Andy Y Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 IRM To Produce CIE A/001 Class LocomotiveOctober 26 Dublin – Irish Railway Models (IRM) today announces that it is to produce a highly detailed and premium quality model of the CIE Metropolitan-Vickers A/001 Class in 4mm scale.Sixty of these locomotives were ordered by CIE from Metropolitan-Vickers and were built at Dukinfield Works, Manchester between 1955 and 1956 as part of a plan to implement mass dieselisation of the Irish railway network.Initially the locomotives were fitted with an eight-cylinder, two stroke Crossley unit developing 1,200 horsepower and deployed across the country, working express passenger and freight services including cross border trains. However, significant reliability problems soon emerged, including cylinder defects, unbalanced engines and flashovers as well as excessive water temperature causing shut downs. The subsequent reliability issues lead to CIE placing all future locomotive orders with General Motors, and in the late 1960s CIE managed to persuade GM to sell them replacement power units to reengineer the troublesome A Class.The rebuilds took place with a dedicated, highly skilled team at Inchicore between 1968 and 1971. Rebuilt with a 12-cylinder EMD 645E roots blown engine which originally developed 1,625hp, the additional power placed stress on cooling, with the power soon dialled back to 1,325hp to ensure reliable running, seeing a slight increase in power over the original Crossley units. With their new engines, the A’s settled down and provided over two decades of further service into the 1990s, with the last members of the class withdrawn in 1995 after the introduction of the new 201 class.The A class represents a new chapter for IRM, who have previously supplied highly detailed rolling stock items for the Irish market, alongside sister brand Accurascale which produces highly acclaimed British outline models. Locomotive A39r, owned by the Irish Traction Group was surveyed at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway earlier this year and CAD has since been built and is now complete. Known for its attention to detail and high standards of quality and finish, the specification of the A Class is as follows:Highly detailed OO scale modelTungsten metal chassisSeparately applied steel detail parts, including grab handles, steps, wipers and moreKinematic couplers with NEM socket at correct heightFive-Pole motor with two flywheelsMetal Helical Gear box for maximum performance and slow speed runningGearing arranged so locomotive can achieve a scale top speed of 130 km/hDCC ready with PowerPack capacitor for uninterrupted powerTwo quality speakers with large sound capsules for best possible soundFully detailed Lighting Pack, including:Directional lighting, DC and DCCMarker lights can be turned off when train is coupled to locohigh beam headlight functionseparately switched cab lighting and illuminated, details driver’s consoleEngine bay lightingRP25-110 wheels OO wheels with provision for re-gauging to 21mm gaugeRotating axlebox hubs (with alternate axlebox covers for earlier versions)Fully sprung metal buffersExtra fine factory-fitted pipeworkExtra fine factory-fitted plastic and etched steel detail partsMinimum Radius 438mm (2nd Radius Set-track)Length over Buffers 203mmBoth the original Crossley and rebuilt GM powered locomotives will be modelled in appropriate liveries, featuring detail difference around the roof, windscreen and headlights. The finished models will be offered in a plethora of liveries, including a special edition of class leader A1 in as delivered silver with sandboxes in a special presentation box with certificate, to Green lined, plain green, black, black with yellow panel, black and tan, supertrain, supertrain with IR logos and full IR livery, with the more popular liveries to receive multiple running numbers to allow modellers build an authentic roster of locomotives.Price of each locomotive will be €189.95, with the special limited edition of A1 €219.95 and delivery of finished models is expected Q4 2019. Orders can be placed direct on the IRM website https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/a-class-locomotive with full price up front, or a €50 deposit per locomotive ordered when selecting ‘Bank Transfer’ as the payment option at the checkout and the balance can be paid in one lump or regular instalments ahead of the model arrival. 13 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted October 27, 2018 Author Share Posted October 27, 2018 Bump Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sails Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 Fantastic news and much requested, 17 variants and I only want 12. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold McC Posted October 27, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 27, 2018 Thanks guys, explore the full range of this run here https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/a-class-locomotive We are making 17 different versions, both rebuilt and unrebuilt from 'as delivered' until end of life. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Prism Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 I hope the roll torques from the helical drives are arranged to oppose each other. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Joseph_Pestell Posted October 27, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 27, 2018 Amazing features for that price. And in a fairly limited market. Should shake up a few people. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Covkid Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 The "A" class was eventually bound to happen, but I cannot think of a more suited outfit to carry it out. Would you just look at the spec though - dimmable lights, rotating axle ends and regaugable to 21mm if anyone so desires. Not a Irish modeller at the moment, but I am worried about future conversion - just seeing an "A", a 121 and a 141 and a few Cravens. Well done guys, you really are showing your competitors how to produce timely, accurate scale models. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glover Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 This is almost as though a state of the art Class 47 were to be announced for the first time for the British market; the A class/Metro-Vicks are an absolutely key locomotive for modelling Irish railways between 1955 and 1995. Over on the Irish Railway Modeller website, I have put a question to the guys at IRM regarding the green livery versions: light and/or dark. I suspect they are rather busy at the moment at the exhibition today and until Monday (bank holiday here). I can now retire the Siver Fox versions and forget about the traumas of trying to build the Q Kits versions: white metal ('use large hammer to straighten') and resin ('use blow torch to straighten'). I can see Metro-Vicks hauling my Bundoran Express. They were magnificent but initially very flawed machines. I must also say that the pricing represents incredible value for money but I'm seriously thinking that this should be my final push to give up the smokes (but not the Guinness)! Very cheerful, Glover 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
