CIÉ Magnesite wagons
Córas Iompair Éireann constructed a fleet of two-axle covered hopper wagons for mineral traffic in the 1970s, specifically to carry processed magnesite products. It is the latest ‘OO’ gauge model to emerge from the impressive Irish Railway Models (IRM) range. More wagons for the A Class locomotive
ANNOUNCED at the start of February 2022, models of CIÉ magnesite hopper wagons have arrived promptly, much to the delight of Irish railway modellers. They are the perfect wagon for IRM’s A Class locomotive models which powered the daily trains of 12 to 22 wagons of processed magnesite between 1970 and 1982.
Quigley & Co., an international company which specialised in refractory products, saw the potential of an Irish refractory brick operation based in Tivoli, near Cork and a coastal site in Ballinacourty, Co. Waterford which was ideally located for a supply of seawater necessary to process dolomitic limestone to produce magnesite.
Magnesite is an important component of refractory bricks for lining blast furnaces. They were manufactured between 1970 and 1982 at Tivoli when the Pfizer-Quigley operation came under increasing pressure from overseas competition, increasing energy costs and lower refractory prices, resulting in closure and loss of the rail traffic.
The dolomite was conveyed by rail in open hoppers from an inland quarry in Co. Kilkenny. Magnesite was conveyed from Ballinacourty to Tivoli once a day in the covered magnesite hopper wagons. They were constructed on the same two-axle underframe used under CIÉ ballast hopper wagons, maintaining standardisation in the wagon fleet.
The last train is commemorated by a single limited edition model with markings relating to the last train. It is limited to a run of 350, priced at £38.94. The remaining part of the range is offered in four packs of three wagons for £104.95.
Hopper assembly
A two-piece covered hopper makes up the superstructure (A) which has the correct angles and dimensions including the top section (B). Top hatches (C) are separate fittings whilst the flat hopper sides and ends show no signs of distortion or sink marks (D). Strengthening ribs are fitted as small moulded details on the ends (E) and integrally moulded on the hopper sides (F). The join between the hopper and cover is well hidden inside the top edge of the hopper (G).
Hopper top detailing
Fine detail is applied to the hopper as etched metal access platforms (A); wire grab rails and hatch loops (B) together with a fine moulded plastic access ladder, fitted to both sides of the wagon (C). The delicate looking platforms are supported by fine brackets neatly applied along the edge of the hopper top (D). Assembly is neat, durable and consistent without visible glue marks or other flaws.
↑ Fine detailing
Refinement is seen in the beautifully modelled framing visible at the wagon ends (A); accurately moulded upright vacuum brake hoses applied to the headstocks (B); draw gear detail behind the headstocks
(C); and the neat fit of the end hopper framing to the top of the underframe (D). The fine etched platforms cannot be missed in this view (E) and there is a pipe fitted to the top of the underframe which connects the brake hoses at each end of the wagon (F).
↓ Below the solebar
The wagon is a mere 78mm long over headstocks making the level of detailing quite remarkable. It is a tight space in which to fit the brake detail round the bottom of the hopper which is seated in the underframe both level and without any unsightly gaps. The framing can be seen to advantage when the model is turned over (A). Whilst standard ‘OO’ gauge wheels on 26mm pinpoint axles (B) are fitted, the model can accommodate 21mm gauge wheels sets with minimal effort. The bottom of the hopper is fitted with discharge doors (C) and the whole assembly secured to the underframe with screws instead of adhesive or clips (D). Miniature NEM pockets with limited impact on the appearance of the framing and headstocks are fitted (E).
There is 23mm between the inside faces of the axleguards (F) and the axle ends run directly in a plastic boss on the inside of the axleguards which may need to be pared down when fitting 21mm gauge wheel sets (G).
Underframe features
Underframe detailing has been upgraded over the original IRM
CIÉ ballast wagon models and features axleguards which are commendably thin and moulded with the correct axle box cover detail (A). Brake shoes (B) and associated linkages (C) are individually applied fittings moulded in plastic, whilst the hand brake levers and vee-hangers are finely moulded and thin in cross section, adding to the delicate appearance of the model (D). A brake pipe runs along the top of the solebars and is moulded with bracket detail (E). Unsprung buffers of the correct pattern completes the picture (F).
Overall finish
The livery is the usual overall CIÉ bauxite brown finish with white stencilled lettering and numbers – as simple as it possibly could be. All of the parts along with the main assemblies such as the hopper and underframe are consistently coloured, although a couple of the smaller parts can appear a touch translucent in strong light.
All of the models are finished in pristine livery, the perfect base for weathering, which should be light because the closed hoppers prevented excessive dusting of the exterior when in motion.
For its small size, the IRM magnesite wagon is a superbly designed and detailed model with a wealth of small fittings applied to both the underframe and hopper assembly. It is delicate in appearance, but sufficiently wellassembled to withstand normal handling. A five-star model for Irish outline modelling which is enjoying quite a boost by the range of new models produced by IRM. Whilst on the subject of minerals and associated products, does IRM have plans to reissue its popular cement bubbles?
❒ Produced by Irish Railway Models irishrailwaymodels.com
£ RRP £104.95 (€124.95)