R Class News

       Tooling from the first run of Eureka Models' R class was picked up from storage and was  transferred to our other manufacturer's factory in March, 2026. This manufacturer is currently nearing completion of our 38 class re-run production and with delivery expected at the end of April, this factory has been agitating to get started on the R class project to provide continuity of work in what is pretty much the same type of project for production staff. 
     The first step in the re-run process is to test the tooling to prove it's integrity is still sound. This is done by undertaking a series of low pressure injection tests which also serves the dual purpose of checking that all molds are in fact present. This testing is done at another location as the injection molding process is sub-contracted out by this manufacturer. 
      Such testing in the past with re-runs of other projects has never seen the failure of any molds so this is not expected to be a problem however, before the process even started it was clear that several molds were missing. This is not unusual and the missing molds are of very minor parts and replacing the missing molds will not be difficult or time consuming but of course, will add to the budget.  
       Whilst this testing is taking place some planned variations will be under-taken. Tooling is being planned to allow for production of a West Coast Railway variation in two liveries together with some minor changes to allow the production of R 766 as preserved in NSW  and as seen regularly on "The Picnic Train".
 

3D of oil burning R class. 

       It is intended that this news page in all "coming soon" projects will be used to provide a running commentary on the re-run process as they progress.