E3109 Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 Amazing features for that price. And in a fairly limited market. Should shake up a few people. I'm definitely having at least one of these beasts. Quite apart from the gauge difference I want one anyway. The artwork seems to suggest that Fran and Co are about to produce a model that is as good as the SLW class 24. Praise indeed I'd say. Just one query though, will there be a model of a GM-powered loco with the original windscreens, with the square lower corners? I used to visit CIE metals regularly in the late 1980s and most (all?) of the A class had received the radiused ones by then although I think I'm right in saying that no C class did, not even the ones which were transferred to NIR. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Covkid Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 I must also say that the pricing represents incredible value for money but I'm seriously thinking that this should be my final push to give up the smokes (but not the Guinness)! Very cheerful, Glover Funny you should say that "Glover" my old man always said he packed in his cigarettes to fund his modelling way back in the1960s 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
E3109 Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 Apologies for the Flickr plug, anyway I managed to have some serious mileage off the externally battered 002. Got loads of negs and prints from Ireland 1989-91 which I really need to scan and post. This is the sort of model I'd like to purchase, along with one fitted with the original windscreens. https://www.flickr.com/photos/barang_shkoot/8169945001/in/album-72157631969140568/ 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewartingram Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 I have no interest in the model, as it is not a prototype for me, but the "tungsten metal" chassis sounds interesting. Is this a substitute for mazak? What is the difference? Stewart 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sails Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 Some good photos there, 002 would make an interesting weathering project. Apologies for the Flickr plug, anyway I managed to have some serious mileage off the externally battered 002.Got loads of negs and prints from Ireland 1989-91 which I really need to scan and post.This is the sort of model I'd like to purchase, along with one fitted with the original windscreens.https://www.flickr.com/photos/barang_shkoot/8169945001/in/album-72157631969140568/ 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
E3109 Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 Cheers Sails. Like I say, got a load of negs from that timeframe which I really need to make public. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 I have no interest in the model, as it is not a prototype for me, but the "tungsten metal" chassis sounds interesting. Is this a substitute for mazak? What is the difference? Much greater density is the big one in a modelling context. Don't want to be drilling and tapping into it though. My guess is that it is a choice to facilitate accommodating the 'two large sound capsules'; a design choice to optimise the model for good sound reproduction without the need to compromise on the weight that makes centre motor models good for both traction and reliable pick up. It's an exciting spec. altogether, what with the helical gearboxes among much else. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold McC Posted October 27, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 27, 2018 We're doing both shades - see both here https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/a-class-locomotive/green?grid_list=grid-view have put a question to the guys at IRM regarding the green livery versions: light and/or dark. I suspect they are rather busy at the moment at the exhibition today and until Monday (bank holiday here). 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Robert Shrives Posted October 27, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 27, 2018 Well Christmas early - snow in Birmingham and announcing the "classic" Irish diesel loco. As one of the "its "A" classic idea" brigade it is great to see IRM pick up the token and run with this a commercial risk with much more tooling costs than wagons. I am sure it will deliver for them and aid sales of all the Irish products happily coming to market. Pricing certainly keen and spec expansive so a good model on the cards - ordered one already and look to more once pay arrives next week ! Not to forget to plug the container wagon packs also released to day for ordering and some to come Tara mines , plough brakes and remaining bubble cements. Is possible you could say the future really is orange.... A big A class sized thanks to all at IRM for iconic modelling delivery. Robert 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGR Hooper! Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 (edited) I'm wondering if I could be persuaded to get into the Irish OO gauge scene... Would love a few models, being a smaller country with lesser rolling stock, it will be far cheaper to get something done. - Anyone for some lovely suggestions for a small Irish village with a double line station I can model? - Would the A Class have ever run alongside the Class 201 and Class 071? If so what livery would they have a carried? Edited October 27, 2018 by MGR Hooper! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
