ICR Update October 2024

[Warbonnet]

Sometimes, things just don’t work out as well as we had hoped!

When we first announced the ICR 22000 models back in October 2022, with eight variations covering 3-car, 4-car and 6-car sets from their initial delivery, to their most recent livery updates, we had very high hopes for the project; hopes that were backed up by the high initial sales.

Emboldened by this, we moved through the project at good pace, with tooling underway by April 2023 and 25% of the anticipated run sold. By October we were proudly showing off the engineering samples and looking forward to getting the samples comprehensively tested and the complex electronic design finalised as we entered into 2024.

And this is where things started to get complicated, on two fronts.
At the beginning of February, Project Manager Paul Isles and Sound Engineer Jamie Goodman spent several days working on obtaining the audio recordings for the ICR project, with Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail kindly working closely with us to facilitate sound recording, both at the Portlaoise depot and during two test train diagrams between Heuston and Mallow. With such a range of awesome audio recorded, and standards in lighting design moving forward exponentially, it exceeded the scope of the electrical design created for the project back in 2022/23, and a rethink by the project team was required. We learned that the existing electrical design would require a DCC decoder in each car, and a significant increase of components in the DC/DCC Ready models. This would come at a huge cost to our customers. 

We have since worked with our friends at ESU to overcome this hurdle, and can now confirm that we will lead the way in functionality but only needing one decoder. This did mean that we would have to retool part of the model for new connectors and circuitry. 

At the same time, we were seeing some concerning sales trends emerging across the range of SKUs, and while certain variants were selling close to their potential, others were slowing down and, in some cases, were static. As a multi-vehicle railcar model, even without a huge degree of variation between prototypes (compared to other models), the tooling costs are huge and while we had taken every step we could to keep costs under control, to achieve the RRPs we have put in place we need to meet stringent Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) across the range of models offered.

And, to be bluntly honest, four of the variations offered are not meeting the necessary sales figures to be commercially viable, by quite some margin.
This means that the project has slowed.

Behind the scenes, the project team, along with ESU and the factory technicians in China have been working on solving the complex electrical and audio demands. This has been made slightly easier in that the ICR project is being manufactured at the same factory (and by the same project team) that is producing a new high specification UK Multiple Unit project, and so the lessons learned with each project are being applied across both projects in tandem. 

And, if we’re honest, we’d hoped that with the extra time being spent on the project behind the scenes, the delay would allow ICR sales to meet the MOQ needed to keep the complete range financially viable. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.

We’ve noted the growing number of requests for an ICR project update, and with the Dublin show at the weekend, we knew that we would have to take a decision as to how we are are to proceed and so we’ve decided to take some drastic action to keep the ICR project viable and move it towards production. 

Firstly, we will be cancelling the following running numbers in both DC/DCC ready and DCC sound fitted variants due to lack of interest;

DC/DCC Ready

• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 3-car in post-2013 IR livery, RTE Music Week vinyls IRM1177
• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 4-car in post-2013 IR livery IRM1181
• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 6-car in original 'Intercity' livery IRM1179

DCC Sound Fitted

• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 3-car in post-2013 IR livery, RTE Music Week vinyls - DCC Sound Fitted IRM1185
• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 4-car in post-2013 IR livery - DCC Sound Fitted IRM1189-DCC
• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 6-car in original 'Intercity' livery - DCC Sound Fitted IRM1187-DCC

If you have ordered these models we will automatically transfer your order to the following 3, 4 and 6 car unit:

DC/DCC Ready

• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 3-car in original 'Intercity' branded livery IRM1175
• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 4-car in 2020 IR livery, with blue doors/cycle graphic IRM1182
• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 6-car in post-2013 IR livery IRM1180

DCC Sound Fitted

• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 3-car in original 'Intercity' branded livery - DCC Sound Fitted IRM1183-DCC
• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 4-car in 2020 IR livery, with blue doors/cycle graphic - DCC Sound Fitted IRM1190-DCC
• IE 22000 Class 'ICR' - 6-car in post-2013 IR livery - DCC Sound Fitted IRM1188-DCC

If you wish to have an alternative ICR instead, or wish to cancel, please email us with your order number and we will sort you out!

