442's are here http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/442%20Class%20Locomotive.htm

assembled Tait & 44 samples pics now on facebook, will be available to view at Sandown exhibition this weekend.

Picked up a V/Line X32 from the bargain bin at Sandown.  
Seemed to be all X and L class locos and U vans.  

Only thing wrong with the X was a slightly warped walkway which just needed a bit of pressure to click back into place.


The Taits and 44 stand out in the cabinet in their aqua colours.

Here's hoping Auscision does the 2nd and 3rd series X based on their successful 1st series with all the modern expectations we now have.

If they do, I suspect there's going to be a requirement for an extra large bin/repository at someone's 2nd hand stall for all the trade ins.

That's obviously subjective to the buying power of the market where some trade up buying newer versions, and the trickle down of older models flows to those trying to enter the hobby or expand their interest etc. Much like cars I suppose, but I'm awaiting newer 2nd 3rd series Xs hopefully sooner rather than later.

Regards

Generic DCC question, what would be the approximate cost of the components required to convert a late model 21 pin Auscision loco from DC to DCC sound?

I'm getting the impression that the $100 factory offer may be the more economical option

Generic DCC question, what would be the approximate cost of the components required to convert a late model 21 pin Auscision loco from DC to DCC sound?

I'm getting the impression that the $100 factory offer may be the more economical option

DCCSound is showing a Loksound 4.0 8 pin decoder for $175.  
I'd imagine the 21 pin is about the same (it's showing as out of stock right now)

The Auscision deal isn't bad at all.
If you needed to pay someone to put a decoder in for you, then it's probably cheaper than standard DCC.

Thank you, I see Aus Modeller list a 21pin Loksound Select sound decoder for $152 (also sold out)

I'd guess a speaker would add about $20 then time to fit/cost of labour on top

If this is a fair comparison the factory option appears to be a better deal

Although - I bought a few 442's both with/without factory sound. If I am to believe what I read in another thread, the Vandersound speakers may require replacement due to their inability to output an acceptable level of bass. This would be disappointing as I believe Auscision delayed release to incorporate this updated hardware

Thank you, I see Aus Modeller list a 21pin Loksound Select sound decoder for $152 (also sold out)

I'd guess a speaker would add about $20 then time to fit/cost of labour on top

If this is a fair comparison the factory option appears to be a better deal

Although - I bought a few 442's both with/without factory sound. If I am to believe what I read in another thread, the Vandersound speakers may require replacement due to their inability to output an acceptable level of bass. This would be disappointing as I believe Auscision delayed release to incorporate this updated hardware

It is generally around 3/4's the price of having factory installed sound in DCC models, speakers make a huge difference to the quality of the sounds, the other aspect also is some sounds are usually totally wrong for the specific model, or affected badly by the speakers and their quality.

The prime difference that I see with all sound decoders these days is in the areas of what is correct sounds, and for diesels that is primarily the air horn, if modelling in specific era's & to that point not modern era & pre 90's most have had changes and fitted with new air horns, and/or the trumpets changed in their tuning.

Looks like RUB cars are coming in May. Preorder ends 30th April with many sets just about sold out. Also 80 class painted samples released with delivery later in the year. Looking forward to my RUB carriages.
https://m.facebook.com/auscisionmodels/?__tn__=C-R

http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/DEB%20Set%20Railcar.htm

I also noticed via the above posts link, the Auscision release on April 6th of the NSW BDX wagon.
It has a remarkable resemblance to the Victorian ELX and derivatives. However from a quick search I've not yet found if they're the same size wagon.

I only ask, as on initial glance the resemblance has me wondering whether any potential similarities from a tooling view point might mean Auscision may look at also release the ELX and variants similarly to that of the BDX??

Figured I'd suggest this, as Austrains ELX,s are fairly rare to come by nowadays.

Regards

I also noticed via the above posts link, the Auscision release on April 6th of the NSW BDX wagon.
It has a remarkable resemblance to the Victorian ELX and derivatives. However from a quick search I've not yet found if they're the same size wagon.

I only ask, as on initial glance the resemblance has me wondering whether any potential similarities from a tooling view point might mean Auscision may look at also release the ELX and variants similarly to that of the BDX??

Figured I'd suggest this, as Austrains ELX,s are fairly rare to come by nowadays.

Regards

Your last line is great for any other manufacturer, always a opportunity to produce the same item to fill a void. but it is timing and still a element of luck if the "hard" to get item suddenly is rerun.

The same goes if someone has the same item in development, they can see what is sold and then bring out theirs once th eother item has mainly sold out.

Just more compitition in progress.

