Tags: announcements | suburban-cars

October News

Thanks to everyone who filled in the EOI for Sydney Suburban sets.

Following your input we are pleased to announce the following:

• In about six months' time we will release the revised Standard motor cars and the Tulloch double-deck trailers.
• Later in 2011 we will release the Mk 1 S-series cars
• It is our intention following that to release a new set of suburban electrics every six months.

Tags: 48-class | announcements | kits | MB-wagon | MBC-wagon | MRC-wagon | nsw-loco | nswgr | rtr | suburban-cars

September news

48 Class running sample

Here is a Youtube video of the running sample of our forthcoming 48 class model.

Couplers will be fitted today and it will be load tested at the Newcastle Exhibition this weekend!

The model has twin flywheels and weighs a little bit more than a LifeLike SW9.

Points to note about this video:

• It is a preproduction sample with some minor gearbox problems to be address (that's why we do preproduction samples!).
• Not all external detail is present on this model because it is a model to test running operations.

Sydney Suburban Cars

Who hasn't wanted to have at least a 4-car set of Sydney iconic single-deck suburban trains? And if your layout doesn't have room for such a thing, why not put together a set for your T-Track modules?

We have previously run the suburban cars as brass kits (as seen on the Central Station layout by Ross Balderson). But we are now assessing the interest in running these in a new medium as well as a completely new run of Tulloch double-deck suburban trailers.

To express your interest, please fill out this form.

4 November 2010 update: We have now suspended submissions for the EOI for suburban cars. Thanks for all your responses. See our October update for the results!

NSWGR MRC, MB and MBC Kits

Work is progressing on the kits for these covered wagons (ie 'boxcars'), with the masters completed and ready for test casting.

Tags: 48-class | announcements | gopher-models | rtr

The following is from Issue 5 of the "N Scale Modeller" web magazine, available from N Scale Modellers Australia. Used with permission.

Phil Badger has received pre-production samples of a ready to run Alco DL-531, better known as the NSW 48 class and SAR 830 class. They will be released under the brand “Gopher Models” to separate ready to run models from Phil’s “BadgerBits” range of kits. The highly detailed injection moulded bodies sit on a custom split frame mechanism. The locos will come with Rapido couplers but the coupler pockets are designed to fit Micro Trains 1015 couplers. For those running DCC, there is space inside the long hood for a TCS Z2 decoder which will need to be soldered onto pad contacts on the circuit board. The model will also feature directional lights and illuminated number boards.

All four types will be available - the Mk I (4801-4845), Mk II (4846-4885), Mk III (4886-48125) and Mk IV (48126-48165). A prototype description will be included on the box with details of the type. The initial run of factory painted models will be 670 units in Tuscan, 400 in Candy, 100 in Red Terror and  500 in FreightRail blue spread across all four versions. A limited run of Reverse Livery will be available, just 15 units each of the Mk I and Mk III. Each loco will come with a decal sheet of numbers.

150 units of the Mk II and 50 each of the Mk I/III/IV will be available undecorated with a choice of decals. The range of decals is not yet finalised, but is anticipated to include Silverton Rail, SAR mustard pot, AN green, 125th Anniversary green and Bicentennial. Subject to demand, decals may be produced for the orange/silver Railcorp infrastructure locos. The availability of decals for other liveries will depend on permission from the prototype
operators.

The SAR/AN 830 class was mechanically a Mk I but had the same body panels as the Mk II, therefore an undecorated Mk II should be used as the basis for an 830. The modeller will need to modify the handrails prior to repainting. Painted samples are expected to be at the Sydney model
railway exhibition in October with a commercial release in November. Extra detail parts added to the prototype later in life, such as air conditioning units, will be available soon after.

The expected price is $240 each, with a discount of $20 per loco for a four pack. It will be possible to mix and match types and liveries in a four pack. They will be available direct from Gopher Models or through hobby shops.