Got mine today and had a good look at them this evening. I know that in the locomotive side of the hobby there are differences in opinion of what is the most important feature, running or accuracy. I always put accuracy first because I expect all current high end loco models to be good runners as a given. This is IRM's first model and their vision was to produce an accurate high end model of an Irish prototype at a reasonable price to the modeller. This wagon has ticked all the boxes and has set the bar to a new higher level.
The quality and finish of the wagon is fantastic in all areas such as the colour the printing, the sometimes delicate ( but exquisite )looking brake and under chassis detail. A huge plus also is the option for the 21mm modeller. IRM have constantly shared images of the CAD and first pre production models, and the very interesting piece on the tooling process was certainly something that you rarely if ever see from a manufacturer. It is also nice to see the areas that were amended from the earliest shot's of the models to the one we have now.
There are always ways for someone to add or change different parts of a model to make it more appealing to them. Apart form weathering, re gauging the wheels, changing couplings, or renumbering it, there aren't any other changes I could see myself doing to it, or that it need's, and not any that would improve it. I am delighted with mine. The freight side of the hobby needed a top class model to compliment the already fantastic locos available, and it is really satisfying that we have that level of model now.
Each of the IRM lad's have added their own individual skills from their professional lives and as a team it works perfectly. Personally as a customer and as a modeller I am delighted and looking forward confidently and expectantly for future releases from IRM. I also hope you guy's take a little and well deserved break before the bubbles arrive as you must be worn out by now.
Rich,