Updated Pricing

As we have to face increased costings for the new electrical componentry, and as we have to dramatically cut the production run, we are forced to increase the RRP for these models.

Now, before you panic;

IF YOU HAVE AN EXISTING PREORDER FOR AN ICR WITH US, THEN WE WILL HONOUR THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE! 

However, the new purchase prices for each model are detailed below;

DC/DCC Ready

• 3 Car - €439.99
• 4 Car - €549.99
• 6 Car - €799.99

DCC Sound Fitted

• 3 Car - €559.99
• 4 Car - €669.99
• 6 car - €919.99

These new prices are now in place on the website for pre-ordering. While the increase is regrettable, there is simply nothing we can do due to demand drying up on these units resulting in a cutting of production numbers. However, when compared to most UK or continental models, they still represent excellent value for money considering the technology that has been built into these units and the niche market that is Irish outline model railways. With the sound project, lighting options, operational functionality and finesse, our ICRs will absolutely be next level units.

We are currently awaiting the tooling modifications to be completed by the factory for the new electronics system. Then we will receive a full decorated sample to sign off. Should the numbers of sold units improve we will be able to kick off production. So, if you really want to see the ultimate Irish unit on your layout, we encourage you to place an order today to support this model. Until then, we cannot give a firm date for delivery of the models, but we know it will be at least mid-late 2025. We will have a proper and full update on this before Christmas as the decorated development sample arrives. 

In the meantime we had the first painted bodyshell (above) and the first decorated sample of the sculfort shunter from Portlaoise Depot that is included in every 6 car pack! 

Finally, we would like to thank each and every one of you who has ordered one of our ICRs and supported this project to date.  We fully understand the disappointment around the delays to date. We will endeavour to make it up to you with a first class model for the original price point to reward your support with us, and continue to bring more great Irish outline models to the market in the coming years.

Pre-Order Your ICR Here! 

 

 

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[Galteemore]

Textbook example of manufacturer transparency and respect for customers. Kudos to IRM.

[Warbonnet]

7 minutes ago, Galteemore said:

Textbook example of manufacturer transparency and respect for customers. Kudos to IRM.

Thanks @Galteemore, we feel it's best to be up front and honest about these things. We're feeling rather deflated by it all, and TBH it's not strictly an ICR thing, we are absolutely seeing a general slow down in the Irish market. We hope it remains viable, but at the moment it barely is. 

We could end up in a situation that we deliver what we have tooled up and just leave it there, concentrating on other markets to pay the massive bills such an industry generates! 

Let's hope it never comes to that, but it's fair to say that it is a legitimate concern.

 

[DJ Dangerous]

While I’m sorry to hear about the road being bumpy, I’m blown away by how you have handled the adversity.

As I was reading your email, biting my nails, I kept repeating in my head “Please don’t cancel the whole project”.

I’m so happy to hear that it will go ahead, and I for one will be using the funds freed-up by cancelled orders to buy more from IRM!

Thank you for the honest and open update.

[BosKonay]

6 minutes ago, DJ Dangerous said:

While I’m sorry to hear about the road being bumpy, I’m blown away by how you have handled the adversity.

As I was reading your email, biting my nails, I kept repeating in my head “Please don’t cancel the whole project”.

I’m so happy to hear that it will go ahead, and I for one will be using the funds freed-up by cancelled orders to buy more from IRM!

Thank you for the honest and open update.

Just for clarity DJ, the plan is to migrate anyone who ordered a cancelled SKU to an alternative at the old price. 

[Flying Snail]

Like DJ, as I was reading the update I was sure it was cancelled ..... I'm very glad thats not the case. You've certainly been upfront and honest - and I think we all appreciate you doing that. Thank you.

