3265!

OK, here it is! The decoration sample of 3265 - photos taken at the factory. The loco is now winging its way to Phil Badger for checking, but initial reactions are positive. Except for the unpainted buffers - those are a mystery, again. Enjoy!

First Decoration Samples Received

We have received the first two decoration samples of the 32 class. These contained a number of issues, quite a few of which were caused by the shipping (as the final protective packaging is not yet available) and some which require assembly tweaks in the production run. For example, the rods are not blackened as this needs to be outsourced, and is only set up to be done to all 3200 pieces, not to just 4! We are also awaiting the delivery of the sample of 3265 later this month, delayed due to the postal service losing the paint sample sent in November.
Our Technical Director Phil Badger has gone over the samples, and sent back an extensive list of amendments and corrections, so please don't let us know of things you can see. The photos are, however, a good representation of the liveries, and the appearance of the two footplate variations of the locos at this stage in the manufacturing process.
Phil reports that the running is smooth and quiet, with slightly-better-than-prototypical load hauling capabilities. He would like to emphasise, however, that the locos have been designed for a minimum of 24" (600mm) radius curves. The factory has experienced some derailments of the front bogie on 18" radius curves due to the bogie contacting the brake shoes of the front driving wheel. Where purchasers are requiring the loco to traverse an 18" (450mm) radius curve, this can probably be achieved by either the removal of the brake shoes, or the substitution of scale 3' diameter wheels in the bogie.

Another Factory Photo

While we wait for the decoration samples to arrive, here's another of the factory photos. Nice crisp details from the tooling; and this clearly shows the detail of the tender top. We have eschewed a moulded coal load as we find them to be invariably unconvincing. This way the purchaser can model a large or small coal load, representing a loco at the start or end of a country trip, or lightly coaled during a suburban trip working.

The Painted 32s are coming

We have had notice from the factory that the first decoration samples are on their way. This will take a couple of days, but here's a taster, in the form of a photo taken by the factory.
Yes, we know the buffers aren't painted; that's why we go through this process!
Enjoy...

32 Class Decoration Samples on Their Way

32 Class Decoration Samples on Their Way

We have received news tonight that the 32 Class decoration samples have left the factory in mainland China for the company offices in Hong Kong. They should arrive there on Monday night or Tuesday morning, and will immediately be sent on to us using the EMS courier service.

So, all being well, we will have them before Christmas, as promised. We'll post photos ASAP then, remembering that Christmas will interrupt that; as much as we love them, our families come before trains!

Lindsay.

32 Class Update

It's been some time since I posted an update on our HO scale 32 Class, but lots has been happening behind the scenes. Frustratingly, mostly what's been happening has been a series of hold-ups in the process!

The factory has had us in a production schedule which has been seriously affected by delays to projects which were ahead of us in the schedule. Some of these share components like axles, motors and metal castings, and we have been stalled waiting for those issues to resolve. Eventually, we got fed up with waiting, and have negotiated a reshuffle of the schedule to move the C32 up the list. Our factory are GREAT guys to work with.

The factory is now in the process of building the final running samples in each of the designated liveries and tender combinations. However, random things can still spike the guns; for example, e have just discovered that the sample of the maroon paint which Phil Badger sent to Hong Kong after the Liverpool exhibition has still not arrived! So it is being re-sent this week, by a different carrier (obviously). This, of course, has held up the production of the sample of 3265. <Sigh> There are so many ways for loco projects to be affected by things outside our control.

Nevertheless, the factory has promised we'll have the decoration samples before Christmas - now only 38 days away. As soon as we have them, we'll post the photos here and on the Facebook page. Assuming the locos are right, and we approve them quickly, we are then at the mercy of Chinese New Year, when factories close and there is a high staff turnover. Having already failed to meet two hoped-for delivery times (Liverpool, and Christmas) I am loath to make another prediction. However, with the factory on our side, I can say "early in the New Year" with confidence. Thank you all for your patience, especially those of you who have pre-paid, and hoped to have their locos as Christmas gifts. You have our sincere apologies. Please know we are doing everything we can to have your loco/s here as soon as is humanly possible.

Lindsay O'Reilly, Chris Klein and Phil Badger,

Ixion Model Railways Australia Pty Ltd.

Exhibition Report

Back home after 2 days at the AMRA Sydney Model Railway Exhibition. First order of business was to get feedback on the colour to be applied to our models of 3265. The consensus from representatives of the Rail Transport Museum, eminent historians and modellers was that the actual colour of the loco - Claret - should be the one used. (See photo). The stand was shared with Phil Badger's Gopher Models. Thanks go to Phil, Jamie, Leon and Steve for making me so welcome.
Thanks too, to everyone who called in to check progress on the 32, check out the Hudswell Clarke and just generally chat. It was nice to meet you all!
The decoration samples of the C32 are now being produced, and we should have these (and photos of them for you) in about a month. Once we are happy, and sign off on these, then the production run can start.