RedRich

Rich Divisio an American modeller was one of the first people to recommend it for weathering. He had used, Raw umber Burnt umber Raw sienna Burnt sienna Oranage lake deep These colours were used specifically for rusting effects. There are many more that have uses for railways. It is water based and can be cleaned off and you can start again without ruining the model until you hit on a finish and technique you are happy with. A lot of people on the weathering groups in the US have given up on airbrushing for all but re spraying or kit painting, and are using powders, inks, gouache, some are using oil based paints also. Military modellers use all the earthy colours and the finished models look amazing. Give it a go it's always nice to learn other technique's to improve your skills rather than tying yourself to one way. A 14ml tube should not cost more than 5 euros and will last years. Rich,

Plus the Tara's and a to be announced 4th project. Using the medium that Richie has used to weather these wagons also shows that it isn't all about airbrushing. Knowing Richie he would be delighted even if only one person stopped off at an art shop and picked up some gouache, brings it home and has a go at weathering their own wagons. A tube will last ages and if you are not happy remove it and start again. Rich,

It looks right Richie, everything has been looked at as to how they have weathered over time in traffic. The loading of the stone in particular. Des is spot on DIV 42 looks cool. It must be very satisfactory to see what began as an idea has come to fruition. The research on site, measuring, photographing, and drawing all before being sent out to China. What is really amazing is that these were announced 18 months ago, deposits were taken, some paid upfront and we have them in front of us now. A lot of people pre ordered and pre pay deposits fro models going back years without any sign of them from the manufacturers. Huge respect for getting them here in that time. I love the finescale look of some of the details, especially the lamp irons as they can often be a mess and need replacing on some models. Rich,

Excluding the railway theme they are a beautiful set of homes. The missus even said she'd have no problem with us upping sticks and moving. Rich,

I have family over from the UK at the weekend. Would have been nice to have a chat with yourself and Pat and maybe a bevvy or two after. We'll make up for it another time Fran. Heard a few tales that will give you a good laugh. Rich,

I have to say that the work that it must have taken to produce the finished model deserves all the plaudits it is getting. It isn't an easy thing to do so top job sir, it's a beauty. Rich,

That's a very nice gesture lad's, nice one. Rich,

Maybe it was glued in the factory during manufacture due to a poor fit. Rich,

I've had the handrails off of mine and refit them with no problem, none of mine were glued. It is fairly painless removing them when you take time and care. Rich,

It has also been pointed out by other posters how unlike the Irish prototype the Piko wagons are. If you jump into your box every time someone disagrees with you, then you might find yourself spending too much time in there, and it won't do you any good. It was only a difference of opinion. Rich,

I have to disagree with you there. I see the timber wagons on a weekly basis and the Piko models have barely a passing resemblance, as well as being HO. I think we are beyond the days of HO models passing as prototype Irish rolling stock. Rich,

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,

Why don't you contact Murphy Models and ask them. Rich,

Spot on JB. Those five years have gone fast. Rich

The beginning part is what is so exciting Stephen. I reckon there will be one or two curve balls in there as well as I can see IRM looking at the not so obvious. This is the adventurous vibe I get from all four of you. Rich, Rich,

They look fantastic Stephen. Everything from the models to the presentation and packaging says quality. The bar has been raised again. Rich,

Lovely Noel, 112 is a smashing model and the Cravens are one of the best rtr coaches available. Rich,

Cheer's Fran, roll on next week. If there is any spare cash hanging around get the van pimped out IRM style. Enjoy Bangor, Rich,

Thinking of you Seamus. Talk soon, Rich,

Great news Fran, thanks for the update. Rich,

Your posts and your knowledge of our railways is like a bible for all railway enthusiasts, and are something I always look forward to reading. Rich,

The forum celebrates it's fifth year this month Stephen, Pat, Fran and myself had discussed the need for a new forum and over some exchanges of ideas Stephen got everything up and running. The idea was to have a group that was going to push the hobby forward and be a friendly place for people to talk about and share ideas. The Yuku group had become a dictatorship run by one guy and his many personalities and aliases and rightfully is long gone. We have many members that have huge knowledge of both the prototype and model world which is invaluable for a forum like this. We also have collectors on the forum that give a lot of their time and knowledge The Murphy Models, Lima thread is a great resource for both modellers and collectors. The lad's run the forum fantastically when you consider it is all on their own time. We have had a few bad apples over the years but they we're dealt with as they should be and shown the door. It has been overall a great five years and the release of the first model from Irish Railway Models is a testament as to how far the hobby has been taken when you consider the IRM team are four members of the forum. I look forward to the next five years which I am certain will be even more fantastic then the previous five, Rich,

Lovely Fran they look great. Also nice to see the forum house colours on the packaging. it looks class. What a way to celebrate 5 years of the forum this month. Rich,

Mk3 ?

When I saw the word facts it reminded me of the rant Rafa Benitez had when he was Liverpool manager. We all know how that ended up. Leave the modding to the lads. Rich,