However, your analysis of the state of the Irish market is sobering and it sounds like you're not out of the woods yet. I really hope you reach the numbers to make this and your other Irish projects viable, it would be terrible to loose IRM.

[DJ Dangerous]

9 minutes ago, BosKonay said:

Just for clarity DJ, the plan is to migrate anyone who ordered a cancelled SKU to an alternative at the old price. 

Awesome!!!

[Warbonnet]

2 minutes ago, Flying Snail said:

Like DJ, as I was reading the update I was sure it was cancelled ..... I'm very glad thats not the case. You've certainly been upfront and honest - and I think we all appreciate you doing that. Thank you.

However, your analysis of the state of the Irish market is sobering and it sounds like you're not out of the woods yet. I really hope you reach the numbers to make this and your other Irish projects viable, it would be terrible to loose IRM.

Thanks @Flying Snail, it's not to put the fear of god into anyone, but we're just being honest. 

If someone cant stretch to an ICR, or it just doesnt tickle them, but wants to support us and the hobby and its future, then perhaps pick up something we have in stock, like Bulleids, Mark 2s etc. It all counts!

We will also have a sale on Mags, Taras and some buses this weekend, so if you get on board with that you will get a bargain thrown into the mix too. All will help get the ICRs made and the next model tooled!

 

[Dempsey]

As disappointing as I'm sure the news is for some, IRM's openness and honesty I'm sure we can all agree is brilliant in keeping its customers up to date on issues. From my point of view at least.

[mphoey]

thanks for the honesty guys. it probably will mean tough decisions on other irish items going forward which is a shame but understandable. i just have to work out know what to do with the cancelled railcar orders i had looks like about 6 sets

 

[ttc0169]

Thats an unfortunate situation -an Arrow 2600 railcar would have been a better choice of unit- a rerun of the 001 class and a C 201 class would definitely sell well IMHO. 
Best of luck with the continued ICR project-and thanks for the update

Edited October 23 by ttc0169

[Newtoncork]

To be honest lads, we're all very proud of what you have achieved, both in Ireland and the UK. I for one, have told people how you developed Irish models for a non-existent Irish model market!

And good excuse to convince herself that I need more IRM models - 'sure the lads need my support!'

[Bob229]

Like DJ and others I thought the ICR were cancelled when I started reading the update very glad to see the project is still alive and I do hope the revised offering will arrive with customers in late 2025.

I put in an order for a 4 car set the day they were announced I appreciate that IRM will honour the original price, IRM have been honest with the issues and are working hard to bring the ICR to market.

The ICR are now the backbone of the Irish Rail fleet and would be an important addition to the Irish Model scene so I hope there will be more sales of these models so IRM can complete the project

[Fowler4f]

With the slow down in the Irish market, will we still see an announcement of a new locomotive at the weekend ?

I've had itchy fingers since earlier this month, I had to ease the pain by getting some fridge trailers and a Scania cab.

[BosKonay]

32 minutes ago, Fowler4f said:

With the slow down in the Irish market, will we still see an announcement of a new locomotive at the weekend ?

I've had itchy fingers since earlier this month, I had to ease the pain by getting some fridge trailers and a Scania cab.

We’ve still lots underway and things tooled that are past the points of no return so all is not doom and gloom we just need to be pragmatic about volumes which impacts pricing. 

[Fowler4f]

That’s good news !

[Georgeconna]

 

Good news for the peeps that ordered one. Looks like these yokes will be commanding big prices in a few years.

Thing is with the Irish Stuff it comes in a landslide and I you don't order it you might no get it once it arrives. With Multiple Engines, Multiple rolling stock , I found myself buying all the stuff but its just not feasible or financially viable. Thank god for the Pay by month option but adding an ICR onto the payments raised it considerably. 

For me its about picking an Era now and sticking with that. The ICR's don't fall into that category so I did not order one of those this time. 

As someone already mentioned a smaller unit would of probably been more affordable and better play value for the smaller layouts. 

fingers crossed the announcement this weekend with command a full order book.

