Calling All Rail Historians: 32 Class Mk 2 Drawing

The images are from the Mark 2 version of the HO scale 32 Class, just received from from the factory.

We are at the stage where we are inviting feedback from modellers knowledgeable about the prototype low-frame 32 Class. These drawings are primarily based on the surviving low-frame 32, 3265. Some alternative parts may be seen in the drawings, e.g. safety valves. 

Please look closely at these images. If you can see any issues, please email us at info@ixionmodels.com clearly stating the issue/s you have identified, and we will check them against drawings and photographs. For example, We are already checking the shape of the rear coupling rod, which photos indicate was slightly 'oval', not the parallel-sided shape shown here. 

Clicking on the images will open a new large higher-resolution, wide-screen image in your browser.

Ixion is keen to not only produce the most accurate model possible - allowing for some unavoidable mass-production compromises - but also to tap into the collective knowledge of the railway enthusiast and modelling community. Please feel free to pass on this Blog link to anyone whom you believe may have expertise which could benefit this project.

First 32 Class drawings

Ixion has received the first draft of the 3D CAD drawings HO scale NSWGR C32 Class locomotive. 

These have been examined by our Technical Director Phil Badger. Over 50 required corrections have been noted (yes, including the incorrect flangeless centre driver, buffer beam, etc) and the drawings have been returned to the factory for adjustments.

Whilst these drawings are only an early first version, they do give evidence of the progress thus far. Enjoy!

Ixion Feature Article in 2015 BRM Annual

British Railway Modelling magazine has interviewed Ixion's UK Director Chris Klein for the 2015 BRM Annual. The whole issue is an excellent read, and you can get an insight into our company, and its history and plans. Buy a copy today!

This the cover you're looking for, and the contents page:

And this is your happy scribe with the magazine article, airmailed from the UK. We're on page 76!

New Hudswell Clarkes Arrive!

The new run of 7mm scale Hudswell Clarkes in Forest Green livery have arrived in the UK, and are on their way to shops that have pre-ordered them. They look wonderful - the factory has excelled themselves with the fit and finish. They also display the magnificent slow, smooth running of the originals. The loco also includes a brand-new fret of additional loco names, numbers and appropriate works plates for the cab side. 

Ixion's UK Director Chris Klein has taken this fantastic set of photos for you to enjoy. 
Please note - the coloured backgrounds to the fitted brass plates were applied by Chris to make them easier to see in the photo. Ordinary modeller's enamel paint is applied to the plates on the fret and, when dry, the fret is turned over and rubbed on fine emery paper to remove the paint on the raised lettering. You can see the fine abrasions on the bare brass; it works brilliantly.

The 20 locos slated for Australia are on a ship and will be arriving soon. Make sure you tell your local stockist that you want one put aside for you!

Could this be the perfect Christmas gift?..

New Hudswell Clarke livery sample

These photos show the latest Ixion decoration sample, just received from the factory. 
The painted parts are the main components of our 7mm scale Hudswell Clarke locomotive: cab, saddle tank, coal bunker and footplate. The parts are just loosely arranged together, and photographed outdoors on a beautiful NSW spring day. We have called this livery "Forest Green", and you can see that it follows the pattern of lining used on the maroon loco, replacing the original yellow with red. You can compare it with my Photoshopped mock-up in the post below, modified from a photo of the maroon HC. Not bad, if I do say so myself! The buffer beam colour looks pinkish in these photos, but is the correct 'signal red' in real life.

We think this is a most attractive livery, and we have approved these colours for manufacture. Production is now under way, and we expect that the finished models will be available for sale in both the UK and Australia before Christmas. The loco will be accompanied by a brand new etched brass fret, featuring all-new names, numbers and oval builder's plates. Also included, of course, will be our famous injection moulded steam loco tools, featuring the bucket with the working handle!

And just for fun, here is a miniature version of yours truly contemplating this delightful new Ixion model. The figure is created by using a 3D scanner to capture the likeness - thanks to the students in my Year 11 Digital Imaging class - which is then printed on a 3D printer. In this case, for you technically-minded folks, in standard resolution on an UP Plus 2 3D printer in white ABS plastic. The print's rough surface hasn't yet been cleaned up, but the likeness is remarkable. The wonders of technology!

32 Class tender - more information

We've had a flood of expressions of interest in the 32 Class - thanks, everyone. 
One correspondent asked "Were they really fitted with ex-50 Class tenders?" This was my wording in the original post, and is in error. The answer, as provided by James McInerney, noted modeller and Production Manager of the Australian Model Railway Magazine, is as follows:

Point of order on the blog post. The tenders fitted to the 32 Class aren’t “ex-50 Class standard goods bogie tender”. The correct name is “standard 3650 gallon bogie tender”. The 3650 gallon tenders were designed for, and built new, with the 32 class and were also later delivered with the 50 class (and some of the 53 class) and were later widespread throughout all the Standard Goods classes as tenders were moved around to suit operation requirements (modified, surplus 3650 gallon tenders were also fitted to the 27, some 30T and at least one 12 class locomotive).

Thanks, James! 

New Ixion NSWGR HO Loco Revealed - The low-frame 32 Class

The Directors of Ixion Model Railways are pleased to announce that their next model will be the New South Wales Government Railways 32 Class 4-6-0 tender locomotive in HO (1:87) scale. This model will represent the class in it's original low-frame (P Class) configuration. This variation has only previously been available ready-to-run in limited-run hand-built unpainted brass, and that was in the last century!

These locomotives were the universal workhorses of the NSWGR, working suburban, mainline and branchline passenger, goods and mixed trains. One low-frame member of the class has been preserved - 3265, pictured below in its preserved maroon livery.

The engines displayed many variations in their lifetime. The model will be paired with an ex-50 Class standard goods bogie tender. Whilst the computer-generated 3D drawings are still being finalised, we have asked the factory to look at the options of including both saturated and superheated versions, with both angled and curved running plates. Liveries are likely to include lined green, service black and the preserved maroon. More information will be available as we receive it from our factory. Delivery is expected sometime in the third or fourth quarter of 2015.

Your feedback would be welcomed. Email us at info@ixionmodels.com .

Phil Badger, Chris Klein and Lindsay O'Reilly

Directors,

Ixion Model Railways Ltd.

www.ixionmodels.com