James Regan

While we are on the subject of pre-orders, and don’t get offended, it appears pre-ordering multiple items is a little cumbersome. For example, if I pre-order one Hunslet, I have to add it to cart, the cart opens and then I cant go back to the Hunslet page to order a second one without going to the main menu and again selecting Locomotives, Pre-Order etc. If instead I click on continue shopping it takes me to the whole range and not just Hunslets. It would be great if you could go back to the page with the range you are selecting from so you can easily select multiple items. I had the same issue with the Park Royals. It seems to work more efficiently for items in stock such as the Bullieds. Ideally you could check multiple items and just click pre-order for the bunch but if that functionality isnt available and others such as rails of sheffield dont have it, keeping the page you are ordering from available would be good enough.

These are a wonderful product. I didn’t expect you would choose these given how few were on the network. The Enterprise is a great train with a rich history, and now I will have something to head my Mark IIs, below. I do love the uniqueness of the maroon and hope some maroon coaches may be in the future. I’ll try to order one of each.

I’m sorry you feel it’s being rude to query the appeal of a particular product, as thats not my intention. A lot of posters here will tell you all is great and thats wonderful but this started with your concerns over sales and I’ve shared with you a different perspective which I felt might be helpful. Based on the lively debate that has ensued I think that may be the case. If you're not interested then so be it. Fran raised a fair point as to sales of other models. Personally, I will buy the Park Royals once they're further along and a rake of Bullieds would not go amiss, having spent part of my childhood living near Tuam sugar factory I have a particular fondness for them. I have money budgeted for you guys, Ive just been waiting for a reason to give it to you. I would definitely take more container liners too. I see MSC containers on recent trains, for example. I’m very likely to find whatever you announce this weekend appealing. I’m not sure what the deal is about Paddys models but I already have about 25 141/181s so don't really need anymore, so that might have something to do with it.

You have a lot of customers on here explaining their reservations and it might be worthwhile to take that on board. As for models everyone here loves the C Class by all appearances. a G class isnt a large loco and would be fun for shunting and maybe a simplified version that the kids could play with a la Hornby railroad. Enterprise coaches or Mark IVs might be very appealing and cheaper to produce per unit than the railcar. A few people have knocked steam engines but the most popular train in the world isnt a railcar its Thomas and if you could tap that market with Owen the Irish engine you could hook a whole new generation.

Be careful auto train the lads are a bit sensitive - you can say anything you want as long as its the official narrative that all was well except not enough customers were buying - nothing to do with the choice of product being banal and 900 euro or anything like that at all. “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” - Winston Churchill.

In case you were wondering what train you could pull with your Irish steam engine that coach looks very familiar…

Excellent! There is no substitute.

Thats the fantastic thing about most of the steam locomotives I mentioned, they're still in existence and most people with interest in Irish railways have ridden behind them or seen them in Cultra or Whitehead so everyone in each age bracket can share that experience and no matter what era you model they're likely appropriate, which includes Maeve No. 800, Slieve Gullion S Class, V Class No. 85 Merlin and of course the ever useful J15. I’ve noted several of you getting excited over the prospect of a Jinty, which had very limited use in Ireland. Imagine if you had one or several of the list above. IRM/Accurascale has the experience with steam with the GWR Manor class and the unit price may be attractive. i know OO works did some models and I have one but they are very basic. An IRM model would be a whole different league.

What’s interesting is the number of people posting on these boards and even today, who are committed Irish Railway Modelers, and have indicated that the modern railcars are not their thing. Even still, some indicate they might buy one, but is that enough? If your most active customers are indicating low interest maybe take that on board? I would hate to see this project derail IRM. How much market research went into this? You guys obviously have data on your customers. Did you canvass their level of interest in this? I have a Porsche 911 and Porsche AG contacted me to see my level of interest in a battery powered 911. I also see the price increases make these exceptionally expensive for a railcar model which makes them even less desirable and presumably indicates your investment in them will be the largest yet for an Irish model. A good general knows not to reinforce failure. My suggestion is to put this project on ice, learn from this, and develop more desirable models at lower price points.

I appreciate all the amazing things you guys have done. Having said that, I grew up in the 70s and 80s and like many on this forum the older demographic tend to have more money to invest in this hobby. My interests in Irish models reflect the nostalgia of my childhood coupled with an interest in the glory days of Irish railways. With the best will in the world, I cant generate any enthusiasm for these modern railcars. There’s no nostalgia with them and they are no reflection of the glory of Irish railways. Personally, I find them soulless uninspiring, utilitarian things. Perhaps in 20 years todays young people will relate to them as we did our childhoods. You appear to be blaming the market which is equivalent to blaming the potential customer. That’s not a helpful road for a business to go down. Give us a product that inspires us, that connects with us and reflects the best of Irish railways and we will buy it in spades. I can think of many, Maeve, VS Class, S Class, AEC railcar Personally, I’d buy at least 10 S Class. Many thanks again for all you do. Is mise, James.

018 arrived in Washington today after traveling around the world… My what a big box… we’re going to need a bigger boat. Many thanks to the guys who made all this happen.

Can it be the day? Received shipping notice this morning! Fantastic. So happy i ordered another.

Just a few more days guys - can you believe it? - after a 40 year journey from those early efforts by Lima to something world class… and who would have thought the A class could be found on the Trans-Siberian railway?

If you build it they will come. Absolutely yes. Who would have thought there would be so much demand for Irish models. Instead of looking like Australian narrow gauge imagine your Metrovick on scale track!

Absolutely stunning model, beautifully done! From the window wipers to the mesh grills. A fine way to finish a career demonstrating constant improvements over many years. Comparable to some of the finest brass models in the industry in its level of detail such as Fulgurex and Micro-Metakit. Perhaps a brass version may be something to consider in Paddy’s retirement. I would join with everyone else here in thanking Paddy for everything he has done to preserve our memories and heritage in miniature detail - a true ambassador for Irish excellence. Many thanks again Paddy - I plan to buy a whole batch of them as a small expression of thanks and support! James