RedRich

It really looks sweet, congrats to all involved in the project. I still can't get used to looking at them without the handrails. The different views and angles of the pics in the group shows how well MM captured the look for the model, makes me appreciate it all the more. Rich,

The MK11's were retired from the Dublin Heuston - Waterford and the return journey by the MK111 push pulls and they were very often pulled by a 201. The coaches in the pic are as JB has pointed out all MK11 aircons. I remember seeing the full Galway set in Heuston a week after it had been returned to traffic. There were nine coaches in all refurbished outside and inside, There weren't any composites refurbished for it. Getting back to the MK111's they are the most comfortable coaches I have ever traveled on in Ireland. We'll see how the Oxford models look in the flesh, hopefully they will raise the bar, and if there is a chance they might make amendments to their tooling we might see a proper MK111 set of coaches in the future. Rich,

Lack of compatible rtr rolling stock ? They also worked Craven trains on a regular basis. SSM Ammonia wagons, SSM 42ft flats, and the list goes on. I would bet correct detailed accurate MK111 coaches would sell like hot cakes, the beautiful Supertrain livery and branding that Dive linked, IR & IE liveries. They would cover a greater period than the newer and more recent Dublin Heuston to Cork coaches. As always Noel like all of us you are entitled to your opinion and correct to voice it, even if it is a wee bit ill informed at times. Rich,

I have to ask this, are you actually saying that the reason the 201's will be on retailers shelves for years to come is because they are too long. I have seen dozen's of UK based layouts that aren't huge, and some could be classified as average sized with full length HST sets operating on them. People have converted garages and attics in standard 3 bed semis and they run eight coach MK111 sets. The model is more important to them than how it might overhang on a certain set of curves. I don't think that the length of a 62 ft timber wagon would turn a manufacturer off of producing one because of overhang. I have seen push pull models on layouts at exhibitions and the layouts aren't wide or more than 16 ft in length. For lot's of folk it's all about the atmosphere that the layout creates, and seeing their favorite trains running on them. I do honestly believe that there is a huge gap to be filled in the MK111 class of Irish coaches and my own personal preference would be push pull sets, especially with the MM 121's on the horizon. If there were any people seriously worried about room, they could accommodate a short push pull set of MK111's, there are always options. Rich,

I agree 100% about the Ballasts Eamonn. The amount of hand fitted parts becomes more apparent when you closely examine them. To have kept the cost to what we payed for them looks a seriously good bargain. I am looking at all the pipe work under the chassis on the Bubble graphics and it looks like they could raise the bar even higher. Rich,

This is exactly the level of detail that is available now and pushing the limits ends up with a high end model. I really feel sorry for people that throw the rivet counter name at people that want to see the bar being raised, it's as if they want the hobby to stagnate or regress to a time in the past. This all bodes well for the future and will take the hobby and this community to the next level and as a customer I am delighted. Rich,

It jumped out at me straight away Richie. The Bulk Cement and larger CIE broken wheel looks class. A careful approach to weathering it will hopefully allow the branding to show through in places, thus keeping it's unique look. I am delighted it was chosen for one of the packs. Rich,

Good news chaps. If a short delay means a top end product, then that's a good compromise for everyone. I actually prefer the CIE Bulk Cement finish myself looking at those graphics. Rich,

I love mine too Pat, feel the love. The literature that comes packed with the wagons is a nice touch also, you rarely see it with packs of wagons. Rich,

Ask away Colin, you won't know unless you do. Hopefully the forum will hit 1000 members this year, we are on 909 at the moment. Anyone who hasn't posted on the forum yet please do. Rich,

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,