IRM Latest! Pleased to 'C' You - MetroVick C Class Next For Accurascale IRM

[Mol_PMB]

Just now, flange lubricator said:

I don’t think it had the carriage heating connector until later not in green livery ?

Here it is in green with the connector fitted:
https://flic.kr/p/2qE53QQ

https://flic.kr/p/2qEaPGQ

Though when it was brand new they weren’t fitted:

https://flic.kr/p/2qEaPHX

So either could be right. A part for the accessory bag, perhaps? 

[flange lubricator]

4 minutes ago, Mol_PMB said:

Here it is in green with the connector fitted:
https://flic.kr/p/2qE53QQ

https://flic.kr/p/2qEaPGQ

Though when it was brand new they weren’t fitted:

https://flic.kr/p/2qEaPHX

So either could be right. A part for the accessory bag, perhaps? 

So it’s both it must have been fitted during the time it had the green livery .

[K801]

23 hours ago, Mike 84C said:

The liveries, wow! In the words of the well known song " they wear it well" Hope this announcement has not condemed my old C class to history!  What could be next?  

Maybe an E Class next  

[Rosslare Ranger]

Great news Fran 

 

Will you be doing a bundle/rake discount on these? @Warbonnet

[BosKonay]

21 hours ago, Fowler4f said:

Has anyone had a problem with the 10 month payment option ? I have emailed support but won’t get a reply till next week.

I can’t add any of the locos to cart, I want 3 sound fitted locos. If I do a single loco & select 10 month option, at checkout : pay £30 today & £269.99 on 24/8/2027 and requests card details !

You can pick the ten installments and checkout ideally one loco at a time offers most flexibility. It will take one payment right away so will take card details then each monthly payment should be automatic and you’ll get a receipt etc for each. 

[Darrman]

Now this I can't pass up. One green C pre-ordered, in West Cork fashion.

[Colin R]

On 24/10/2026 at 4:00 PM, Galteemore said:

Explicitly stated in the announcement that they can be 

Must have missed that bit in all the excitement 

Thanks

[Colin R]

All I need is a set of these https://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/20232-mgwr-convertible-vans/ 

 

[Newtoncork]

I had a look at Barry Carses Metro-Vick book. The Maybach engines were actually rated for 1200hp but the engine rpm was restricted to 1200rpm so the generator could cope. Would have been interesting to see what they could do with 1200hp! Definitely one I'll be going for.

[Mol_PMB]

6 minutes ago, Newtoncork said:

I had a look at Barry Carses Metro-Vick book. The Maybach engines were actually rated for 1200hp but the engine rpm was restricted to 1200rpm so the generator could cope. Would have been interesting to see what they could do with 1200hp! Definitely one I'll be going for.

Agreed! Since IRM have gone to the effort of doing a Maybach I feel I ought to. I wonder where the sound files are coming from?

[Galteemore]

50 minutes ago, Mol_PMB said:

Agreed! Since IRM have gone to the effort of doing a Maybach I feel I ought to. I wonder where the sound files are coming from?

I understand they have a tiger team looking into it 

[Mol_PMB]

I should have put some money on it…

Here’s 233 in Supertrain livery, still Maybach powered. Looked odd without the GM headlights. 

Also carried black with yellow ends (thanks to Ernie):

And BnT with deep tan band (IRRS):

https://flic.kr/p/2rsAFpY

Interesting contrast of the deep and shallow tan bands on Maybach and GM transplants (IRRS):

https://flic.kr/p/2rszwfz

Don’t worry if your orange paint isn’t a perfect match!

[K801]

Looking forward to the engine room detail 

[Fowler4f]

8 hours ago, BosKonay said:

You can pick the ten installments and checkout ideally one loco at a time offers most flexibility. It will take one payment right away so will take card details then each monthly payment should be automatic and you’ll get a receipt etc for each. 

Ok, thx, I will try that. It was confusing though as I was expecting Partial Payments as previously with payment plans.
Thanks for quick response, appreciated.

Edited Sunday at 21:22 by Fowler4f

[chris]

Another excellent addition to the line up, put my name down for a couple.

I know it's just the way the world is right now but man, freight costs are outa control.

[Leyny]

Delighted to see this announcement and the sample at the show (although my bank balance may not be!).

These locos have a special place in my heart. My earliest Irish railway memory is being taken up on the cab of one at Fairview depot as a 6 year old, getting to 'drive' it and even blowing the horn. Don't ask about the how, it was pre H&S times! They, and their bigger A Class cousins, also had a big influence on where I grew up, as it was working overtime on the re-engining of the MVs that gave my Dad the means of getting together the deposit for our family home. So good to know at least some people got something useful out of the Crossley engines. 

215 in Supertrain livery is marketing genius. I'm sure like many here, the Lima version of 215 was my introduction to model railways. Sadly it only lasted about 2 years of being run at scale speeds of about 150 MPH, by which time it couldn't be replaced and horror of horrors, I had to settle for a BR Class 42 Warship instead (it being the cheapest loco in Hobbyphoto/Mark's Models that day). 10 year old me has wanted my 215 back ever since! It fits in with my era anyway, but even if it hadn't it was always going to be bought, it'll finally bring closure on my childhood trauma.  No disrespect to those who originally got the Lima model commissioned, we were all grateful for it at the time, but it'll also finally do justice to the prototype.