Regards,
David Head

http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/DEB%20Set%20Railcar.htm

well well well. Auscision announce a model Eureka Model are doing. I think most will cancel their orders with one to get the other.  Or will that occur ?

I could wonder alot but as always wish both models all the best.

David

http://www.auscisionmodels.com.au/DEB%20Set%20Railcar.htm

well well well. Auscision announce a model Eureka Model are doing. I think most will cancel their orders with one to get the other.  Or will that occur ?

I could wonder alot but as always wish both models all the best.

David

This is not surprising David as they started in a canoe and small rod & reel, with pawns as bait. Progressed over the years to runabouts and now ready to ensnare all around them for the corporate conglobation of the only Model Railway dealer of Oz model manufacturing.

…………………… snipped

well well well. Auscision announce a model Eureka Model are doing. I think most will cancel their orders with one to get the other.  Or will that occur ?

I could wonder alot but as always wish both models all the best.

David

This is not surprising David as they started in a canoe and small rod & reel, with pawns as bait. Progressed over the years to runabouts and now ready to ensnare all around them for the corporate conglobation of the only Model Railway dealer of Oz model manufacturing.

Yes, they are now running a couple of deep sea trawlers with a dragnet between them.

Next step?  A whaler to take in all and sundry.  

The sharks are circling.  Time for the small minnows to get out of the water.

Happy swimming,

John

One has to look at it another just because someone has said we are going to do it but has not yet actually gone and made the damn thing, then if someone else comes along and does it in the meantime that is fair enough. As in Britain all the main stuff has been done RTR and they are running short of models that have not already been made and so both Hornby and Bachmann the two main players have some models that are doubled up. In Australia the situation is some what similar, but on a smaller scale both prototype and model range. So as I said before if someone announces a model and it has not yet been made then good luck to whoever can get the model made and sold first.

Numerous models of late have doubled up and I have not seen any manufacturer/distributor yet go broke overnight over it. Squabble about it yes, some have done that but that is to be expected though.

It is simply a case of the quick or the dead really.

Just as an example I have a few locomotives that are what you would call doubled up, I have 2 SCT classes for starters one from each manufacturer, there are a few others as well. We have to get away from there being only one manufacturer of Australian models RTR like Lima in the past, it was not the likes of Australian distributors / manufacturers putting them out of business, but the fact that the parent Lima company simply went broke because they did not have the capital to upgrade any of the models in the end. They left their upgrade too late in the scheme of things and at that stage Lima models were looking more like toys every day.

In Britian 3 manufacturers have produced the exact same steam locomotive, and none have them have gone broke over it.  Competion like this can also bring prices down, if Joe Blow is the only manufacturer of the loco or whatever you want he can charge what he likes to sell them, but if a competitor makes the same loco and offers it at a lower price then a rethink about pricing needs to be done by the first manufacturer. You are not going to get $29.95 locos anymore though, but a saving is a saving that can be used to put toward another loco or whatever.

I will buy whatever I want from who ever makes it, and if at a cheaper price well that is a God send as well.

I also noticed via the above posts link, the Auscision release on April 6th of the NSW BDX wagon.
It has a remarkable resemblance to the Victorian ELX and derivatives. However from a quick search I've not yet found if they're the same size wagon.

I only ask, as on initial glance the resemblance has me wondering whether any potential similarities from a tooling view point might mean Auscision may look at also release the ELX and variants similarly to that of the BDX??

Figured I'd suggest this, as Austrains ELX,s are fairly rare to come by nowadays.

Regards

ELX-type wagons are the former V/Line versions; the biggest visual difference being the ends of the wagons:


RKCX wagon - former Victorian ELX

NSW BDX Wagon

There are probably other differences including length etc. but others more informed can add to it.

Cheers

I also noticed via the above posts link, the Auscision release on April 6th of the NSW BDX wagon.
It has a remarkable resemblance to the Victorian ELX and derivatives. However from a quick search I've not yet found if they're the same size wagon.

I only ask, as on initial glance the resemblance has me wondering whether any potential similarities from a tooling view point might mean Auscision may look at also release the ELX and variants similarly to that of the BDX??

Figured I'd suggest this, as Austrains ELX,s are fairly rare to come by nowadays.

Regards

ELX-type wagons are the former V/Line versions; the biggest visual difference being the ends of the wagons:

RKCX wagon - former Victorian ELX

NSW BDX Wagon

There are probably other differences including length etc. but others more informed can add to it.

Cheers

The side sills are also a bit different on ELX's when compared to BDX's.

As for ELX's though, doing them would allow for a large variety of other models to be made based off the same tooling, a lot like the BDY/NODY's. Stuff like RKLX's, VQOF, VKOX, VOHX, ZEBX etc. Add to that the SAR ELX's (and SGX/AOCX's with different ends) and there's a tonne of potential models that can be done with the one basic floor tooling.

