Murphy Models recently commissioned a number of Bachmann OO scale Mark IIA coaches to cater for enthusiasts modelling Irish railways. Following on from the success of these coaches Murphy Models have commissioned a number of Class 141 and 181 diesel locomotives which will be available towards the end of 2007. Models will be produced in CIE, IR and IE liveries with weathered versions also. They will be fully detailed Bachmann models including lights, aerials and tablet catchers and all models will be DCC ready fitted with the 21 pin socket. They will complement the coaches very nicely.
The Class 141 loco has operated since 1962 across much of Ireland with 37 prototypes built all with 950hp motors. The slightly more powerful Class 181 loco with the 1100hp motor has operated since 1966 with 12 prototypes built. Many locomotives are still in current use and they operated both passenger and freight traffic. Very often they would be seen running in pairs.
There will be 6 models each of the Class 141 and the Class 181 with there being 2 examples of each of the CIE, IR and IE liveries with each model having different fleet numbers. Speaking with Paddy Murphy of Murphy Models at the London Toy Fair, he is planning to spread the release of the models over several months allowing modellers to save up if they wish to obtain all 12. Whilst the models are for the Irish market a small tranche will be available in very limited numbers through leading stockists in the UK.
Whilst liasing with Bachmann during the model design process Paddy Murphy discovered that making models is not as easy as he thought! The cabs on the Class 141 and Class 181 have a unique shape and to get the door angle and cab angles right the loco body will have to be produced from several moulds and assembled. All previous commissioned models have been single mould productions. Reading between the lines this was also a first for Bachmann aswell so Irish modellers will certainly be getting something special!
It has to be said that based on the evidence of values that previous models commissioned by Murphy Models are currently exchanging hands at, these models will become extremely collectable and it is advisable to express an interest early as if you do not you may be dissapointed!
Class 141 Loco
Class 181 Loco
For the last 20 years Paddy Murphy has been instrumental in ensuring that modellers of Irish railways have a steady stream of ready to run locomotives and rolling stock available. He is very well known in Irish model railway circles and the models he helps to develop and bring to market have always been extremely well received by Irish modellers all over the world!
They are all extemely collectable and sought after without exception. It cannot be overlooked that Irish models are not just popular in Ireland as the Irish have spread their wings and there is demand worldwide for these models. Many models will find their way to Scotland, America and Australia and in fact any part of the world where there is a strong sense of Irish community.
Mr Paddy Murphy of Murphy Models and Dennis Lovett of Bachmann reviewing a guide to Irish locomotives at the recent London Toy Fair.
To provide a bit of background history to the Irish model railway scene Paddy Murphy had a very good working relationship with Lima and as well as a locomotives Lima also produced Irish Mk2 and Mk3 coaches and Irish wagons. Examples of Lima models produced over the last 20 years for Irish railway modellers are shown below.
Lima Class 209 Diesel Loco in NIE blue
Lima Class 217 Diesel Loco in IE orange
Lima Class 33 215 Diesel Loco in IE orange
Lima Class 219 Diesel Loco in IE orange
For those interested in more prototypical pictures of the two locomotives Paddy Murphy recommended a visit to the link below:-
http://dg112.fotopic.net/
Happy modelling
Gary
