At $770.00 as pre-delivery price, I would say that the model was waiting on a surf rescue team to bail it out.  At the price that Wombat are asking for their model, its not likely the Austrains model would or could stay afloat.

I would like to have a 30T but not paying over $700.00 for one.

Thanks for your reply a6et, but I did not ask if people would buy one, I was wanting to know if there was any advice (rumor mongering) whether the Austrains 30T project was still a going concern....or  not

Regards,

Catchpoint

Apologies,  I had a friend say to me after the Rosehill exh, that when the wombat model was revealed, the owner of Austrains said he would can his.

Thing will be if JE responds publicly or just drop it.  I had a close look at one of the Wombat models, and the fact that it is confirmed by them that its a model developed by Shrike and that was easy to see, I had a very good go over at Liverpool a couple of years back at the models (last show that the owner of Shrike was involved) and without doubt it was a very impressive model, my only criticism was the funnel design.

Hello Wombat followers.

The latest news from our intrepid supplier is that another 700 models are about to arrive.  Should be available in early July.

From this information it appears the batch is for only 1,000 locos.

What is/are the details of these other 7 models?

The first 300 are effectively all sold.

Methinks it is time to get batch number 2 underway.

Happy waddling,

John

I should have looked a bit further down the Farcebook page.

Saturated -

• 3038
• 3082
• Un-numbered Red Lined

Superheated (Drumhead Smokebox) -

• 3008 Red Lined
• 3016
• 3063 Red Lined
• Un-numbered Red Lined

Yes, a total of 7, as expected.

Happy deliberating,

John

Thing will be if JE responds publicly or just drop it.  I had a close look at one of the Wombat models, and the fact that it is confirmed by them that its a model developed by Shrike and that was easy to see, I had a very good go over at Liverpool a couple of years back at the models (last show that the owner of Shrike was involved) and without doubt it was a very impressive model, my only criticism was the funnel design.

I do hear there is a 3D printed Funnel available  if people dislike the supplied one........

Regards,
David Head

At $770.00 as pre-delivery price, I would say that the model was waiting on a surf rescue team to bail it out.  At the price that Wombat are asking for their model, its not likely the Austrains model would or could stay afloat.

I would like to have a 30T but not paying over $700.00 for one.

Thanks for your reply a6et, but I did not ask if people would buy one, I was wanting to know if there was any advice (rumor mongering) whether the Austrains 30T project was still a going concern....or  not

Regards,

Catchpoint

Catchpoint, speaking to JE from Austrains at the exhibition, I had the impression that they have known for a little while about the SHRIKE/IXION/WOMBAT 30T release and that he would wait and see what the pre-orders are like, if sufficient he will carry on with the production of the 30T, as one of the silly buggers who fell fro the SHRIKE pre-pay I'll be looking at getting a WOMBAT bogie version 30T when they release it, though I don't like the idea that it will cost me near on $550 (and maybe a bit more) all up as against $350 for those those who did not support the previous business, guess I'll be thinking very carefully about who I do any future Pre-Pays with. I'd like another 30T (& probably well worth it @ the $350 price) but I want to see what it hauls like before I decide.

Cheers Alex.

Thanks for your reply a6et, but I did not ask if people would buy one, I was wanting to know if there was any advice (rumor mongering) whether the Austrains 30T project was still a going concern....or  not

Regards,

Catchpoint

Catchpoint, speaking to JE from Austrains at the exhibition, I had the impression that they have known for a little while about the SHRIKE/IXION/WOMBAT 30T release and that he would wait and see what the pre-orders are like, if sufficient he will carry on with the production of the 30T, as one of the silly buggers who fell fro the SHRIKE pre-pay I'll be looking at getting a WOMBAT bogie version 30T when they release it, though I don't like the idea that it will cost me near on $550 (and maybe a bit more) all up as against $350 for those those who did not support the previous business, guess I'll be thinking very carefully about who I do any future Pre-Pays with. I'd like another 30T (& probably well worth it @ the $350 price) but I want to see what it hauls like before I decide.

Cheers Alex.

