Not sure I completely agree Allan.

There were a (very small) number of S still running in the early 60s (heck, even a Q at Murray Bridge IIRC!).

The other loco that might be of Interest would be the 2nd F given the limited brass kit run ( and that you really had to buy another chassis kit).

With MDS "soon" to release their 500 resin body and the 520 mechanism thereafter (once Nigel stops stuffing around with that 720 chassis the next most popular I'd imagine would be a 620 (although RTR 7xx or 520s would likely find a market). The 600s are probably a little too specialized although I'd buy one. So you start getting to things like the 2nd F and S.

On the DE side there are plenty of 830 options and decent 930s to be had. The 700DE has been done and is getting a little too new as you said. Perhaps a decent 900? The 500DE market is a little saturated although not with top notch offerings. 350s? Can't see huge interest in 800s.

Anything else I'm not thinking of?

So, subliminal message time : 620!

I have for years been fairly impressed with the Webb era heavy power, & seeing photo's of the 720 it strikes a bit of a chord with me, as do some other loco's as well.

I know of some U.S modellers who also feel a bit the same way with them & a couple have said the 720 & some of the others would not go astray on their layouts, I guess they could find a niche type market in that scenario, also if they were produced in RTR form, likely also depending on the price, they would sell ok also.  The thing is that many modellers also do not necessarily just stick to a specific era as much as before, so perhaps some SAR modellers may be inclined to extend the years a bit in order to incorporate these types of models.

I'd be inclined to agree a6et. Somehow I have a 720 and 700DE running and will hopefully have a 500B being shunted by a 500DE because I like those locos

Allan - it's a gentle joke with Nigel. If he's going to do the 720 chassis by all means do it right. My question is why do it now when a) a whole lot of people have already built their RRM 720s on RTR chassis and b) it's holding up the 520 chassis which I'm actually interested in (and I'm projecting that everyone else's interests are pretty much aligned with mine  ).

Other SAR options that I guess I'd forgotten about would be the railcars. Starting with maybe the Bluebirds and the the Brill 75s?

Shrike models web site up and running

http://www.shrikemodels.com.au/home

Shrike models web site up and running

http://www.shrikemodels.com.au/home

Thanks for the heads up

I've just had a look at the website and have already placed my orders.

Can't wait to see some production shots

Is the 30T going to be done in superheated and saturated versions?

Is the 30T going to be done in superheated and saturated versions?

Based on the numbers shown on the list for both bogie & 6wheel tender types, the answer is yes as both types are shown based on the engine numbers listed.

I have written to Geoff suggesting a slight change to the way the models are listed & shown, also to show the different smokebox style for the superheated versions.

Hopefully once the samples arrive a better idea will come, but after all the web page has just been put up, so some time in getting the gremlins & bugs out will be taken as time goes on.

$460 for a 30T yes please!

What also would be useful is some more information on the construction of the models themselves. Given Trainorama's experience with their 32 Class and their switch to a metal boiler in order to add weight to the model, does the 30T have a metal or plastic boiler? What measures have been taken to add weight to the model? Certainly very interested in a 30T (or two) but not before some more information and sample models appear.

Tony

I notice that they are offering "un-numbered" models.

Seems like a positive step forward that many people have been wanting as an option from the various importers for some time.
(I know that On Track did this with the 82 class)

Question will be.... as to how they go about it, do they provide numbers and decals or does the purchaser have to make good?

Either way a positive step forward, I look forward to a sample and answers to the questions above regarding boiler and weight etc.

Regards,

Catchpoint

I notice that they are offering "un-numbered" models.

Seems like a positive step forward that many people have been wanting as an option from the various importers for some time.
(I know that On Track did this with the 82 class)

Question will be.... as to how they go about it, do they provide numbers and decals or does the purchaser have to make good?

Either way a positive step forward, I look forward to a sample and answers to the questions above regarding boiler and weight etc.

Regards,

Catchpoint

I agree, & am getting an undecorated version, the hardest part I have found is trying to source decent buff coloured decals for the tenders, rather than the garish yellow that we get these days, which then makes it hard to match the numbers on the models owing to them usually being tamper printed.

I know Eureka supplied a set of brass numbers for the cab sides with the garratt, not sure with the 38cl though, also TOR supplied a full etch of numbers with the 32cl, which was great. Austrains you get painted cab numbers, & you supply your own with the various kits.

Certainly for me, I mostly prefer the no number versions in steam.