E3109 Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 (edited) The A class and the C class were introduced around the same time and yes, both types worked alongside 071s. And 201s, just about I think. Loads of the As ended up with IR logos towards the end, got a few pics myself but I'm sure the Irish members here can help you on that far more than I can. Edited October 27, 2018 by E3109 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold tractionman Posted October 27, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 27, 2018 (edited) I'm wondering if I could be persuaded to get into the Irish OO gauge scene... Would love a few models, being a smaller country with lesser rolling stock, it will be far cheaper to get something done. - Anyone for some lovely suggestions for a small Irish village with a double line station I can model? - Would the A Class have ever run alongside the Class 201 and Class 071? If so what livery would they have a carried? On the livery changes there is a very useful summary here... http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/1334-cie-locomotive-livery-variations-1960-1990/ Some great colour images of Ireland’s railways in the 80s and 90s in the Irish Railway Rambler book by Michael McMahon, highly recommended. The book has images of As, 071s and 201s running during that time. Great to see the A class announcement. All the best, Keith Edited October 27, 2018 by tractionman 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Covkid Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 I'm wondering if I could be persuaded to get into the Irish OO gauge scene... Would love a few models, being a smaller country with lesser rolling stock, it will be far cheaper to get something done. - Anyone for some lovely suggestions for a small Irish village with a double line station I can model? - Would the A Class have ever run alongside the Class 201 and Class 071? If so what livery would they have a carried? I think they all ran together over a short span of time but I am tentatively feeling an "A" and a 141 as being the ideal partners along with an 071. Stick the A on a freight, the 141 on some Cravens and the 071 on the aircons recently announced by Murphy, and the job is complete !! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Accurascale Fran Posted October 27, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 27, 2018 Hi everyone, Firstly, thank you to everyone for your kind words and feedback. The A is a big deal for us, and a loco that has been very close to our hearts since we were babies getting interested in trains. A backbone of the Irish railway scene for 40 years and much loved. Features such as the spec list for the A is what you can expect in future Accurascale locos too when we get round to them! I'm definitely having at least one of these beasts. Quite apart from the gauge difference I want one anyway. The artwork seems to suggest that Fran and Co are about to produce a model that is as good as the SLW class 24. Praise indeed I'd say.Just one query though, will there be a model of a GM-powered loco with the original windscreens, with the square lower corners? I used to visit CIE metals regularly in the late 1980s and most (all?) of the A class had received the radiused ones by then although I think I'm right in saying that no C class did, not even the ones which were transferred to NIR. There will be several models of the GM locos with original windscreens. All black and tan GM powered locos for instance, and some of the supertrain. They switched to toughened glass in this period. We need to clean some of the renders on the site to reflect this so you guys know which Supertrain loco has which, and we will do that over the next week or so. I'm wondering if I could be persuaded to get into the Irish OO gauge scene...Would love a few models, being a smaller country with lesser rolling stock, it will be far cheaper to get something done.- Anyone for some lovely suggestions for a small Irish village with a double line station I can model?- Would the A Class have ever run alongside the Class 201 and Class 071? If so what livery would they have a carried? 201s arrived from mid 1994 and the last of the A class went in 1995. A's would've been in IR livery with stripes, while the 201s would've been in their original orange livery. 071s would've been IR livery too, along with 141s. Cheers! Fran 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGR Hooper! Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 (edited) Hi everyone, 201s arrived from mid 1994 and the last of the A class went in 1995. A's would've been in IR livery with stripes, while the 201s would've been in their original orange livery. 071s would've been IR livery too, along with 141s. Cheers! Fran Since I am not too well versed with the Irish liveries, can you tell me which one will be suitable for the 1994-1995 time period? a Also are the following models suitable for the same period also? https://www.hattons.co.uk/52393/Murphy_Models_MM0203_Irish_Class_201_diesel_203_in_CIE_orange_livery/StockDetail.aspx https://www.hattons.co.uk/90612/Murphy_Models_MM0233_Class_201_no_233_River_Clare_in_Enterprise_livery_with_full_yellow_ends/StockDetail.aspx https://www.hattons.co.uk/59166/Murphy_Models_MM0080_Irish_Class_071_080_in_Irish_Rail_orange_and_black/StockDetail.aspx https://www.hattons.co.uk/59164/Murphy_Models_MM0088_Irish_Class_071_088_in_CIE_Supertrain_orange_and_black/StockDetail.aspx Edited October 28, 2018 by MGR Hooper! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Accurascale Fran Posted October 28, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 28, 2018 Since I am not too well versed with the Irish liveries, can you tell me which one will be suitable for the 1994-1995 time period? a Also are the following models suitable for the same period also? https://www.hattons.co.uk/52393/Murphy_Models_MM0203_Irish_Class_201_diesel_203_in_CIE_orange_livery/StockDetail.aspx https://www.hattons.co.uk/90612/Murphy_Models_MM0233_Class_201_no_233_River_Clare_in_Enterprise_livery_with_full_yellow_ends/StockDetail.aspx https://www.hattons.co.uk/59166/Murphy_Models_MM0080_Irish_Class_071_080_in_Irish_Rail_orange_and_black/StockDetail.aspx https://www.hattons.co.uk/59164/Murphy_Models_MM0088_Irish_Class_071_088_in_CIE_Supertrain_orange_and_black/StockDetail.aspx Hi MGR Hooper, The first three of those links are suitable for the 1994/95 period, but the last one, 088 in CIE Supertrain is not. As for our A Class, the following are suitable https://irishrailwaymodels.com/products/024-a-class-locomotive https://irishrailwaymodels.com/collections/a-class-locomotive/products/051-a-class-locomotive Cheers, Fran Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoelG Posted October 28, 2018 Share Posted October 28, 2018 Words fail. Incredible specification guys. Congratulations and Horay :) You are raising the bar to such a high level the game may need to be redefined. Looking forward to ordering at least half a dozen of these. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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