Tweaking a Cv40-9i NR class from Austrains rebuild to a GWU proposal

Hi All

Given that GWA have received their UGL built GWU class locomotives.  See the link below of the first delivery run.  This creates another modelling possibility.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDgy3mnCZ28

I have long been working on rebuilding an Austrains NR class, the original model is a great starting point and captures the look of the prototype quite nicely.  An article on the class including scale drawing was published  in the Australian Model Railway Magazine in the April 2000 issue, worth a look.

However the model when originally released, had some down sides.  These include molded on air hoses, large gap around the coupler, non working ditch lights.  These features thankfully these have been fixed in the second run of the NR class.

What remains is the frame is just too wide.  Now this rebuild is not for the faint hearted.  But below I have outlined some changes that you might like to make to your NR class.

 From the left to right is the original production, middle is my modified version, right is the second production run.

 One of the simplest changes which will enhance you model is drilling and filing out the steps on the cow catcher, these can be compared in the photo above.  Check the prototype pictures below and the see through look is obvious.

 NR23 at Spencer Junction in 2004

NR103 in one of the first versions of PN livery at Goobang Junction NSW in 2004

 The bogies seem to have way too much slop, possibly to get around the tighter of curves, and easy fix is to fit styrene shims, as shown above.

 cut out the radiator for see through grilles

 The more serious modifications is getting the frame to the correct narrow width, this will allow the side detail to be 100% instead of 50% relief.  this also means that the B end steps and walkway is full width.  However this means that the body lugs will no longer fit and as such new screw blocks will have to be built into the body.  See the three photos above.

 Another modification feature is the A end bogie is positioned too far forward, the NR class has a very distinctive cab over look.  the photos below show the pre and post modification changes.  NR108 is not modified, NR82 is modified.

Anyway these models have languished unfinished, purely because of my lack of enthusiasm for the prototype.  However, as I discussed with Glen the GWA GWU class, look like being rostered on the Darwin run, and Glen has spied two AQQY's with in-line refueling containers fitted, which will enable the class to run on the line without fuel limitations.
Thus these NR class models are perfect candiates for conversion into GWU class locomotives.
Glen has already done the detail shots, so I will standby.  But building a GWU is more interesting to me than an NR.  So watch this space.

With ultra modern Alice Springs I could operate, GWA, GWU, ALF, CLF, CLP, GM FQ (now seem to be asigned to other duties) and FQ class.  Then the occasional ring in, in the form of NR & AN class on the Ghan.  VL and EL lease jobs, and 700 class that deputising for a broken FJ.

If you look at AN in 1993, some things seem to change but others still stay the same.  With EL DL AN GM CLF CLP AL BL, 830 and 600 class.  Thus the only classes that don't turn up to Alice Springs anymore are the BL DL, 830 and 600 class.

Anyway I am off to finish off the last boards for Alice Springs...

And hope that you look at some tweaks to your NR class fleet.

Enjoy

Scott

old newsreel production of the Tea and Sugar back in CR days

Hi All

Here is an old newsreel production of the Tea and Sugar, interesting stuff, check out the bloke who, doesn't say anything but thinks he,s been ripped off on his payslip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vAh-p0-cPA&feature=related

At least I now know the Tea and Sugar to be called the 543 mixed back then.

Enjoy

Scott

Lance Mindheim states his case for modelling ultra modern

Hi All

Model Railroad Hobbyist, is an internet magazine, and one of the issues has an article from Lance Mindheim's in which he states his case for modelling ultra modern.  Very interesting reading.

http://issuu.com/mr-hobbyist/docs/mrh-2010-may-jun-ol?viewMode=presentation&mode=embed

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/

I have modified the blog slightly, and included popular posts for all time, monthly and weekly.

Thanks

Scott

Alice Springs the layout

Hi All

Below is the result of recent work on Alice Springs, three boards have been completed, kits have been made up for the final three, so its getting closer to reality.

The south east yard board, this board will house the turntable.

 Two new boards the closest to the camera is the "gap" board.

 With a final redesign this is a double sided board, upside down.  One side will have a long bridge, the other side is the fiddle yard.

The centre section has been designed to have the double sided back drop, slotted in gap in the middle of the board.

Thanks

Scott

50 trains in 15 minutes in South Australia ultra modern

Hi All

Here is an interesting link, 50 train videos in 15 minutes, covers slightly north to, I think Redhill, and south to Murray Bridge.  Includes QRN, Freightlink, with DA service ALF VL roster, that sure to increase their reliability stats.  Southern Spirit, IP, Overland and Ghan operations.
GWI Grain ops, SCT and PN.  Of wagon interest is a RRXY second shelf loaded with 53ft Patricks containers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFJ2bfjRYGU

Enjoy the show.

Scott

Alice Springs the layout is another step closer

Hi All

Below is some shots of Alice Springs yard's major sections up and in place in the Train Room.  each board is 5ft 10 inches long.  The track and equipment have been placed in situ just to see how everything will fit, thankfully lots of pre planning have made this relatively easy, and everything seems to fit juuuust right!

 Looking west down the yard, the end loading is where the flats are positioned.

 The 600 class is where the two engine shed road, and engine shed will be.

 The roads to the left are the original arrival and departure roads.

 An overview of the yard, with the industrial area to the right, the gap in between is the walk in access.  To the left and at the back is Barcoola in storage condition.

 The end loading roads and the two intermodal roads continue under the gantry crane.

 Another overview of the yard.

 The intermodal roads, the heljin crane will get a bit of a work out with all that intermodal traffic.

 West end of the yard looking east, the ABFX;s are positioned in the location of the goods shed, looks like I have slightly more room for the shed instead of 3 ft I have 4ft.

Enjoy

Scott

Alice Springs Progress

Hi All

Just a quick note regarding Alice Springs, I have managed to complete construction of the four boards which will make the main part of Alice Springs yard.  So now comes the interesting part, setting all the feature of the yard out and getting everything to fit, confirm the size of the buildings etc.

Standby for some pictures.

Thanks

Scott