7th Edition:
Welcome to the seventh edition of The Eureka Times.
This edition is a bit later than planned but has been held back to incorporate a few items
that we were waiting for. Well, that’s partially the excuse. We do have 3D images of the
38s that we were waiting for and which we only received in the past few days (see below)
but the main reason for the delay was that we were overwhelmed by correspondence,
emails, phone calls etc. relating to the 31 May cut-off date and we are only now catching
up with the paper work. In the process of catching up the preparation of this edition was
pushed into the background so if you are one of those whose order or payment we were
late in processing and acknowledging my apologies, and to all those who have been
waiting patiently for this issue my apologies also. We do have plenty of news to report
largely arising from our last visit to China so lets get on with it.
The NSWGR 38 Class
As announced last edition our next locomotive project after the AD60 will be the NSWGR
38 class express passenger engine in both streamlined and non-streamlined versions.
Design staff at our manufacturer confirmed this week that the design drawings for the 38
class are nearing completion and we are starting to receive 3D images associated with
design matters that need consideration. Once the design process is complete and we
have checked and signed off on the drawings the tooling process will follow. Whilst the
tooling is being carried out we will have some decisions to make. Apart from the usual
decisions on what numbers to run we will have to decide which paint liveries to offer
both the streamlined and non-streamlined versions in. When it comes to the various
green liveries we will have to decide which is the correct shade of green to use. Expect
some pretty lively debates in this area when the time comes.
Manufacturer's rendering of non-streamlined 38 class model
The 38 Class Project Official Launch
Last edition we also announced that Eureka Models would be hiring 3801 for the day on
the 21st of August to re-enact the Newcastle Flyer. It was intended that this would
provide a fitting occasion to officially launch our 38 class project and in the process by
asking all participants on the day to donate $30 to 3801 Limited, raise the necessary
funds to pay for a currently being undertaken feasibility study into the provision of a
spare boiler for 3801.
Usually Eureka Models does not announce a project until the design process is
complete., which as mentioned above in the case of the 38 class, will not be for another
four to six weeks. However, it was decided in this instance to announce the 38 class
project early in order to allow about three months which was considered to be sufficient
time to fill the train for the Newcastle trip. As it turned out we need not have worried as
the train was booked out in five days.
To those who missed out my apologies, we were just overwhelmed by the
response. To those who will be joining us on the trip my thanks, I am sure that it will be
an enjoyable day and 3801 Limited is expected to benefit to the tune of around 15 to
20,000 dollars as a result.
Numbers and Paint Schemes
Final decisions on numbers and paint liveries for the 38 class are at least six months
away. However, we will be offering the following numbers: 3801, 3803, 3805, 3813, 3820,
3827 and 3830 as well as at least three other numbers. We are considering offering a
number of paint liveries including two shades of green to represent the “in service” shade
and a “preserved” shade of green. We haven’t had any discussions on what shade of
black to use yet but I half expect some argument on that score before too long.
Any petitions in favour of a particular number will be considered and we may print the
best arguments supporting particular numbers in a future newsletter. We will offer
reasons why we have chosen the above numbers at some stage although some numbers
are obvious choices.
The accompanying 3D images are generated as part of the design process. There will no
doubt be issues still to be resolved when we receive the full set of design drawings in the
next few weeks
Current Status of Our Projects
Eureka 620 set painted in original Tuscan running on Werris Creek Photo by Ian Dunn
620/720 2 Car Diesels
We now have completed sets of the 620/720s which
include all details and are in full running order. These units have now been extensively
tested having spent three days at the Epping Exhibition in service on “Gunning”. They
have proved to be excellent performers and are whisper quiet which will be good for
those who chose the sound option. Other test units have been painted in the five liveries
to be offered and have been returned to the manufacturer for the preparation of paint masks. The sound files are now complete and are in the hands of the manufacturer for
testing. I hope to be able to put these up on our web site shortly for everyone to check
out. The required pcbs for the rail motors are currently being manufactured and when all
these activities come together production of the units will be carried out. One delaying
factor has been the need to get the light housing shape correct. This has involved some
re-tooling and this is now being finalised. (Next issue we might show a little bit more
about just what is involved in such a process). We expect to have a firm production date
within two weeks but we suspect that September delivery date is now likely.
