The LCH/CCH and CHG Trainpaks

           This project is nearing completion. The final pilot model for the CHG has been approved and minor corrections to the LCH/CCH pilot models are currently being carried out after which they also will be ready for production.  Art-work is now finalised and the factory has advised us to expect delivery before September. In addition to a choice between ten packs of LCHs and CCHs, a mixed pack of five LCHs and five CCHs will be available. At least five sets of numbers will be available for a total of 50 different numbered vehicles.         

CHG vans will be available separately at a cost of $49.95 each plus $5 postage.

The C38

           We have been agonising over a major modification to the fire-box of the 38 for some time and recently we decided to bite the bullet and instructed the factory to carry out the modifications. This dilemma is one often encountered in a project as we are faced with the choice of making modifications which will result in a more accurate model but will add substantial additional costs to the project and  push back the delivery date by several months. In the end we here at Eureka inevitably go for accuracy and live with the delays and extra costs.  
           On this visit to the factory we spent considerable time with the head of the art-work department checking in particular the art-work for the CPH/CTHs and the 38s. Although she spoke no English this lady obviously knew her business and with the help of our project co-ordinator as a translator we were able to clarify even the smallest of details.
           All of these means that once the fire-box modification is complete production can be finished. Expected delivery is now October/November. 

The 40 Class

           The factory informed us this visit that we should expect to receive the first test shots for the 40 class in June. This caught us a little by surprise, as this project at this stage is proceeding on time. We have therefore initiated preparation of the art-work and are arranging for production of the sound files with QSI. If all these activities go according to plan we should see the 40s in late 2008 or early 2009.
           Those who have not yet ordered their 40s are reminded that the “early-bird” special price expires on the 30^th of June, 2008. Full payment is required by this date.

The R Class

           The R class has suffered from more than its fair share of hold-ups but after a major problem at the factory in 2007 tooling on the R class project is again under-way and we expect to see test shots  in October/November which always represents a major step in a project. To all those who have placed orders for the R class and are waiting patiently we again apologise for the slowness of the project.

The K class

           As previously stated the second locomotive in our VR collection will be the K class, it is intended to starting tooling no later than July this year to provide for a 4^th quarter 2009 delivery. It would be preferable if there was a break of around twelve months between the R and K class delivery dates but we do not wish to delay the K class any further and so we will be asking the factory to place the K in the next vacant slot in their tooling program. Order forms for the K will be included in the next issue of The Eureka Times. Work on the next two VR projects has commenced and we are currently examining several other VR rolling-stock projects. More details in the not too distant future.

The AD60

           Stocks of our AD60 are starting to get very low particularly sound equipped models due to a continued healthy local demand for the AD60 (Thanks folks). At the same time our overseas sales are expanding due to our growing number of overseas retail outlets and stocks are expected to be exhausted by October.
            Work on a second run has commenced and discussions with the factory indicate that a 2009 delivery date is likely. Unfortunately, this will almost certainly mean that for a period of time AD60s will be out of stock but this appears to be un-avoidable. More details of the re-run next issue.

The 620/720 2 Car Diesel.

           Stocks of this model are almost exhausted. We have sound equipped units in tuscan red only and a few non-sound weathered units left. We also have a small number of un-numbered units in both non-sound and sound equipped models which we are letting go at $325 for the non-sound units and $425 for the sound equipped units.
           Work on a re-run has started and this will involve up-dating the model to allow production of the modernized variation. Candy and City Rail Grey (as below) are the only liveries likely to be produced and the early schemes of the first run will probably not be run ever again. Delivery will be sometime in 2009. 

 
                                                                                                   Photo: Trent Nicholson