotives - Working radiator fan, driven from separate motor High Performance traction, to include; - High quality 5-pole motor with two large flywheels - Helical Gear box for maximum performance and slow speed running - Gearing arranged so locomotive can achieve a scale top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h) - DCC ready with PowerPack capacitor for uninterrupted power - Outer axles on bogies are driven (sprung dummy centre axle) and all wheel pickup Fully detailed Lighting Pack, including: - Directional lighting, DC and DCC - Switchable Red and white marker lights (red can be switched individual lights or both on) - Separately switched cab lighting and illuminated, driver’s desk with auto/off on movement View the full article

Now that our Irish Metrovick is delivered, the Deltic is very nearly finished production, the 92 is underway and with both the 37 and Manor now making great strides, it's time to unveil our next locomotive project! Introducing what may be our most extensive tooling suite yet, the Brush Type 2/Class 30 and 31. Developed from detailed surveys of numerous examples of the real thing, as well as a 3D scan and an extensive range of works drawings, this model aims to be the definitive representation model of the classic BR mixed traffic design and covers almost every detail variant that existed throughout their 65-year life. This model is now fully tooled up with several working samples now in our possession for evaluation and testing. Prototype History Ordered as a result of the British Transport Commission’s modernisation plan of 1955, the first locomotive – numbered D5500 – was outshopped from Brush Traction’s Kestrel Works, Loughborough, in September 1957. Only the second of the ‘pilot scheme’ designs to be revealed after English Electric’s D8000 Type 1s, the initial 20 members of the class – quickly nicknamed ‘Toffee Apples’ due to the shape of their power handle – were provided with a Mirrlees JVS12T engine. The discovery of metal fatigue issues with this power unit in the early 1960s led to the decision to re-engine the entire fleet, BR choosing the familiar EE 12SVT instead – almost identical to that used in the Class 37 – albeit downrated to 1,450hp. Their place among the earliest of mainstream diesel designs plus the addition of a Spanner Mk.1 steam generator for train heating came at a cost. Tipping the scales at 107 tons required the rare use of the A1A-A1A wheel arrangement with two powered axles and a non-powered centre axle to spread the load. Despite their low power to weight ratio, even before the final example was delivered in December 1958, further orders eventually totalling 243 locomotives were committed for ‘production’ versions. These commenced delivery in February 1959 – most now with cab roof-mounted headcode boxes replacing the disc style of train identification – with the final example, D5862, being handed over to British Railways in October 1962. The early 1970s saw 24 locomotives upgraded with 320kW Brush BL100-30 alternators (the same as the Class 45/1s and Class 47s) primarily for ECS duties on the new air-con fleet out of London terminals. They were given the new TOPS sub class 31/4, numbers 31401-31424, while the remainder of the fleet was split under the 1973 TOPS scheme as 31001-31019 (Class 31/0) and 31101-31327 (Class 31/1). Class 30 was reserved for existing Mirrlees engined locomotives, although all were re-engined before TOPS renumbering. A further 44 Class 31/4s were modified between 1983-5, becoming 31425-31468 – the first ‘refurbished’ locos, with two further examples, 31400 and 31469 following in 1987/8 following collision write offs. The entire fleet was initially allocated to the Eastern Region from new with North Eastern depots later gaining allocations. By the early 1970s increasing numbers were joining the Western Region to replace the hydraulics and by 1988 they had joined the London Midland in sizeable numbers to replace the Class 25s. Although never allocated to the other two regions they were commonly seen on the Southern on inter regional passenger and cross London freight services. By the early 1990s the Class 31s were starting to see increasing numbers of withdrawals, but two other sub classes were notable for their appearance that decade. Class 31/5 were former ETH-fitted machines with deactivated train heating equipment for use by the departmental sub sector – basically Class 31/4s renumbered by changing the third digit to a ‘5’, while the spot hire and open access operator Fragonset converted a pair of locomotives to Class 31/6 in 1999 with through ETH cabling and controls. These were employed in top and tail formation with a Class 31/4. After EWS retired the final examples in 2001 the class continued to see regular test train use throughout the decade courtesy of Network Rail, which operated four locomotives, and a handful of other operators. The final NR machines were finally taken out of service in 2017, leaving just a single main line-registered example still working today – Nemesis Rail’s 31128 – although this number is expected to increase. This leaves around 30 preserved Class 31s extant with a handful of stored locomotives with various owners. Our Model Our modular tooling can be adapted to represent nearly all variations of this long-lived class from their as-built appearance right through to the present day. For the discerningly detail minded, this includes three different styles of exhaust port (Mirrlees ‘pilot scheme’ or production and EE), with or without roof fan grille, original/plated boiler port and water filler, additional roof panel for the 17 locos modified in their early days with uprated 1,600hp engines, different NRN roof antenna for both main cab roof styles, as-built ‘Toffee Apple', production and refurbished bodysides, with water filler steps, plated steps and reskinned steps and standard or vertical ‘one piece’ radiator grilles. The 61 locomotives provided with trip cock gear