Thanks for this advice Alex,

based on the previous FB advice from "Wombat" - " All of these current 6 wheel tenders including the ones currently on the ship will be at $350. If the sales continue as well as they have gone so far the bogie tender version is more then likely to happen. This will probably be a slightly higher price due to having to change the tooling for the tender differences"

I suppose it is unknown as to how many of the remaining 700 'now-on-the-water' 6 wheeled tender versions Wombat has to sell in order to consider the Tender version more than likely to happen....., I recall "back then" there was some arrangement for Shrike to use the Ixion 32 tender tooling (willing to stand corrected)

Regards,

Catchpoint

[img]https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1834/42080579675_0980fceeb3_b.jpg[/img]
https://flic.kr/p/277vYht

Not in my area of knowledge.
But this image  ( above) of 3009 is one of the best presented locos I have ever seen.

It looks like a loco in service to me and with a light dusting and a few oil and liquid streaks would be popular on any layout.

So many other locos look like plastic locos, so my vote is for 3009

If my tax cheque comes in fast enough I will get one. It will undergo trials on exchange with the SAR.

The SAR equivalent the RX had a load of less than 200 tons over the hills.
What sort of loads were these locos rated at on heavily graded lines.

I went on a tour with double RX hauling 12 carriages, but at other times they were restricted to 3 carriages ( 27ton each ) plus a brake through the hills.

Well done Wombat. A great start to your production.

Still no wheel guards at the front pony truck.

Piston rods on superheated versions?

Built to a price...?

Regards

Catchpoint

Thanks for your reply a6et, but I did not ask if people would buy one, I was wanting to know if there was any advice (rumor mongering) whether the Austrains 30T project was still a going concern....or  not

Regards,

Catchpoint

Catchpoint, speaking to JE from Austrains at the exhibition, I had the impression that they have known for a little while about the SHRIKE/IXION/WOMBAT 30T release and that he would wait and see what the pre-orders are like, if sufficient he will carry on with the production of the 30T, as one of the silly buggers who fell fro the SHRIKE pre-pay I'll be looking at getting a WOMBAT bogie version 30T when they release it, though I don't like the idea that it will cost me near on $550 (and maybe a bit more) all up as against $350 for those those who did not support the previous business, guess I'll be thinking very carefully about who I do any future Pre-Pays with. I'd like another 30T (& probably well worth it @ the $350 price) but I want to see what it hauls like before I decide.

Cheers Alex.

Thanks for this advice Alex,

based on the previous FB advice from "Wombat" - " All of these current 6 wheel tenders including the ones currently on the ship will be at $350. If the sales continue as well as they have gone so far the bogie tender version is more then likely to happen. This will probably be a slightly higher price due to having to change the tooling for the tender differences"

I suppose it is unknown as to how many of the remaining 700 'now-on-the-water' 6 wheeled tender versions Wombat has to sell in order to consider the Tender version more than likely to happen....., I recall "back then" there was some arrangement for Shrike to use the Ixion 32 tender tooling (willing to stand corrected)

Regards,

Catchpoint

Hi catchpoint,
The Shrike/Ixion connection always planned to use each others tenders. I am told that the engineering is in place. This is not to say changes might not be made. All things being equal, the bogie tenders should be compatible. the costs offset by being used by both  importers (same anyway?)
Don't talk them into price rises (please)
Cheers
Rod

Thanks for your reply a6et, but I did not ask if people would buy one, I was wanting to know if there was any advice (rumor mongering) whether the Austrains 30T project was still a going concern....or  not

Regards,

Catchpoint

Catchpoint, speaking to JE from Austrains at the exhibition, I had the impression that they have known for a little while about the SHRIKE/IXION/WOMBAT 30T release and that he would wait and see what the pre-orders are like, if sufficient he will carry on with the production of the 30T, as one of the silly buggers who fell fro the SHRIKE pre-pay I'll be looking at getting a WOMBAT bogie version 30T when they release it, though I don't like the idea that it will cost me near on $550 (and maybe a bit more) all up as against $350 for those those who did not support the previous business, guess I'll be thinking very carefully about who I do any future Pre-Pays with. I'd like another 30T (& probably well worth it @ the $350 price) but I want to see what it hauls like before I decide.