 

 

 

[BosKonay]

45 minutes ago, Georgeconna said:

 

Good news for the peeps that ordered one. Looks like these yokes will be commanding big prices in a few years.

Thing is with the Irish Stuff it comes in a landslide and I you don't order it you might no get it once it arrives. With Multiple Engines, Multiple rolling stock , I found myself buying all the stuff but its just not feasible or financially viable. Thank god for the Pay by month option but adding an ICR onto the payments raised it considerably. 

For me its about picking an Era now and sticking with that. The ICR's don't fall into that category so I did not order one of those this time. 

As someone already mentioned a smaller unit would of probably been more affordable and better play value for the smaller layouts. 

fingers crossed the announcement this weekend with command a full order book.

 

 

 

Hard to argue with a three vehicle train for size on small layouts….

[Rapid130RS]

A tough decision, both in being so open in acknowledging the limited demand, and in reducing the ICR range. 

I hope that the remainder of the ICR range is viable. As someone else said, an excuse to order more....in the name of solidarity.

Keep going guys.

[enniscorthyman]

It is a sobering thought on this update.I can appreciate  the difficulties that happen with the production of any model,and can only hope that sales pick up for the ICR.It certainly looks astounding from the pre production samples.Even though the ICRs are a bit outside my own era,God you would have to get one all the same.

[Warbonnet]

Thanks for the support and feedback everyone. We’ve seen some orders for ICRs come in since the update which is fantastic and we thank those of you who have placed an order sincerely. We’ve felt quite deflated in recent weeks about it, is it is heartening to see this support.

 

 

[DiveController]

5 hours ago, ttc0169 said:

Thats an unfortunate situation -an Arrow 2600 railcar would have been a better choice of unit- a rerun of the 001 class and a C 201 class would definitely sell well IMHO. 
Best of luck with the continued ICR project-and thanks for the update

Easy to see a 'better' choice with the retrospectoscope but Im not sure that a rerun of A class would be as viable as your hink as least this soon. I, for one have multiples of most and would not be in the market for any more renumbers unless there was something new, and there was not that much that was not covered with the A class as far as I can see.I do like the Arrows, though I would prefer to see an earlier era railcar, which in light of this update seems unlikely, unless the internal working electronic etc made that viable.

So oddly, I had intended to purchase several of the then including the RTE Music week sound fitted, which is alluring for an sentimental ex-pat. Funds were then diverted elsewhere, then they were 'sold out', so least I have the option to purchase one (or two ) again now.

 

[NIRCLASS80]

Sorry to hear this. I think it just reflects the times. All the household essentials have went through the roof cost wise.

 I know I have to much more selective and keep to the IR era of the late 80/early90’s. 
 

And I have always been blessed with good employment. 
 

 

Edited October 24 by NIRCLASS80

[DJ Dangerous]

2 hours ago, NIRCLASS80 said:

Sorry to hear this. I think it just reflects the times. All the household essentials have went through the roof cost wise.

 I know I have to much more selective and keep to the IR era of the late 80/early90’s. 
 

And I have always been blessed with good employment. 
 

 

 

Rising costs of everything else have to a big factor, you're spot on.

I suspect that the Covid-19 pandemic artificially inflated the model railway market, too, dragging many people into the hobby who have since cashed-in and walked away again. That would have fooled manufacturers in general, then flooded the market with second-hand stuff, both affecting sales of new models.

Murphy Models' 141 re-run are still all in stock at numerous retailers. Roll back two years and knock €60 off the price, and they'd have been sold out on pre-order.

The 1980's and 1990's, moreso the 1990's, would be the sweetest spot for sales, I'd guess. Not rubbishing any other era's, just thinking of the volume of sales.

If Murphy Models' 1990's locos aren't selling, it's not a good indicator.

I'm Thankful for what we've had from IRM / A/S to date!!!

[Georgeconna]

13 hours ago, BosKonay said:

Hard to argue with a three vehicle train for size on small layouts….

and a bit of shunting!