I also noticed via the above posts link, the Auscision release on April 6th of the NSW BDX wagon.
It has a remarkable resemblance to the Victorian ELX and derivatives. However from a quick search I've not yet found if they're the same size wagon.

I only ask, as on initial glance the resemblance has me wondering whether any potential similarities from a tooling view point might mean Auscision may look at also release the ELX and variants similarly to that of the BDX??

Figured I'd suggest this, as Austrains ELX,s are fairly rare to come by nowadays.

Regards

While the BDX is the same length as an ELX, every other detail is different.

The ELX started life as a lengthened flat sided open wagon (40 feet to 45 feet) and later versions had corrugated sides but retained the flat ends.

The BDX was developed from the BD which was 35 feet long with a central single door but which had corrugated sides and ends. The BD frame was deeper under the door, and this was carried over to the BDX where the deeper frame extends under both doors and between the doors.

The shape of the stiffening side pillars is different and the height of the sides of the BDX is less than that of the ELX

There were a number of SAR SGX wagons that were very similar to ELX wagons but these had corrugated ends like the BDX. They were the same height as ELX wagons.

Peter

I also noticed via the above posts link, the Auscision release on April 6th of the NSW BDX wagon.
It has a remarkable resemblance to the Victorian ELX and derivatives. However from a quick search I've not yet found if they're the same size wagon.

I only ask, as on initial glance the resemblance has me wondering whether any potential similarities from a tooling view point might mean Auscision may look at also release the ELX and variants similarly to that of the BDX??

Figured I'd suggest this, as Austrains ELX,s are fairly rare to come by nowadays.

Regards

the BDX and later members of ELX family bear some resemblance however beyond the potential to use the same bogies there is next to nothing interchangeable between the tooling of such wagons in model form. The wagons are different lengths,  and the sides, while at first glace appearing similar, have very obvious differences in fixed sections and door locations.

AustrainsNeo (aka SDS) now own the rights to the old Austrains ELX tooling and will no doubt revamp it before releasing a new run of wagons at some stage.

I also noticed via the above posts link, the Auscision release on April 6th of the NSW BDX wagon.
It has a remarkable resemblance to the Victorian ELX and derivatives. However from a quick search I've not yet found if they're the same size wagon.

I only ask, as on initial glance the resemblance has me wondering whether any potential similarities from a tooling view point might mean Auscision may look at also release the ELX and variants similarly to that of the BDX??

Figured I'd suggest this, as Austrains ELX,s are fairly rare to come by nowadays.

Regards

the BDX and later members of ELX family bear some resemblance however beyond the potential to use the same bogies there is next to nothing interchangeable between the tooling of such wagons in model form. The wagons are different lengths,  and the sides, while at first glace appearing similar, have very obvious differences in fixed sections and door locations.

AustrainsNeo (aka SDS) now own the rights to the old Austrains ELX tooling and will no doubt revamp it before releasing a new run of wagons at some stage.

Indian Pacific, Ghan and Southern Spirit painted samples are up on the AM Facebook page.

Would there be any merit in purchasing a late model DCC/Sound equipped loco with the intent of cannibalising the decoder (and possibly speakers) for another loco?

Effectively this equates to acquiring a Loksound V5 decoder for $100 (and time to remove/install/reprogram)

Any thoughts?

Would there be any merit in purchasing a late model DCC/Sound equipped loco with the intent of cannibalising the decoder (and possibly speakers) for another loco?

Effectively this equates to acquiring a Loksound V5 decoder for $100 (and time to remove/install/reprogram)

Any thoughts?

I asked that question of a model train importer. They said they would not cover under warranty in case of a sizzled decoder. Then you have to flog off the old model... too much hassle man. Just buy a Tsunami,,, cheaper.

Would there be any merit in purchasing a late model DCC/Sound equipped loco with the intent of cannibalising the decoder (and possibly speakers) for another loco?

Effectively this equates to acquiring a Loksound V5 decoder for $100 (and time to remove/install/reprogram)

Any thoughts?

I'm not sure I get what your point is? You also have to understand what the decoder is...

The Loksound that I know that are pre-installed, are the Select Range, as opposed to the fully editable V5 (or older V4 etc). Now, don't get me wrong, the Select are an excellent decoder.

So whilst the Australian users are generally ~$100 pre installed, which is awesome value I might add, it comes with ~$300 of loco. WHY????? would you pull the decoder out of it, to put into something else, when you can buy a Select for about ~$150 as a separate item??? By the way, this would almost certainly turn your $300 loco into a $200 loco at the same time...

I'm sorry, this isn't making sense to me....