Cheers Alex.

Thanks for this advice Alex,

based on the previous FB advice from "Wombat" - " All of these current 6 wheel tenders including the ones currently on the ship will be at $350. If the sales continue as well as they have gone so far the bogie tender version is more then likely to happen. This will probably be a slightly higher price due to having to change the tooling for the tender differences"

I suppose it is unknown as to how many of the remaining 700 'now-on-the-water' 6 wheeled tender versions Wombat has to sell in order to consider the Tender version more than likely to happen....., I recall "back then" there was some arrangement for Shrike to use the Ixion 32 tender tooling (willing to stand corrected)

Regards,

Catchpoint

Hi catchpoint,
The Shrike/Ixion connection always planned to use each others tenders. I am told that the engineering is in place. This is not to say changes might not be made. All things being equal, the bogie tenders should be compatible. the costs offset by being used by both  importers (same anyway?)
Don't talk them into price rises (please)
Cheers
Rod

Need for a good set of sharp cutters for the superheated versions to be rid of the superheated piston rods

When these models were on the Shrike list, there was to be slide bar covers fitted to them as well.

I was a bit concerned when I saw the above posted photo's, as to the distinct drop between the tender's running board and the loco's running board one needs to ensure that if they want a different number, not all had that separation with the 6 wheel P class tender, as quite a few were level with each of the running boards.

Not in my area of knowledge.
But this image  ( above) of 3009 is one of the best presented locos I have ever seen.

It looks like a loco in service to me and with a light dusting and a few oil and liquid streaks would be popular on any layout.

So many other locos look like plastic locos, so my vote is for 3009

If my tax cheque comes in fast enough I will get one. It will undergo trials on exchange with the SAR.

The SAR equivalent the RX had a load of less than 200 tons over the hills.
What sort of loads were these locos rated at on heavily graded lines.

I went on a tour with double RX hauling 12 carriages, but at other times they were restricted to 3 carriages ( 27ton each ) plus a brake through the hills.

Well done Wombat. A great start to your production.

Do yourself a favour and take a look at the model of the GNR Stirling Single No.1 produced by Rapido Trains for Locomotion Models and the National Railway Museum in the UK. Simply stunning composite die-cast metal/plastic model and with a one piece chimney. To call it stunning doesn't do it justice.

Still no wheel guards at the front pony truck.

Piston rods on superheated versions?

Built to a price...?

Well news in latest AMRM - the Austrains 30T is now cancelled. I suppose we all get what the market determines now, lesser or incorrect detail....

I wont repeat it here, but Austrains details their reasoning in full within their usual inside front cover advert and there is also a mention of it in the "news" columns.

Regards,

Catchpoint

Out of the loco's currently available, which one would be the most modern amongst the group?

A smart arsed reply (based on logic Mr Spock) …..

3082 would be the most modern as it was the last of the Wombat numbers to be built.  Nominally 3001 was first and 3145 was last (at least according to the 1924 numbering convention).

Happy numbering,

John

Hello All,

re Alex's comment on a higher payment being required.

According to p45, AMRM August 2018 quote "... in a very generous gesture, Wombat Models have offered a very substantial discount to persons with documentary proof of having paid for a Shrike Model ..."

I hope that is of assistance to Alex, and others in Alex's position.

Re the missing wheel guards from the front truck , I am sure a half competent modeller can use brass fret scrap to make up said wheel guards. If the result is a bit wonky , so were the prototype ! ( Steam Era Models will sell you a bag of etched fret offcuts if you ask nicely. )

Yes , a model costing $350- probably should have the wheel guard , but in reality I think that is a minor point for a RTR Australian prototype steam locomotive, which Austrains claims is less than half the price they would need to cover their costs and get a modest return.

