1. A recently received pre-production sample of the forthcoming
re-run of the TrainOrama VR-S Class HO scale diesel electric
has been successfully examined and signed-off upon.
The model, which will be available in both VR Blue & Gold and
V/Line Grey & Orange liveries has been found to meet all
expectations and thought to be most pleasing.
Besides the up-grade of the model to now having directional
working marker lights, factory installed is a 21 pin plug to enable
use of a wider range of decoders for DCC operation and the
installation of sound if required. Notwithstanding, all models
will operate under normal DC pick-up.
The factory advised delivery date is late May, 2017.
2. The re-run of the GM-12 Class is also well in hand, including an
Initial run of loco GM-1 'as delivered'.
Road colours to be available for both loco classes will be
Commonwealth Railways 'Maroon & Silver' livery with two new
running numbers in 'AN Green & Gold'. Two GM-12 Class,
nos 22 & 27 will also be available in the earlier SSR 'Black &
Yellow' distinctive scheme.
Both GM-1 and GM-12 models will feature directional working
marker lights, with a factory installed 21 pin plug to allow for the
installation of a wider choice of decoder for DCC operation and
sound. All models will be capable of ordinary DC operation.
The factory advised delivery date is mid July, 2017.
To be noted is that a number of China factories, including
contractors working for TrainOrama are now running 'shim'
with minimum staffing, because of the fall-off in world-wide
customer ordering caused by the current economic conditions.
Notwithstanding, it is hoped that the delivery dates as advised
will be met.
3. Work on re-tooling the NSWR 44 and SAR 930 Class diesel
electric HO scale model re-run has commenced.
The up-dating of these models will include directional working
marker lights front and rear, a new under chassis and larger
can motor, a 21 pin plug for DCC operation pre-installed, with
new cab running numbers and a choice of liveries yet to be
advised. The factory advised delivery date is late October,
2017, if not a week or two earlier if possible.
4. Announced is the coming production run of the 'spaced' VR and
V/Line "Twin Marker Light" Version S-Class diesel electric HO
Scale model. Tooling of this version of the S-Class is currently in
hand, with a number of yet to be confirmed interesting liveries
to be available, including one in Freight Australia green.
Pre-production samples are expected around early November,
2017.
5. As previously announced, work has now commenced on the
production of the much admired clerestory roofed NSWGR
"Pullman Cars", the project being well in hand.
Also, through popular demand, an updated re-run of the AM
Sleeping car, together with the BJ and FJ first and second class
vintage seating cars is also in hand. These cars will feature
numerous improvements, including under-floor detail, metal end
verandah handrails, brake hoses, RP-25/100 metal spoked wheels
and metal buffers. All will come fitted with Kadee 148 wing spring
auto couplers.
An exact factory delivery date is not yet available at this time.
But will be advised in a near coming issue of AMRM.