More Test Shot Photos

Here are three extra photos of the first test shots from the C32 tooling. Hopefully, they show the level of detail already evident in the moulds for the footplate and the superstructure of the loco. The tender is looking especially convincing.

Click on the photos to see a bigger version.

First C32 photos!

Ixion is delighted to be able to post these pictures, received from the factory just last night, of the very first test shots from the 32 Class tooling.  

All being well, we hope to have a first EP (Engineering Prototype) for checking within the next fortnight. And the answer to the oft-asked question is "Yes"; our factory does deliver on time and on schedule. We know that other Australian models have been promised, in some cases for years, before delivery, but we hope that will never be the experience of Ixion customers. And so far, so good.

3265 Photos, courtesy of David Potter

As soon as I published the last post, I knew I should have added more pictures! 

As I said there, 32 Class sales are exciting and encouraging. In fact, our first sale came within minutes of the "Buy It Now" buttons going live on Sunday March 22, and I'm pleased to record that Ixion 32 Class Customer Number 1 was David Potter of Sydney, and his choice was the model of 3265 as preserved - the only low-frame 32 to have survived the scrapper's torch. Over a period of years, David recorded the revival of this classic loco. He sent us some of his photos, which chronicle just how painstakingly and lovingly it has been restored. 

All these photos are © David Potter, and are published online here with his permission. 

Enjoy!

Back in steam; 3265 in grey primer, during restoration. ©David Potter

Out in the sunshine! 3265 in grey primer, during restoration. ©David Potter

Inside the cab of 3265. Note the typical NSWGR green colour, starting half-way up the cab sides. ©David Potter

3265 in all her glory, after restoration. ©David Potter

©David Potter

The complex and elegant NSWR monogram applied to the sandboxes. ©David Potter

First Fortnight Brings Brisk Sales

First fortnight brings brisk sales...
Headline writing is hard! I have always admired those sub-editors at newspapers who can come up with classic corny headlines at a moment's notice, under the weight of the pressure of the waiting presses. This is my attempt, going after alliteration as the motif. I doubt I should give up my day job!

What I wanted to say is that sales of the 32 Class are off and running, and we are thrilled by the number of modellers who are prepared to trust our reputation, and invest sight unseen in our first HO loco. Interestingly, sales are covering all version of the loco available - the red edge ones are proving popular, as are the six-wheel tender version, which has never - to my knowledge - been commercially available RTR before. I've only seen bogie-tendered locos in the original brass low-framers.

Unsurprisingly, however, it has been the model of the beautifully preserved, lined maroon 3265 which has attracted the most attention. So, if you want one, don't delay. It seems certain that this loco will be the first to sell out.

3265 fresh out of the restoration paint shops. Photo ©David Potter