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I hope that the last three editions have been both interesting and informative. The end of the Design Phase THE 620/720s As mentioned last edition, the full drawings for the 620/720 rail motors have arrived, been checked and returned to the manufacturer for modification. These modifications have been finalized and the drawings have been signed off. To the surprise of us all here at Eureka
Models the first full set of drawings for the AD60 arrived just after the
last edition went up on the web site. The checking process started
immediately and about a half a dozen minor modifications were sent back
to the manufacturer. The level of detail in the drawings is quite
breath-taking with even the smallest item being fully dimensioned and detailed.
Extracts from a couple of the more than 50 drawings are attached.
The minimum radius has been confirmed at
18”. Directional lighting will be fitted with the problem of the front
headlight being solved by mounting the light source in the tender and feeding
it to the headlight via fibre optic cable.
Sound THE AD60 Just prior to the Liverpool exhibition the details of the sound option for the Garratt were finalised with the QSI Corporation in the US. QSI is the main supplier of sound systems in the US and is known for its work with the Broadway Limited Import group who supply a range of QSI sound equipped locomotives for the US market. QSI will be supplying the sound system for the AD60 with the chips being factory installed in China. The QSI system allows for the operation of sound in both conventional DC and DCC mode. The chip senses what current is present on the track and responds accordingly. The sound in the chip will be genuine Garratt sound burned into the chip including the distinct Garratt whistle which of course will be separately controllable. We are currently preparing the sound files to be forwarded to the sound chip manufacturer in the US. There has been a lot of interest and questions on how the sound works and how it is controlled particularly under conventional control. We are preparing a feature on this which should appear in the next issue. We may have another announcement to go with the feature. Thanks to all those modellers who have shared their experiences with QSI sound in BLI locomotives. It is much appreciated. As indicated elsewhere sound for the Garratt will be available as an optional extra at a cost of $90 and as previously advised because of the long lead time in the production of the sound chips we have already had to order the number of chips we require. This in effect means that the number of sound equipped Garratts will be limited to the number of sound chips that have already been ordered. These will be allocated on a strict first come first served basis.
The 620/720s As previously announced the 620/720s will
come at least sound ready but we are still hopeful of being able to provide
factory fitted sound as an optional extra.
Numbers Provision is being made for at least two
different set numbers in each of the colour schemes of the rail motors.
The only decision so far on numbers is that 628/728 will be one of the
sets done in Tuscan Red. The Garratt will have at least two model
numbers in addition to the four already announced. We intend to conduct
a poll early next year amongst all those who have ordered models to determine
what is the most favoured numbers. The most popular numbers in each
category will be the ones that we do. If you have any preferences
on numbers please let us know remembering that the model that we are producing
suits sets 620/720 to 627/727. We will be producing a limited number
of un-numbered locomotives and rail motors if there is demand for these
items.
Crew for the AD60 Rail Corp is not the only organization looking
for train crew at the moment. Our AD60 will come with driver and fireman
and the manufacturer has asked for a suitable model which I think we have
located. We will need to paint it appropriately and so if anyone
out there has a photo of your average driver or fireman of the 1960s that
we might copy we would like to see it.
The Cutting of Metal Tooling on both models has commenced.
This places the 620/720 on schedule and the AD60 slightly ahead.
We are currently waiting for advice from the manufacturer on when we can
expect to see test shots of both models. We should have this information
for the next edition.
“As far as the future is
concerned..........
Syd Grange Olympic
Federation President
as quoted in the 1981 Tautology Championship – Alex Buzo announce our 2006 program, what ever it is, around March 2005. Postage and delivery There will be a small charge for postage,
receipted delivery and insurance if required. We expect this to be
about $10 posted to anywhere in Australia but will advise when the weight
of each model is known. Pick-up facilities will be available.
More details when the delivery date is nearer.
Next Issue
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 EUREKA
MODELS
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