Like others, I'm also somewhat surprised there isn't a plain green version, but in the interests of remaining financially solvent, maybe it's just as well there isn't!

[Jonathan Allen]

15 hours ago, Mol_PMB said:

I should have put some money on it…

Here’s 233 in Supertrain livery, still Maybach powered. Looked odd without the GM headlights. 
 

Also carried black with yellow ends (thanks to Ernie):

 

And BnT with deep tan band (IRRS):

https://flic.kr/p/2rsAFpY

Interesting contrast of the deep and shallow tan bands on Maybach and GM transplants (IRRS):

https://flic.kr/p/2rszwfz

Don’t worry if your orange paint isn’t a perfect match!

And at Inchicore in 1974: B233 & G615 Inchicore | Seen at right, B233 (with B234) were… | Flickr

Really surprised it was repainted into Supertrain livery before transplanting. Learn something new every day!

[Leyny]

Went on to the website just now, determined to keep my pre-ordering to the absolute required minimum. Somehow that ended up being a half dozen of these beauties.  

On a totally unrelated topic, anyone know the going rate for a second hand kidney from one (reasonably) careful owner?

 

[Mol_PMB]

I have limited myself to 4 for now, but I think I will end up getting one or two more. I’ll wait until I have the points from the Mk2s first. 
I think my kidneys are only fit to go into a steak pie! 

[flange lubricator]

I too am delighted to see the C class finally announced and a great follow on from the A class and NIR 101's they also fill a big gap in the Irish diesel story spanning the 50's 60's 70's and 80's a must for anyone modelling that era. Growing up along the Dublin suburban in the 1970's the C class transplants were part of the scenery they certainly hold great memories for me so I certainly will order 3 or four  to add to my collection . Would love to have  seen the Maybach version in Supertrain livery but perhaps in another batch .

Edited yesterday at 13:36 by flange lubricator

[amdaley]

Delighted to see this happening.

Pardon my ignorance but I have this photograph which claims to be the last train to leave Cahersiveen for Tralee on 1st July 1960 & it's C227.

Maybe someone can explain this as I'm genuinely puzzled ?

Regards.

Tony.

Edited yesterday at 12:53 by amdaley

[Mol_PMB]

22 minutes ago, flange lubricator said:

Would love to seen the Maybach version in Supertrain livery but perhaps in another batch .

Me too - and I am wondering if my masking skills are good enough to paint the orange on to the black B233. Or, perhaps just use a custom decal to add a yellow panel. 
I suspect it will be years before a second batch is offered. 
 

Plans for my first 4 are as follows:

C202 in silver (renumber C201)

C232 in plain green (repaint C231)

C212 in plan black (partial repaint of C223)

Either 218 or 226 in Supertrain (renumber 215). 
 

1 minute ago, amdaley said:

Delighted to see this happening.

Pardon my ignorance but I have this photograph which claims to be the last train to leave Cahersiveen for Tralee on 1st July 1960.

Maybe someone can explain this as I'm genuinely puzzled ?

Regards.

Tony.

I think there’s a distinction between the last service train, and the very last train collecting up all the empty stock. They were hauled by different C class locos. 
I’m away from my library at present. 

[Westcorkrailway]

Just now, Mol_PMB said:

Me too - and I am wondering if my masking skills are good enough to paint the orange on to the black B233. Or, perhaps just use a custom decal to add a yellow panel. 
I suspect it will be years before a second batch is offered. 
 

Plans for my first 4 are as follows:

C202 in silver (renumber C201)

C232 in plain green (repaint C231)

C212 in plan black (partial repaint of C223)

Either 218 or 226 in Supertrain (renumber 215). 
 

C212 lasted quite a while in plain green too, repainted sometime in 1964 

7 minutes ago, amdaley said:

Delighted to see this happening.

Pardon my ignorance but I have this photograph which claims to be the last train to leave Cahersiveen for Tralee on 1st July 1960 & it's C227.

Maybe someone can explain this as I'm genuinely puzzled ?

Regards.

Tony.

C227 was supposed to have been on the last train yes, all the more strange that when cahersiveen got C227, they renumbered it to C202! 

[west_clare_wanderer]

I've had a couple of weeks away from here ('real life' has been incredibly hectic), and I'm hit with this news when I come back!!! 

Thank you @Warbonnet and friends! How am I going to keep my excitement under control until 2028 though!!

[Warbonnet]

22 hours ago, Leyny said:

215 in Supertrain livery is marketing genius. I'm sure like many here, the Lima version of 215 was my introduction to model railways. Sadly it only lasted about 2 years of being run at scale speeds of about 150 MPH, by which time it couldn't be replaced and horror of horrors, I had to settle for a BR Class 42 Warship instead (it being the cheapest loco in Hobbyphoto/Mark's Models that day). 10 year old me has wanted my 215 back ever since! It fits in with my era anyway, but even if it hadn't it was always going to be bought, it'll finally bring closure on my childhood trauma.  No disrespect to those who originally got the Lima model commissioned, we were all grateful for it at the time, but it'll also finally do justice to the prototype.
 

