RedRich

Got my four A B C D packs today. I have had a good look at them and having loved the prototype it was time to look at photos and notes taken many years ago. First if anyone has ever worked in metal fabrication they will know how tube and barrel shapes can be constructed especially when they have rounded ends. They tend to be welded together in segments while the center parts can be rolled and seam welded. This is the way that the prototypes were constructed and the models capture the look spot on. The chassis itself is like the ballast but differs hugely underneath the solebars. The amount of pipework is testimony to IRM's standards of wanting to produce a model that sets the bar each time and they have done it again. The livery the printing the etched parts are all quality but the most important thing is capturing the looks and producing an accurate rendition that is as physically and mechanically possible. Well this model is all those things. I am mentioning the weathering job Richie has done on his model and apart from that, changing couplings , and re-gauging there isn't anything that could improve it for me. A top model gents top marks to all four of you, and I hope the other three lad's won't mind me giving a shout out to Pat for the graphic design work and packaging, it looks great. Rich,

Get out of it Seamus you have less hair than that, mind you I have less hair than you. Rich,

The etches look amazing Des I really like the hopper windows. Rich,

Fair play Des I have no doubt they will be greatly received and bought in huge amounts. Rich,

That's excellent news Fran ! . Can't wait for the knock on the door. Rich,

Ah Halling motors I remember seeing them used for tram models. Rich,

Superb Eoin, also it's the pace that the build is moving at that really has you say wow. Those that model the steam era and build locos are among the best of all modellers irrespective of gauge. Rich,

In fairness I think the Lima model of the IE version captured the orange livery better than the more recent MM version of the same livery. Definitely not worth that price though. Rich,

Look forward to seeing what it is when it launches Pat, and the best of luck guys. Rich,

Nice work George. Were the MIR kits supplied with Gibson wheelsets. I remember seeing some dodgy ones over the years. As an aside is that the portakabin. Rich,

TBH George having seen your recent work especially on Des's ploughs and flats it has been really inspiring too. Rich

You obviously learned from a master Eoin. Rich,

Truly amazing work sir. It's so interesting as well as it makes you think, surely that's the essence of model making having someone watch and say I would love to have a go. Rich,

I remember seeing Ballybeg down in Wexford a few years ago. My youngest lad was in raptures watching and listening to the sounds. It is a fine layout and is always busy so it keeps you interested. Rich,

I was just thinking the same as I was putting the post together Fran, 21mm wheelsets and all. Rich,

True Seamus. The great thing about the hobby is that we can recreate the railway to whatever suits our taste be it era, location, or favorite rolling stock. These models will now allow me to recreate a train of one of my own favorite pieces of rolling stock and traffic, especially a proper scale model that is also a top class model. It's a good time to be involved in the hobby. Rich,

There were 23 wagons on the train that was involved in the Cahir Viaduct collapse in 2003. The loco and the first 10 wagons crossed the viaduct there was a derailment and the last 13 fell into the Suir. Rich,

It depended on where they were running to Seamus. I remember seeing a train of 13 plus a Beet heading to Limerick 15 years ago. 36 is the most I have seen in a rake, 8 is the smallest. Rich,

The excitement begins. The hard graft begins for the IRM team, we appreciate it men all of it. Rich, It's maddening how that those pics are so historical now. Thanks for sharing them Rebelred. Rich,

Respect to Baseboard Dave you could play snooker on that if it had some pockets. Rich,

That's it Richie that's the look no doubt about it. It looks so correct and adds tonnes of realism sitting on 21mm rail. I would love to see one with a wet look like when they were running during a period of rainy weather. Superb job my man. Rich,

124 and 134 are hauling it Richie, a Waterford to North Wall empties. A lovely piece of footage of the train roaring through the station. Rich,

Can't wait to get the knock on the door Fran. I was looking at some footage last night of a pair of babies hauling a rake of 12. Also watched a train of 36 wagons heading north through Thomastown. You could also see rakes of various numbers in between and sometimes less than 12. If you have the space run as long a rake as you can, they were an impressive sight. Rich,

That was quick Fran congratulations to all concerned at IRM. My own personal favorite will definitely be number 25195. Rich,

The 80 class looks great George and I can see how much work has gone into it. Thanks for sharing you've been away for too long and it is good to see you back. Rich,