Coach Opinion

[LunaticRailroading]

Hello everyone.

 

Apologies if this topic has already been discussed elsewhere (I'm new to Irish Railways), but I wanted to know if there is a major preference to a manufacturer for coaches for your Irish locomotives.

I've got Accurascale's GSR 800 Class on pre-order (No. 800, as preserved), and am contemplating either waiting for a potential second run of the MKII coaches in the RSPI green, or if I should simply purchase 7 MKII coaches (two brake, one kitchen, four varying class) from either Bachmann Branch-Line or Hornby, and repainting them in the RSPI green, as well as decaling.

I'm also aware that the RSPI has their coaching stock listed, so I can easily hunt down the correct, next closest, accurate coach to make up the train for No. 800 to pull.

I've already some experience with painting and decaling, so I'm just curious if any Irish Railway modellers have their own opinion for coaching stock.

 

Thank you all for your time and feedback!

[Mol_PMB]

I think green RPSI Mk2s would look good with 800. It’s a hypothetical combination because neither 800 nor the Mk2s are currently running, but it’s not a big stretch of the imagination. 
The buffet car is a unique vehicle only made by Accurascale. The RPSI’s real Mk2s are a mixed bag from various sources and of different types. Your idea of looking at their stock list and choosing appropriate models to repaint is a good one. 
You may also need a ‘Dutch Van’ for your rake. 

[Horsetan]

1 hour ago, Mol_PMB said:

I think green RPSI Mk2s would look good with 800. It’s a hypothetical combination because neither 800 nor the Mk2s are currently running, but it’s not a big stretch of the imagination. ..

If the money were available, 800 could be restored to steam and then shipped off to Australia to run over there. No problem with clearances or axle loadings on Victorian Railways.

[LunaticRailroading]

On 3/6/2026 at 3:40 PM, Mol_PMB said:

I think green RPSI Mk2s would look good with 800. It’s a hypothetical combination because neither 800 nor the Mk2s are currently running, but it’s not a big stretch of the imagination. 
The buffet car is a unique vehicle only made by Accurascale. The RPSI’s real Mk2s are a mixed bag from various sources and of different types. Your idea of looking at their stock list and choosing appropriate models to repaint is a good one. 
You may also need a ‘Dutch Van’ for your rake. 

Thank you for the feedback, and the information; definitely helps me feel like I'm heading in a good direction, rather than waiting for something that may not happen again.

I presume the, 'Dutch Van' is the maroon generator van that follows on the RPSI railtours, yes?

[jhb171achill]

25 minutes ago, LunaticRailroading said:

I presume the, 'Dutch Van' is the maroon generator van that follows on the RPSI railtours, yes?

No, that’s a BR genny. There are two “Dutch” vans at Whitehead - the flat-sided ones. 

[Mol_PMB]

https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/rpsi-collection/82/462-dutch-van
 

For some years this provided power for the RPSI Mk2 rake. A model is available from Silver Fox. But more recently it has been superseded by the Mk2 brakes, which may be a better-looking option for you. 

[LunaticRailroading]

On 5/6/2026 at 6:04 PM, jhb171achill said:

No, that’s a BR genny. There are two “Dutch” vans at Whitehead - the flat-sided ones. 

Much appreciated for the feedback!

23 hours ago, Mol_PMB said:

https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/rpsi-collection/82/462-dutch-van
 

For some years this provided power for the RPSI Mk2 rake. A model is available from Silver Fox. But more recently it has been superseded by the Mk2 brakes, which may be a better-looking option for you. 

Thank you very much for this information! I dislike myself for saying I quite like the appearance of this little van (the RPSI green looks fantastic on it; makes me wish an OO scale model of the K2 No. 461 was available), and may look into procuring one for Maebd to haul.