If you want ready-to-run models of Irish prototype rolling stock — CIE liveries, Iarnród Éireann, Northern Ireland Railways, Great Northern of Ireland — you have fewer options than someone modelling British or American railways. But the available options have improved dramatically in the last decade, mostly thanks to one company.
1. Irish Railway Models / Accurascale (the obvious one)
Irish Railway Models is the dominant Irish-outline RTR manufacturer. Now part of the Accurascale group (since 2020), they produce highly detailed scale models of Irish prototypes — locomotives, coaches, wagons.
For new releases and pre-orders, go direct. They announce upcoming models on their site and at the MRSI Exhibition each October.
Use them for: any current production Irish-outline RTR model, pre-orders for upcoming releases.
2. Rails of Sheffield (UK, ships to Ireland)
Rails of Sheffield stocks the Irish Railway Models range alongside their full general inventory (Hornby, Bachmann, Peco, Heljan, Dapol). Worldwide shipping, including Ireland.
Often has in-stock units of recent Irish releases when Irish Railway Models direct is sold out. Reliable, well-packaged, fast dispatch.
Use them for: in-stock Irish-outline items + simultaneous British-outline shopping in one order.
3. Clark Railworks (Irish retailer, new + pre-owned)
Clark Railworks is an Irish retailer specialising in OO/HO/N gauge with new and pre-owned items. Particularly useful for hard-to-find or out-of-production Irish-outline models — older Murphy Models stock, retired liveries, second-hand bargains.
Use them for: out-of-production Irish-outline, second-hand stock, or when you want to support an Irish retailer.
4. MarksModels (Irish retailer, general)
MarksModels Irish Railways section is smaller than the others but worth checking, especially for accessories, scenery, and starter-set items where you'd rather buy domestic.
Use them for: accessories, track, scenery, beginner sets where you want to avoid international shipping.
5. eBay UK (for the truly out-of-production)
For genuinely retired Murphy Models stock, mid-2000s Bachmann Branchline Irish wagons, and other pieces no longer in any retailer's catalogue, eBay UK is the best hunting ground. Use saved searches with specific terms like "Murphy Models", "CIE coach", "Iarnród Éireann wagon".
What About Murphy Models?
Murphy Models was the previous-generation Irish-outline manufacturer (1990s–2010s). Many of their products are now collectors' items. Out-of-production but not obsolete — the models still run, and second-hand prices for sought-after liveries can exceed the original RRP.
If you're collecting historical Irish liveries (CIE black + tan, IÉ orange livery, GNR), Murphy Models stock is probably what you'll be hunting on Clark Railworks or eBay.
Realistic Cost Range
- Modern Irish-outline RTR locomotive: €180–€350
- Irish-outline coach: €60–€120
- Wagon (single or set): €20–€70
- Pre-owned Murphy Models locomotive: €120–€280 (depending on rarity)
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links above are affiliate or referral links (marked with rel="sponsored"). If you buy through these, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We list these retailers because they're the genuinely best options for Irish-outline modellers, not because of the affiliate relationships.
The full retailer directory
Plus UK retailers, shipping notes, and the case for buying at exhibitions.
Where to Buy →