We have more or less decided on the numbers and colour schemes in which the 620s will
be available:
Scheme 1 Tuscan Red Early Period 1961 - c1965 621/721
Scheme 2 Tuscan Red Late Period 1965 - c1975 623/723
624/724
Scheme 3 Indian Red c1975 - c1982 622/722
Scheme 4 Reverse 1980 - c1985 625/725
Scheme 5 Candy 1982 - c1995 626/726
We are about to confirm production numbers with the manufacturer. All persons with
620/720 rail motors on order are invited to advise their final preferences for colour
scheme and number (where applicable) to be certain of receiving your livery of choice.
AD60 Garratt
The factory confirmed this week that they have test shots for some of the
cavities (sprues) for the AD60. They are waiting for a few more and will then send them
to us. They expect to do this within a week.
Announcement of additional numbers for the AD60 has been held over to the next
newsletter. There will be four numbers in addition to the four of the preserved engines
already announced
The factory confirmed this week that they have test shots for some of the
cavities (sprues) for the AD60. They are waiting for a few more and will then send them
to us. They expect to do this within a week.
Announcement of additional numbers for the AD60 has been held over to the next
newsletter. There will be four numbers in addition to the four of the preserved engines
already announced
A Note About Weathering
Weathering, particularly when associated with a heavy freight engine such as the AD60 is
very much an “in the eye of the beholder” affair. My mental image of a Garratt is one of
an all over rust brown engine. Others may think of a western engine with heavy white
salt stains. Whichever image you conjure up it will almost certainly be different from
mine. As a result any attempt to supply heavily weathered models will be unlikely to
please most modellers so our approach to weathering will be to apply a light dusting only
to give an impression that the locomotive or rail motor has been in service just long
enough to collect a coating of dust. Rail motors were washed regularly and would not
have become badly weathered in any case unlike the goods engines.
When we receive factory painted samples we will produce a weathered sample for the
factory and will put photos up on the web site.
Shanghai and the Model Concession Area
Whilst looking for the Bachmann offices in
Shanghai, a city not known for its English
language friendliness, myself and John Eassie,
the proprietor of Austrains were considerably
aided in our search by the accompanying street
sign.
The history of Shanghai involves what were
known as “concession areas”. Maybe the modern
incantation of this will be areas devoted to
particular activities such as model building in
this Case
ROLLING STOCK DEVELOPMENTS
For over twelve months now we here at Eureka have been searching for ways of bringing
to the Australian modeller quality rolling stock at an affordable price. The challenge has
been to over-come the small production runs that arise from the small size of the hobby
in this country. This search has led us to the doors of a new manufacturer located in
India. This manufacturer has a background in the production of museum models and is
seeking to expand into the RTR injection moulded plastic field. To test the capabilities of
this manufacturer Eureka has been working on the production of a NSWGR “D” wagon.
This is very much a test project which if successful could lead to the production of
further models. The Indian manufacturers have set themselves very high standards and
at this stage it has to said that they have come a long way with the latest production
samples exhibiting a very high level of detail and accuracy.
There are still issues to be resolved but the project is getting close to the point where a
decision on whether or not to proceed to commercial production is possible. The next
newsletter should contain further details.
Next Issue
The next edition is planned for an early August release.
Amongst other things it may or may not contain the following:
Numbers for the AD60
Test Shots for the AD60
More on sound.
More on the India Connection
Email Addresses
If you have receive a paper copy of this issue but would prefer to receive an email copy or
just read it on the web site please email Ron at: eureka.m@bigpond.net.auso that we
can put you on our email notification system. You'll get the latest Eureka Times faster
and we can use the money saved on printing and paper to produce more models!
Postage and delivery
We have finalized postage and delivery arrangements with Australia Post which will allow
us to offer postage, receipted delivery and insurance anywhere in Australia for a flat $10-
Pick-up facilities will be available.
More details when the delivery dates are nearer.
Feedback
We are getting plenty of feedback and comments mostly by email which we appreciate
very much. I try to answer all emails as quickly as possible but inevitable some replies
are delayed. My apologies for this but there are only so many hours in each day so hang
on and you will get an answer.
Ron Cunningham