[Mayner]

Internationally Governments lowered interest rates/increased borrowing to simulate economies during the pandemic which contributed to inflation with some govermnents/Central Banks slamming on the brakes by increasing interest rates and cutting spending to reduce inflation they caused 2-3 years earlier, just like the Irish and British Governments did in response to the Oil shocks of the 70s, Black Monday (87) and the GFC. In other words responding to economic shocks in the same way for the best part of 50 years and expecting a different result .

Cannot comment on Ireland but a hell of a lot of people speculated on rising propery prices in this part of he World during and afer the pandemic and the Central Bank delierately engineered a recession by increasing interest rates basically increased price inflation to reduce consumption to bring inflation "under control".

Cannot really comment on the 'sweet spot" for model railway demand in Ireland although working on a totally different scale to IRM, over 10 years producing rtr models and kits demand for new models has been at a reasonably consistent level and therefore predictable,  however I experienced reduced levels of demand for variations of a particular model although there is a collector element in the market who would ideally collect each livery and detail version of a particular model. Although price point and shipping costs may have been a factor I experienced a significant decrease in sales of rtr wagons during 2023-2024 compared with the numbers sold during 2021-2022 when the majority of wagons were released, maybe everyone that wanted a paricular wagon had bought one or possibly customers were tightening their purse strings as a result of rising costs in my three main markets, Ireland, UK and United States. 

I had hoped that IRMs release of Bulleid wagons would help stimulate demand for my 3D printed Brake Vans and use up my stock of wheels and couplings, but demand did no meet expectations although apart from the SSM 30T Brake and Leslies GSWR 12T van Kits no other suitable models are available.

The sheer variety of variations offered incombination with rising living costs may have been a factor in demand for Intercity Railcars not meeting IRMs initial expectations.

Although outside my area of interest and likely to end up in a display cabinet I reserved a 3 Car IRM Intercity set late last year, I have been hankering after an "Intercity' railcar set after I first saw a Trix Transpennine railcars in Southern Model Railways Leeson Street shop when I was 14 amd totally out of my reach financially.

[Der Rechtsanwalt]

I'm very grateful to IRM for their honest and transparent update. IRM are more like a co-operative than a manufacturer/retailer and we are more like members of that co-operative than consumers. It was a brave move by IRM to set out the facts. I couldn't see Hornby doing such a thing. It looks like it worked as the community's support has become evermore galvanised behind IRM.

However, I don't think this project is out of the woods yet. At present we are facing into a very serious diminution of the Western currencies. Today we are paying 26% more for petrol and diesel than we were three years ago, 18% more for clothing and 17% more for food than three years ago. This is a clear indication that the Euro is losing purchasing power. In addition, precious metals are increasing in value relative to the currency they are purchased in. In most cases precious metals have hit all time highs. Again this is an indication of Western currencies losing purchasing power. 

The Chinese have been accumulating gold for the last 15 years. Some estimate that they have in the region of 17,000 metric tons of gold. To put this in perspective, officially the largest deposit of gold in the world is in the US, which is just 8,320 metric tons. It's not for nothing that Germany repatriated all of its gold from the US with the last shipment arriving in March 2020; nor it is any surprise that the Bundesbank, for the first time in it's history did not buy anymore US Dollars to top up its foreign exchange reserves. In short, countries around the world are getting rid of the dollar, the world's reserve currency since 1945.

Two years ago, the Chinese government changed the law allowing Chinese citizens to buy gold. Many Chinese citizens have opened gold accounts. It might be worth exploring the possibility if the Chinese factory would accept payment in gold rather than GBP or Euro. This might safeguard the project from the worst vagaries of a massive exchange difference which I fear is on the horizon. 

Finally, paying in gold as a medium of exchange might ensure the project not only survives but may be quite profitable. In addition, accumulating the gold now would make the project much cheaper in the long term particularly if we are looking down the barrel of a late 2025 delivery. These savings could be passed on, making the ICR project a lot more affordable. 

