🚂 MRSI Exhibition — October 24–26, 2026: Irish Railway Models typically use the MRSI Exhibition in Dublin to launch major new releases and take pre-orders. This is the year's biggest buying event for Irish-outline collectors.
Exhibition details →
Why Irish-Outline Releases Are Different
Irish-outline ready-to-run models work differently from the broader Hornby/Bachmann market. A few things worth knowing before you pre-order:
- Pre-orders matter. Irish-outline runs are produced in relatively limited numbers for a niche market. Popular items — especially locomotive classes in multiple liveries — often sell out before or shortly after arrival. Pre-ordering via Irish Railway Models or an authorised retailer is the standard approach for serious collectors.
- Allocation-based retail. Retailer stock is allocated ahead of production. Once a run is subscribed, retailers can't always get more. If a pre-order window closes, it may be months or years before a model reappears on the secondary market.
- Price at announcement vs delivery. Prices are often stated at announcement and held to delivery, though inflationary pressures have occasionally led to adjustments between announcement and production.
- Broad gauge in OO scale. IRM models Irish 5'3" broad gauge in OO (1:76 scale) — the body widths reflect the wider Irish loading gauge. This is important if you're mixing Irish and British stock on the same layout.
Current Releases — In Stock Now
The following classes are currently in production or recently released. Stock levels change — click through to the retailer for real-time availability.
In Stock
IRM / Accurascale Range — OO Scale Irish Outline
Irish Railway Models · Various classes
Irish Railway Models produces accurate ready-to-run OO scale models of Irish prototype locomotives, coaching stock and wagons — covering CIÉ, Iarnród Éireann, NIR and historical operators including the GNR(I). Their catalogue has grown substantially since joining the Accurascale group. For current in-stock items and upcoming pre-orders, check the IRM website directly or via the retailers below.
In Stock
Irish Outline Stock at Rails of Sheffield
Rails of Sheffield · UK retailer, ships Ireland
Rails of Sheffield is an authorised IRM retailer and holds allocations of Irish-outline releases. Often stocks items that are sold out direct from IRM. Good for checking availability on specific releases and for combining an Irish-outline order with British-prototype items.
In Stock
Irish Railway Models at Clark Railworks
Clark Railworks · Irish retailer
Irish-based retailer stocking Irish Railway Models alongside new and pre-owned items. Good for domestic shipping with no customs complications. Also the place to check for out-of-production Irish-outline items on the secondary market.
How to Track New Announcements
Irish Railway Models announces new releases primarily through their own website and social channels. The fastest ways to stay informed:
- IRM mailing list — sign up at irishrailwaymodels.com for direct announcement emails. This is the most reliable method; pre-order windows often open with only a week or two of notice.
- MRSI Exhibition (October) — the annual Dublin exhibition (see our 2026 exhibitions page) is consistently used to launch new models and take pre-orders in person. Trade stands often carry exclusive or discounted items.
- irishrailwaymodeller.com — the Irish model railway forum community is usually the fastest to discuss and analyse new announcements, including build-quality reports once models ship.
- This page — we update it as major announcements land. Bookmark it or subscribe to our newsletter below for a monthly digest.
Key Irish Prototype Classes to Watch For
If you're new to Irish-outline or building out a fleet, these are the most sought-after prototype classes — and the ones IRM/Accurascale return to most often for re-runs and new livery variants:
CIÉ / IÉ 201 Class
General Motors Bo-Bo diesel · 1994–present
Ireland's most modern main-line diesel class. The 201s run everything from freight to intercity — the most visible locomotive on the current Irish network. Multiple livery variations (original CIÉ orange and black, later IÉ variants) make this a perennial target for modellers. One of the most in-demand Irish-outline locos.
CIÉ 141 / 181 Class
General Motors Bo-Bo diesel · 1962–1995
The classic twin-headlight CIÉ diesel that defines the "orange era". Ran everything across the network for three decades and was still working into the 1990s on freight. In both original CIÉ orange and black and later all-orange liveries — hugely popular with modellers of the 1970s–90s period.
NIR 450 Class
DMU · Northern Ireland Railways
Northern Ireland Railways' main suburban and cross-border DMU. Distinctive blue and silver livery. Allows modelling of the Belfast network and cross-border Enterprise services. Lower production runs than Republic-side stock, making in-stock availability more variable.
GNR(I) Coaching Stock & Locos
Great Northern Railway (Ireland) · Pre-nationalisation
The GNR(I) operated north and south of the border until partition in the 1920s and survived in various forms until nationalisation. Its distinctive blue and cream passenger stock and steam locomotives appeal to modellers of the pre-CIÉ era. A minority interest but intensely loyal following.
Stay Ahead of the Pre-orders
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for a digest of new Irish-outline announcements, exhibition dates and buying tips. One email a month, no filler.
What If the Model I Want Is Sold Out?
Sold-out Irish-outline releases reappear in a few places:
- eBay UK / eBay Ireland — secondary market. Search the specific model name + "IRM" or "Accurascale". Prices for popular sold-out models often trade at 120–150% of RRP, occasionally more for short-run variants.
- Clark Railworks pre-owned section — the Irish specialist often has ex-collection items at fair prices.
- irishrailwaymodeller.com For Sale board — community sales. Typically fair pricing and sellers who understand what they have.
- IRM re-runs — popular classes do get re-run, sometimes with additional livery variants. Subscribe to IRM's mailing list to get notified.
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