Hi @Leyny,

I’m glad someone spotted the reasons behind the inclusion of 215. It was my only request when it came to running numbers, being an ode to the second train I ever got and one which shaped many of us I’m sure. We do love a bit of nostalgia here in Accurascale/IRM central.

A sincere thanks to all the positive feedback both on here and at the exhibition over the weekend! We appreciate all the contributions, feedback and congratulations, but the latter must go to Gareth, our senior project manager who researched and designed this little beauty. It’s a loco he’s been itching to do since he first joined us and so far the results speak for themselves.

When you see pics like this, it’s hard not to get excited!

Cheers!

Fran

 

[Flying Snail]

There's an IRM train pack inspiration right there! The C looks right at home in the MRSI's wonderful Loughrea layout.

But I can't but think that you missed a photo opp for another IRM model @Warbonnet .... a Connacht layout with a magnificent white-horned bull in it was crying out for a visit from Maeve!!! 

I know, I know - the 800s never made it anywhere near Loughrea, let alone down the branch itself, but then Finnbennach wasn't carted around in the back of a cattle lorry either! 

Edited 13 hours ago by Flying Snail

[irishthump]

Fantastic news! I didn't get to the show over the weekend but this is definitely something to look forward to!

I was going to go the route of the Silver Fox kit but to be honest with the IRM A Class on my layout already they just won't cut the mustard.

Quick prototypical question: Which of the Supertain liveried options would be most approproate for operating with the railcars in push pull configuration?

Or would any of them be suitable.

[Mol_PMB]

8 minutes ago, irishthump said:

Fantastic news! I didn't get to the show over the weekend but this is definitely something to look forward to!

I was going to go the route of the Silver Fox kit but to be honest with the IRM A Class on my layout already they just won't cut the mustard.

Quick prototypical question: Which of the Supertain liveried options would be most approproate for operating with the railcars in push pull configuration?

Or would any of them be suitable.

In principle, any of those.
However 227s with electric warning flashes represents the mid-1980s in the very last years of the ex-railcar push-pull sets, as the DART was being built and entering service. 

 

[irishthump]

11 minutes ago, Mol_PMB said:

In principle, any of those.
However 227s with electric warning flashes represents the mid-1980s in the very last years of the ex-railcar push-pull sets, as the DART was being built and entering service. 

 

Yeah I was thinking about 227, thanks for the confirmation!

[Westcorkrailway]

227 is also the last member of the class to be scrapped, the remenants of it finally being cut up in June 2025!

[skinner75]

That's the three Supertrain liveried ones & C231 ordered!

 

[irishthump]

227s ordered!

Plenty of time to sort out some railcars to go with it!

[Mol_PMB]

I will get on with the AEC drawings soon! 

I’m just putting the finishing touches to my IRRS talk on the subject as I travel round Ireland today. 

[jhb171achill]

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS MODEL CANNOT BE OVERSTATED!

Others have described what they did, the fact they always seemed to be in the background doing unsung humdrum tasks (though there's nothing as humdrum as a modern railway with no goods at all, and nothing but the exact same railcar type, in the exact same formation, shuttling back and forth all day!)...

Bear in mind they were more numerous than the modern 201s, and almost as numerous as the 141s. MORE numerous than 181s, Hunslets, B101s or 121s. They did get about.

So, their history has been well commented upon, and to an extent which I hope will increase the rapidly growing interest in the "black'n'tan" and "grey'n'green" eras.

If we look at the more practical in these days of what they might be put to work at on a layout, we have a surprising number of options. The sheer variety of these is fodder for any modeller's imagination - anything from hauling a six-wheeled brake third, a couple of empty beet trucks and a tatty old 10 ton brake van on a remote branch line in 1960, to charging about the Dublin suburban area pushing or shoving clapped-out railcars in the 1980s. I encountered B209 at Attymon Junction on the Loughrea mixed two days before that line closed. The last two resident "G" class had been withdrawn from Loughrea earlier that year (1975) and had it remained open, only B201 / C types were to have been used. Even one "Supertrain" one, 232, did a stint there that summer.

You'd get them on weedsprays too.

They could be seen in both Crossley and GM form - pre- and post-re-engining - with goods trains, the Loughrea mixed (increasingly so before that line closed), ballast trains, and of course the NIR stuff. The "might have been" NIR ore traffic is another potential scenario.

The fact that they were less common on passenger workings in later years than, say, 141s, will be one of the reasons they were "ignored". The only cab run I ever had in one was on a ballast working from Clonsilla to North Wall. 

So, they definitely deserve a pedestal by now. 

Which I why I'm ordering some six of them; on my layout, had it existed in real life, pretty much all services would have been worked by these and 141s once steam ended.

This really is an IRM project which is WELL worth supporting. 

Edited 5 hours ago by jhb171achill

[flange lubricator]

1 hour ago, Mol_PMB said:

I will get on with the AEC drawings soon! 

I’m just putting the finishing touches to my IRRS talk on the subject as I travel round Ireland today. 

Looking forward to it Paul.