 

 

 

 

[James Regan]

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.

[skinner75]

10 minutes ago, James Regan said:

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.

I can't remember steam era, so would have absolutely zero interest in any steam loco releases. 

I can remember the C class hauling carriages before the DART came along. I remember my uncle taking me on the Dart on the first day. 

I take the modern railcars, so they are valid for me to order/run

[James Regan]

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. 

[Der Rechtsanwalt]

I went to school in the 1980's on freezing cold, drafty Cravens with leaking steam from broken radiators fogging up the windows, while passengers all around me put out their cigarettes on the floor. I remember having to open the door of the coach by pulling down the window and opening it using the handle on the outside. That was the extent of passenger safety back in those days. I also remember having to run the gauntlet coming out of Heuston when kids along Landen Road in Ballyfermot used to hurl rocks at the train to try and break the windows and fellow passengers ducking when they were successful. 

I remember the comparative luxury of refurbished Mk2's, they had heating that worked, and the novelty of Mk3's with automatic doors and airline style seating.  

Whatever about the discomfort of travelling by rail in the past, at least you could get a seat back then. 

I bought two sets of ICR's during the original pre-order; a 3 car and 4 car set. A 4 car set takes me to work everyday and a 7 car set brings me home. For me, I can't imagine a model set more relevant than these ICR's.

However, each to his own.

Sales have tanked not because of a lack of interest or desire by the community, it's because the people are struggling to put food on the table. In my view, it's not IRM's fault or that of a fickle or capricious customer, its the fault of the central banks and the inflation they have created.  

[Sea Breezer]

Just want to say thanks to IRM for having the vision to go for it on these models. I have 2 pre-ordered, and am really looking forward to getting them.

I will say that there are other items that would highly interest me:

47’ container flats

Ammonia 

Fuel Oil

Sugar Beet

Bagged Cement

Barytes

Timber

62’ per way flats

I don’t know about anybody else, but i’d buy multiple rakes of each of the above. Wouldn’t be at all bothered if they were released years apart.

I hope that the ICR project is a success. I’m sure at least some people would change their minds on them, when they see them in action at one of the model shows, fully lit, etc.

[Warbonnet]

1 hour ago, James Regan said:

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. 

Hi James,

We certainly did do our market research and we know that our biggest customer base is in the 30-45 age bracket (which is at odds with Accurascale, being 60+). 

As for blaming customers? I'm sorry, but that is not what we were doing. We appealed to customers. 

As it stands we believe that the ICR is still viable, and it's why it's proceeding, just not at the price point and number of variations we had hoped for. We are giving customers fair warning that about getting on board with it if they can. 

Cheers!

Fran 

[jhb171achill]

26 minutes ago, Warbonnet said:

Hi James,

We certainly did do our market research and we know that our biggest customer base is in the 30-45 age bracket (which is at odds with Accurascale, being 60+). 

As for blaming customers? I'm sorry, but that is not what we were doing. We appealed to customers. 

As it stands we believe that the ICR is still viable, and it's why it's proceeding, just not at the price point and number of variations we had hoped for. We are giving customers fair warning that about getting on board with it if they can. 

Cheers!

Fran 

 

28 minutes ago, Warbonnet said:

.........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,.........

I would certainly be in the market for a three-car set, despite the fact that an ICR is decades out of my general level of interest. My layout represents a very rural area in the 1955-70 period; the type of line which if it actually did exist today, would probably be populated by two-car 28s, not even an ICR. But the ICR is an iconic and essential part of the railway scene; it's the J15, the 80 class railcar, or the AEC railcar of today.

So, yes, I'm certainly one of those who fits into James' category above. They will be worth waiting for; exceptional levels of detail and accuracy will of course be guaranteed.

[Patrick Davey]

3 hours ago, James Regan said:

You appear to be blaming the market which is equivalent to blaming the potential customer.

Disagree - IRM have time and time again demonstrated their respect for their customer base so this comment is way off mark.