Glen and I managed to meet up on the weekend and went over the Auscision model together, and came up with more addtions!
Hi All
Its been a long time coming, and the ubiquitous AN 63ft flat wagon is finally here.
Traveling the length and breadth of this country, just about any interstate train had at least a gaggle of these flats.
Still to this day its the same, such is their versatility!
Auscision have produced RMX AQMX AQSY RQKY RQMF RQMY RCJY QQJY and PQFYs
The model comes in a four pack, in the now familiar blue box.
The spindly look of the RMX, has been replicated well by Auscision, As the model has no centre frame fish belly, which is the most obvious location for adding weight, Auscision decided to cast the whole wagon in metal. This has resulted in a great weight for operation. Which also means we can run these wagons loaded and empty, a great step forward guys! well done!
There is a slight difference between the version of RMX wagons, the sill openings are a bit of a give a way.
The model:
One of the stake locations seems to be out, Glens model is the bottom in the image.
The bolsters on the model angle into the frame, and the tie downs are against the frame, where as they should be up against the side sill.
Here is the prototype bolster and sill.
Four stake locators are of low relief on the model.
On the prototype they should be way more prominent.
The openings are again early on the model.
Compare with the openings on a AQNY
The RMX is the first version of the wagon, built for the Commonwealth Railways. The bright orange bogies are per prototype. The maroon livery looks good.
Also available as an AQMX.
the lettering detail is quite spectacular.
For the obsessive here is the brake gear!
The AN versions are AQMX and AQSY, they have not modeled the AQNY, which I found to be the most frequent on the westliner - eastliner and 347 - 166 goods. Also the model lacks the red square on the bogies and frame.
Given the number of different version of the wagon. Auscision seem to have settled on one version and then everything else are repaints. From my point of view this is just fine, as they used the AN version for the basis.
When the wagons were transferred to the NRC in 1994, NRC embarked on a program of adding additional handrails.
Thus the model version of all the ultra modern wagons lack this detail.
The RCJY
Check out the tiny PN placards!
In the back of the box are these additional hoses and twist locks.
RCJY image:
1.
RCJY image
2:
RQKY
From Chris's Wagon freak blog, check out the links
QQJY
In the
ultra modern era there are as many reiterations as there are wagons.
However
there is a definitive trend for the wagons that have been repainted, which looks like the basis of the Auscision model.
From the look of it, the model
has seems to be missing the following:
Wagon code
and number on the top of the wagon.
Twist lock
holders (two per side).
115Km/h
lettering, (one per side)
White pad Standoff
twist locks pads (I assume these were painted white as a visual aid).
QQJY model.
QQJY image
1.
QQJY image 2. Shows a pair of twist lock holders and the 115Km/H.
The model has an even amount of QR placards however they are not consistent across the fleet, check out this half repaint with to QR placards together.
An example of the white stand offs.
QQJY image 3. The model has an even amount of QR placards however they are not consistent across the fleet, check out this half repaint with to QR placards together.
QQJY image 4. An example of the white stand offs.
SCT also has a number of these wagons and this include PQFY and PQTY for timber traffic.
Auscision only produced the PQFY.
For Timber Traffic SCT modified these wagons to PQTY, would make a great little project.
Conclusion.
Auscision have produced a very needed modern wagon. The cast weight is a great step forward.
the detail is good for an AN version, so I am really happy.
Down sides are limited to the couplers, just replace them!
They didnt make the AQNY.
This model will satisfy CR and AN modelers alike and ultra modern.
enjoy Scott