I have no knowledge of the financing costs of RTR models , and I am not intending on starting a debate about this , but as modellers we should be aware that Australian prototype modellers probably number around 10,000 maximum globally , and 10,000 are NOT going to buy this particular model, notwithstanding its quality and price. This is not a reflection on the 10,000 , it is just the reality that some of us will not purchase this particular model . This argument probably applies to most Australian RTR . As some other correspondent has stated in the Model Railways Forum , we are a very small market , and that means a higher unit price to cover costs.

( I acknowledge that Wombat Models have indicated a run of 1,000 only , this would imply that  Wombat Models is acutely aware of what the potential market is; and 1,000 units is a very small run RTR wise. )

My main interest is British Railways, though I do have some HO VR , and I personally think that the Australian RTR is quite good and I think the price is, in most cases , reasonable for a product that most of us probably could not build to that standard. Count your blessings and enjoy it while it lasts , and I sincerely hope it lasts for quite a while.

Regards, Radioman

Hello All,

re Alex's comment on a higher payment being required.

According to p45, AMRM August 2018 quote "... in a very generous gesture, Wombat Models have offered a very substantial discount to persons with documentary proof of having paid for a Shrike Model ..."

I hope that is of assistance to Alex, and others in Alex's position.

Re the missing wheel guards from the front truck , I am sure a half competent modeller can use brass fret scrap to make up said wheel guards. If the result is a bit wonky , so were the prototype ! ( Steam Era Models will sell you a bag of etched fret offcuts if you ask nicely. )

Yes , a model costing $350- probably should have the wheel guard , but in reality I think that is a minor point for a RTR Australian prototype steam locomotive, which Austrains claims is less than half the price they would need to cover their costs and get a modest return.

I have no knowledge of the financing costs of RTR models , and I am not intending on starting a debate about this , but as modellers we should be aware that Australian prototype modellers probably number around 10,000 maximum globally , and 10,000 are NOT going to buy this particular model, notwithstanding its quality and price. This is not a reflection on the 10,000 , it is just the reality that some of us will not purchase this particular model . This argument probably applies to most Australian RTR . As some other correspondent has stated in the Model Railways Forum , we are a very small market , and that means a higher unit price to cover costs.

( I acknowledge that Wombat Models have indicated a run of 1,000 only , this would imply that  Wombat Models is acutely aware of what the potential market is; and 1,000 units is a very small run RTR wise. )

My main interest is British Railways, though I do have some HO VR , and I personally think that the Australian RTR is quite good and I think the price is, in most cases , reasonable for a product that most of us probably could not build to that standard. Count your blessings and enjoy it while it lasts , and I sincerely hope it lasts for quite a while.

Regards, Radioman

The $350 RTR NSW Steam Locomotive is a once off. It is the result of a very specific set of (unfortunate) circumstances where the tooling was already in existence and the manufacturer (Wombat) has only had to pay the actual production costs and hence been able to offer a very affordable product and ensure the quick (and no doubt complete) sale of the 1000 units produced.

Enjoy it while it lasts (or "lasted" depending on when you read this)

Paul

Not in my area of knowledge.
But this image  ( above) of 3009 is one of the best presented locos I have ever seen.

It looks like a loco in service to me and with a light dusting and a few oil and liquid streaks would be popular on any layout.

So many other locos look like plastic locos, so my vote is for 3009

If my tax cheque comes in fast enough I will get one. It will undergo trials on exchange with the SAR.

The SAR equivalent the RX had a load of less than 200 tons over the hills.
**What sort of loads were these locos rated at on heavily graded lines. **

I went on a tour with double RX hauling 12 carriages, but at other times they were restricted to 3 carriages ( 27ton each ) plus a brake through the hills.

Well done Wombat. A great start to your production.

A 30 class has the following loads on a 1 in 40 grade.

C-30 Saturated (C-30 Tank and C-30T): 190 tons.

C-30 Superheated (C-30TS): 190 tons.

Cowan Bank load is 175 tons for both, perhaps due to short steeper sections on that grade.

There are other sections where 160 tons is the specified load for both types.

Not in my area of knowledge.
But this image  ( above) of 3009 is one of the best presented locos I have ever seen.

It looks like a loco in service to me and with a light dusting and a few oil and liquid streaks would be popular on any layout.

