First Review
Irish Railway Models Metro-Vick A Class
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Irish Railway Models CIÉ/Irish Rail A Class ◆ PRICE £169.99 each ◆ AVAILABILITY Irish Railway Models Web www.www.irishrailwaymodels.co.uk
Irish Railway Models (IRM) has produced a variety of excellent 4mm scale Irish-outline wagons over the past few years. However, the Metropolitan- Vickers A Class Co-Co dieselelectric marks IRM’s first foray into locomotives.
First announced in 2018 and boasting an impressive specification, expectations for those of us with an interest in the Irish scene have been understandably high. Therefore, when a pair of models recently appeared on my doorstep, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of anticipation as I opened the boxes.
The A Class is arguably one of the most enduring diesel locomotive types used on the Irish system. Built across various English works and shipped across the Irish Sea from 1955, the 60-strong fleet was beset with mechanical issues from an early stage. Once these were sorted – via a comprehensive re-engineering programme – they settled down to a distinguished career until the final example was withdrawn in the mid-1990s.
IRM has produced a whopping 17 different versions, spanning the whole operational career of the class, both in terms of livery and detail fittings. For review, we have A30 in striking CIÉ silver which portrays the prototype in original condition, along with orange and black No. 007, a re-engineered version with Irish Rail logos.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Before we look at the models in detail, the attractive packaging is worthy of note. The emerald green boxes feature plenty of foam padding and the instruction booklet is more akin to a mini magazine, featuring reproductions of original advertisements for the various component manufacturers involved in the building of the A Class, including Crossley Brothers, makers of the ill-fated original two-stroke engines. There’s also a comprehensive historical overview of the prototype, along with archive images and a five-page interview with a former A Class driver, offering real insight into these characterful locomotives. Naturally, all the important instructional information is not neglected, including details of servicing and DCC installation/operation.