for working on London Underground routes are also covered, while the Whitaker-style tablet catchers for use on High Dyke iron ore branch in Lincolnshire have also been moulded. The cab fronts feature a myriad of different options with disc and headcode box versions, different nose door and handrail configurations, ‘offset’ and centrally mounted sealed beam headlights, LED-style tail lights, toughened driver’s cab windows and two different ETH jumper locations. The underframe and bogies are highly detailed with numerous separately-applied parts, while the battery boxes also come in original and modified condition, the latter including the extra latches to reduce the likelihood of the doors opening while running. There are numerous different bufferbeam options allowing the original ‘red circle’ electro-magnetic engine control equipment of the ‘Toffee Apples’ as well as the more standard ‘blue star’ electro-pneumatic gear of the production batch. Vacuum-braking, air braking, control pipes, steam heat and different ETH options are also appropriate to the individual running numbers, as are a full set of miniature snowploughs and a high fidelity one-piece moulding suitable for use with NEM couplers. We also have some surprise options in store that will be revealed in due course. The specification continues our ambition to lead the hobby. As well as our standard and well regarded traction, light and sound package, our Class 31 introduces working radiator fans – driven from a separate motor – and separately switched tail lights, allowing not just the either end to be illuminated as required, but also individual tail lights or both depending on era. Utilising our standard specification of ESU PowerBank capacitors for smooth uninterrupted running, ESU Loksound 5 decoder with bespoke DCC sound package by Jamie Goodman with twin speaker set up, including ‘AccuraThrash’ bass reflex speaker it promises to catch the characterful thrash of the real locomotives. It will also include a wheel flange sensor, automatically playing flange squeal on sound fitted locomotives as they hit curved track for extra realism on factory fitted DCC sound models. Initial engineering prototype samples arrived with our production teams in mid-January, with models and their component parts assessed for fit, finesse, and finish. Improvements have been identified in areas such as the roof fan grille and other areas, but overall the models are shaping up as accurate representations of the venerable Brush Type 2s, capturing their characterful quirks such as bodyside curve, plethora of grilles and distinctive cab shape. Check out our development and running samples in this video with our friends at Hornby Magazine! A total of ten running numbers covering a wide period of operation of these stalwarts make up the first release, with a DC/DCC ready price of just £169.99 DC/DCC ready, and £259.99 DCC sound fitted, once again demonstrating our commitment to offering the very best quality, realistic models at realistic prices for the modeller. Pre-production samples will be available to view at the Accurascale stand at the forthcoming Model Rail Scotland (stand B44) and London Festival of Model Railway shows. Delivery is expected in Q2 2023, with pre-ordering available via our network of local stockists and direct via their website. Click here to browse and pre-order the range. Running Numbers and Liveries for Run 1 Class 30 D5549 BR green (as delivered) Class 31/1 5544 BR blue (pre-TOPS) Class 31/1 5803 BR green w/FYE, Double Arrow Class 31/1 31110 Railfreight (white cantrail stripe) Class 31/1 31128 BR blue (privatisation era) Class 31/4 31409 BR blue w/white stripe Class 31/4 31420 InterCity Mainline Class 31/4 31421 Regional Railways Class 31/4 31432 BR blue (cantrail stripe) Class 31/5 31514 Civil Engineer's Dutch Accurascale Class 31 Specification - Highly-detailed OO gauge model, 1:76.2 scale on 16.5mm track - Minimum Radius 438mm (2nd Radius Set-track) - Die-cast metal chassis - Bogie with separate footsteps, brake cylinders, speed recorder and end brake rigging - RP25-110 profile OO gauge wheels - Brake blocks on bogies in line with wheels - Scale width wire handrails - Etched metal/plastic detail parts, incl. grab handles, steps, wipers, etc. - Etched metal roof grille - Etched metal pre-painted nameplates, plaques and arrows (if applicable) - Accurate high-fidelity miniature snowploughs - Full underbody battery box/air tank detail with pipework - Fully sprung buffers, multiple pipework variations and screw couplings - Kinetic NEM coupler mounts at correct height with mini-tension-lock couplers - DCC ready [21-Pin MTX Socket] or Factory-Installed DCC Sound options - Two quality speakers with large sound capsules for best possible sound (DCC Sound models only) - Wheel flange squeal sensor on DCC sound fitted locomotives - Working radiator fan, driven from separate motor High Performance traction, to include; - High quality 5-pole motor with two large flywheels - Helical Gear box for maximum performance and slow speed running - Gearing arranged so locomotive can achieve a scale top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h) - DCC ready with PowerPack capacitor for uninterrupted power - Outer axles on bogies are driven (sprung dummy centre axle) and all wheel pickup Fully detailed Lighting Pack, including: - Directional lighting, DC and DCC - Switchable Red and white marker lights (red can be switched individual lights or both on) - Separately switched cab lighting and illuminated, driver’s desk with auto/off on movement View the full article

Hi everyone, Just hit 30% gone overnight. You guys are awesome! Thanks very much! Cheers! Fran

Yes. Unfortunately it was getting rather abused by people hoarding up orders and then not paying for them when coming into stock. If you wish to set up a payment plan please email us first and we can set that up for you. 20% of the run already accounted for folks, many thanks! Cheers! Fran