So many other locos look like plastic locos, so my vote is for 3009

If my tax cheque comes in fast enough I will get one. It will undergo trials on exchange with the SAR.

The SAR equivalent the RX had a load of less than 200 tons over the hills.
**What sort of loads were these locos rated at on heavily graded lines. **

I went on a tour with double RX hauling 12 carriages, but at other times they were restricted to 3 carriages ( 27ton each ) plus a brake through the hills.

Well done Wombat. A great start to your production.

A 30 class has the following loads on a 1 in 40 grade.

C-30 Saturated (C-30 Tank and C-30T): 190 tons.

C-30 Superheated (C-30TS): 190 tons.

Cowan Bank load is 175 tons for both, perhaps due to short steeper sections on that grade.

There are other sections where 160 tons is the specified load for both types.

Much depended on which grade and location the grade was on, along with momentum aspects, and tonnage signals.

Another consideration was the length of the train that was applied to loads.

The 175tons for cowan would more than likely be on a passenger train, which were freer rolling than goods vehicles.

I was at the exhibition today and must say that I got a very pleasant surprise at the discount offered for those caught up in the Shrike saga.

Many thanks to Wombat Models for helping those who lost out with the original C30T orders through Shrike Models.

Happy C30Ting,

John

on a different issue.
does the model run on 18 inch curves, and pass through number 6 points without derailing.
even at $350 if it doesn't do that it is no use to me.

Finally got my 30T.

I'd like to thank Wombat for rescuing this mess.

Good points: certainly looks the part. Very quiet and smooth running.

Changes: Went over all the engine's axle ends with a black Sharpie to remove the very obvious bright metal finish and make them blend in with the wheel spokes. Added a coal load. Will get around to weathering it properly later.

Niggles: The leading driver's boss that holds the coupling rod on was jamming with the connecting rod occasionally. Had to slightly bend the connecting rod outward to get clearance. All good now, but the boss should be thinner.

The DCC plug makes for a lot of wires and a fairly stiff connection between engine and tender. I'm worried that they will work-harden with flexing and become still stiffer with age. We'll see. Also surprised the plug is white, another item calling for the black pen treatment.

Can only just manage three TAMs up a 1 in 30. If I cared, I would add a bit more weight. Temporarily doing this allowed four carriages with ease. But it's fine for my flat minimum space fiddleyard-to-terminus layout, with a max train length of eight S trucks!

Finally got my 30T.

I'd like to thank Wombat for rescuing this mess.

Good points: certainly looks the part. Very quiet and smooth running.

Changes: Went over all the engine's axle ends with a black Sharpie to remove the very obvious bright metal finish and make them blend in with the wheel spokes. Added a coal load. Will get around to weathering it properly later.

Niggles: The leading driver's boss that holds the coupling rod on was jamming with the connecting rod occasionally. Had to slightly bend the connecting rod outward to get clearance. All good now, but the boss should be thinner.

The DCC plug makes for a lot of wires and a fairly stiff connection between engine and tender. I'm worried that they will work-harden with flexing and become still stiffer with age. We'll see. Also surprised the plug is white, another item calling for the black pen treatment.

Can only just manage three TAMs up a 1 in 30. If I cared, I would add a bit more weight. Temporarily doing this allowed four carriages with ease. But it's fine for my flat minimum space fiddleyard-to-terminus layout, with a max train length of eight S trucks!

Has anyone taken the tender apart to fit a DCC chip. Instructions say to press on the sides to release 3 clips each side, but that doesn't seem to have the desired effect. Any hints or clues.

The model certainly looks nice, and a great price. Hope they do well.

Thanks, Les.

reports from facebook gave the following advice to open the tender:
"There are 6 tabs along the tender sides, 3 each side. Hold the tender from the top and gently prise the tender body off. Don't use screwdriver or hobby knife." & "  I twisted the underframe and body slightly and that seemed to do it".

"we are now sold out of 3016 and the remaining numbers and Undecorated versions are starting to get quite low." - via https://www.facebook.com/Wombat-Models-230276970894062/