IRM Hits Big With 'Bubbles'

One of Ireland’s most iconic wagon designs, the two-axle cement wagons, are now available in ready-to-run form.

- Simon Bendall

NEWLY released by Irish Railway Models is its second ‘OO’ gauge wagon model, this joining the ballast wagon that was released back in the spring to great acclaim. The subject this time around is the long-lived CIE/IR two-axle bulk cement wagons, better known as ‘bubbles’ thanks to the distinctive barrel shape.

Built in batches between 1964 and 1972, the fleet eventually totalled 150 examples, numbered as 25050-199, and worked from the Irish Cement plants at Castlemungret, Drogheda and Platin to terminals across the country, including over the border. The number of ‘bubbles’ in a block train could vary from over 30 to less than 10, while they could also be found running in small numbers in mixed freight consists at times. Most of the fleet remained in service up to the end of cement traffic in 2009.

Last comes first

The initial batch of releases are all finished in the ivory and black livery that was introduced from the late 1970s, this replacing the previous orange and grey schemne. This ivory colour was carried for the rest of their careers, although it was invariably covered in layers of cement dust over time.