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In the last edition we announced that the
non-sound equipped 620/720s had just arrived in Port Botany. Well,
as we write this edition the sound equipped units are on the wharf and
should clear Australian customs by the 24th of March.
The 620/720s: As with the non-sound units we have received some sound equipped units by air and we have been running these at exhibitions (Berkeley, Forestville, Box Hill and Springwood) whilst waiting for the rest of the production run to arrive. I will leave judgement on the quality of the sound to someone a little less biased than myself but in respect of the non-sound equipped units I am most pleased with the response to date and wish to thank all those who have sent in their comments and congratulations. The following two messages are representative of the dozens that we have received. “………and congratulate you on a wonderful product.
I have run it extensively in the last two days and it performs superbly.
The model is finished to a high level of detail and was definitely worth
the long wait.” (McC Family)
Distribution: We expect to commence distribution in the week beginning the 2nd of April and expect to complete the process over about two weeks. Those who wish to pick their models up should contact us sometime after the 1st of April to make suitable arrangements. The mailing out of the models will be done in the order that the original orders were received commencing with those who have informed us of their preferred colour scheme and have paid the standard $10 for Receipted Delivery if delivery is to be by post. Receipted Delivery means that in most areas the models will have to be picked up and signed for at the local post office. Delivery of the non-sound equipped models is now virtually complete although we are still holding a number of orders so if you have not yet received your non-sound model please contact us as there may be a problem holding up delivery. Sound:
A number of sound equipped 620/720s are now in service and with the sophistication
of the QSI chip that provides the sound and DCC control functions, the
full power and range of functions of the chip will only be discovered as
users put it through its paces. One thing that has already been realized
for instance is that the functions of the chip will react differently from
one DCC system to the next.
THE AD60: The AD60 has now been signed off and we are waiting for the factory to advise us of the production date. The numbers that we will be producing are as follows: 6038 light, that is the locomotive number will be the numerals 6038 only. 6040 heavy, that is the locomotive number will have the double crosses after the number. 6026, 6028, 6030, 6032, 6034, 6035, 6037, 6039, 6041, 6042 heavy and with dual control, that is the letters DC will precede the locomotive number and the double crosses will follow the number. A small number of un-numbered locomotives
will be available in un-weathered black.
Weathering:
As is the general policy of Eureka Models the weathering applied to the
AD60 by the factory will be a light “dusting” only designed to remove the
“blackness” of the basic plastic of the model. However, for those who have
been following the “rust” controversy which accompanied the magnificent
photos of the final pilot model, as weathered by Ian Dunn, the accompanying
photo might be of interest...
THE 38 Class: Tooling is under-way and we expect delivery in late 2006. In the next issue of this newsletter
there will be a full outline of proposed liveries and locomotive numbers
for the 38s. At this stage we intend producing numbers 3801 (green
and black), 3803(green), 3805 (black), 3813 (green
with black smoke-box), 3820, 3827, and 3830. There will also
be three other non-streamlined locomotive numbers which are yet to be determined.
THE VR R Class: Drawings are now complete and tooling will commence shortly. 3D images of the coal and oil burning versions indicate that this will be a fine looking locomotive.
On the subject of numbers the Victorian Railways
used cast iron number boards and we intend re-producing etched number boards
to attach to each locomotive. We will probably produce ten models with
the numbers attached and it would be a simple matter to etch a full set
of numbers and supply them with un-numbered models so that a purchaser
can apply what ever number they wish to their own model. We are looking
at adopting a similar approach with name boards and the like whereby we
supply a full set of etched boards with the model which can then be individualised
by the modeller. We will discuss which name boards, etc that
we might do in a future newsletter to generate some feedback.
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 inevitably 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.
Email Addresses If you 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.au
so
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 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-
Ron Cunningham EUREKA
MODELS
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