Murphy Models Mk 2s

Isn’t it funny how times change? Given that the only available air-con Mk 2 in ‘OO’ gauge used to be the old Airfix Mk 2d, Murphy Models’ Mk 2s were a revelation when they appeared in 2010. It’s somewhat strange timing that just as Bachmann’s Mk 2fs have arrived, so has a new batch of Murphy Models Mk 2ds. Will the Mk 2f take on the mantle of ‘Best air-con Mk 2’? The answer has to be ‘yes’, for the Mk 2f benefits from eight years of continual development in model railway manufacturing – but the Irish Mk 2s do give the newcomer a run for its money. We received five Irish Mk 2ds for review: First 5102, Composite 5152, Dining Cars 5402 and 5408 and Generator Van 5605, all in CIÉ orange and black. The shape compares very well with the new Bachmann model. Glazing is excellent and side and end handrails are wire (those on the roof are moulded). The ends are perhaps not as crisp as the Bachmann model and the fit and finish isn’t as slick. The gutters and roof ribs appear heavier than the Bachmann models, but this reflects a slight distinction between British and Irish Mk 2s. The first batch of CIÉ Mk 2s suffered from the orange being a touch overpowering. It’s pleasing to report that the finish is now more prototypical. Some weathering, particularly a thick oily black for the EGV roof, would bring out the best of these models. Sticking with the EGV, it’s fascinating to see the attention Murphy Models has paid to getting the detail correct in areas such as the roof and underframe. Immediately noticeable are the access panels for the diesel engines, the underslung fuel tanks, ventilation grilles and roof grilles. And look out for the separate handrails by the guard’s door.

IRISH IDIOSYNCRASIES

Almost as important is the Restaurant Standard, which again has bespoke bodyshell and interior toolings. The unusual arrangement of doors and windows (to British eyes at least) has been accurately captured, as has the extra detail on the roof above the kitchen. Our only minor quibble with these models is the depth of the saloon windows, which appear to be a fraction smaller than photographs of the original would suggest. However, even these are very neatly modelled, with riveted outer frames surrounding pin-sharp silver frames and the smoked flush glazing. The excellent ‘B4’ bogie tooling from Murphy’s Cravens coaches has been used here too, paired with free-running metal wheels and axles. Tension lock couplings are fitted in NEM pockets on sprung self-centring arms.

MINOR GLITCH

This was the one sticking point with our review samples. The coupling mount had come loose

Immediately noticeable are the access panels for the diesel engines, the underslung fuel tanks, ventilation grilles and roof grilles

in four out of the five coaches, but it was an easy fix to push them back into place. We managed to trace a persistent derailment issue with one vehicle to an incorrectly fitted axle. Once these niggles had been rectified these coaches performed superbly on our test track, coping with challenging radius pointwork and R1 curves at speed – and even being propelled through them at speed. It’s good to see that eight years after they first appeared, Murphy Models’ Mk 2s can still cut the mustard. Recommended.