Opening the box

The latest news from the world of model railways.

Irish Railway Models has unveiled its first ready-to-run locomotive, the Metropolitan-vickers ‘A’ Co-co. Metropolitan-vickers’ Manchester works built 60 of these locomotives, numbered A1-A60, for CIÉ in 1955-56. However, they suffered from reliability issues and so CIÉ rebuilt them with General Motors engines in the late 1960s. These issues also prompted CIÉ to only order new locomotives from GM. The rebuilt ‘A’ Co-cos, reclassified ‘001 Class’ in 1972, gave sterling service until replaced by the GM 201 Class in the early 1990s. 003, the last in regular service, was withdrawn in April 1995. Classmate 039 hauled a final railtour in September that year. It is this locomotive, now owned by the Irish Traction Group, that IRM has surveyed. Three other ‘As’ survive. IRM’S model boasts an extensive spec list, including five-pole motor with twin flywheels, a gearbox designed to achieve a scale top speed of 80mph, rotating axlebox hubs and full lighting, including inside the engine compartment. Detail differences between original and rebuilt locomotives will also be covered. The model has been designed for easy conversion to 21mm gauge (scale 5ft 3in). Eight liveries are planned: lined green, plain green, black, black with yellow panel, black and orange, and versions of ‘Supertrain’ and IR livery. On top of this, there will be a limited edition of pioneer A1 in original silver livery, which will come in a presentation box. Work has already reached the computer design stage and they’re due to arrive in late 2019. Price: From €189.95 Availability: Irish Railway Models Web: www.irishrailwaymodels.com