I will alert Geoff,
about your requests. I know he is extremely busy at the moment, but should have some answers tonight. In fact he already told me how the 30T was to be built, but I am now unsure exactly what he said and particularly where some changes actually fit into the picture. So will wait with you all. I know the people at Hobson's Bay exhibition were excited with his description, and comparisons with Eureka R Class and K Class were running free. I heard Ron Cunningham explaining why he changed the K, so I know that Geoff and his Engineering Manager are concerned and will deliberately go out and design a better mechanical working engine for Shrikes first release The Chinese are still smiling and nodding their heads Yes Yes stupid Aussie. Your sample is on the way  Geoff is pushing hard to get it here, but I think changes from this end might be also slowing it down just a little ? The people at Shrike are listening to all of you and I know one or two suggestions have already been acted on. Got to get this one exactly right is something I am hearing a lot of.
Cheers
Rod Young

Face book update,
Delay on the bogie tender version, but the 6 wheeler should be on time. Nice to see a manufacturer keeping us updated on delay's. Far better than the silence from some.

I'd be inclined to agree a6et. Somehow I have a 720 and 700DE running and will hopefully have a 500B being shunted by a 500DE because I like those locos

Allan - it's a gentle joke with Nigel. If he's going to do the 720 chassis by all means do it right. My question is why do it now when a) a whole lot of people have already built their RRM 720s on RTR chassis and b) it's holding up the 520 chassis which I'm actually interested in (and I'm projecting that everyone else's interests are pretty much aligned with mine ).

Other SAR options that I guess I'd forgotten about would be the railcars. Starting with maybe the Bluebirds and the the Brill 75s?

Hi 523, We are looking at a 12 year plan and yes I have a love for many SAR locos- not just steam too. I too want bluebirds and Brills as well as many SAR unique items. I intend doing a lot more research while in Adelaide for AMRE and MSARC, in June and September. I think we may have sufficient numbers to be commercially viable for say the DA and Y cars to begin the Freight cars, with the obligitory Goods Brake as well. BUT  I need to see what people want, so at both these and other locations we attend, we will have a Form with a survey on it. The survey is to see if things are commercially viable numbers wise. for instance a Loco has to have 1000 units to go out to make it worth us doing. A wagon/Freight car 2000 and passenger cars 1500. Otherwise we would be stuck with a warehouse full of boxes and losing money. I am no millionaire nor is my partner. We have to make a small profit per item to stay afloat.

Face book update,
Delay on the bogie tender version, but the 6 wheeler should be on time. Nice to see a manufacturer keeping us updated on delay's. Far better than the silence from some.

Thanks 4401, as I put on the Facebook page- delays are something I hate. I so wish it would all go according to plan. The Bogie tender problems- some 55 are HUGE, it seems our drawings and MY CAD work was not put in, even to the bogies being wrong. I am addressing each problem as I can. It takes at least 50 minutes in CAD to change the incorrect working, then check and check again- I want perfection in our products- my rep and my partners rep are on the line here.
I have ( 0050- 19 May) so far corrected 21 of the faults, but the other ones may take longer, then they have to be emailed to our supplier as well as 3 things ( Easy as stuff) we found incorrect in the 3D rendering we received last Monday night , of the actual C30T Loco.
So far the Rx is on time and is slotted to arrive late Autumn next year.

Is the 30T going to be done in superheated and saturated versions?

The C30-T will be both versions, standard and Drumhead smokeboxes, Saturated and Superheated. That is why there are 20 different items, 17 numbered and 3 no numbers. We have had a few dramas as listed elsewhere but the 6 wheel version both Superheated( ie with the +, on the Buffer beam) and the saturated 6 wheel tender. will be here in time for ( Hopefully) Caulfield and Newcastle exhibitions. and definitely out in the shops in September as well as at Liverpool.

Hi Geoff,

Great to see another company taking on RTR steam. Any scope for the C30 Tank to be done further down the track?

Hi Geoff,

Great to see another company taking on RTR steam. Any scope for the C30 Tank to be done further down the track?

Hi Duffy. Yes the 30 tank is slated for 2016 release, just after another NSW delight, which I am keeping very very close to my chest.
We designed the 30T mech so we can do the 30 tank off it .
A bright idea
Geoff Mging Director , Shrike Models
shrikemodels@gmail.com

Hi Duffy. Yes the 30 tank is slated for 2016 release, just after another NSW delight, which I am keeping very very close to my chest.
We designed the 30T mech so we can do the 30 tank off it .
A bright idea
Geoff Mging Director , Shrike Models
shrikemodels@gmail.com

Thanks for the response Geoff.  Look forward to more releases!

, just after another NSW delight, which I am keeping very very close to my chest.

Is it going to be available as the preserved one?

I agree, & am getting an undecorated version, the hardest part I have found is trying to source decent buff coloured decals for the tenders, rather than the garish yellow that we get these days, which then makes it hard to match the numbers on the models owing to them usually being tamper printed.

I know Eureka supplied a set of brass numbers for the cab sides with the garratt, not sure with the 38cl though, also TOR supplied a full etch of numbers with the 32cl, which was great. Austrains you get painted cab numbers, & you supply your own with the various kits.

Certainly for me, I mostly prefer the no number versions in steam.

OK guys, we will have brass numbers for the sides and as close as is possible to buff numbers for the tender, as well as white numbers for the front buffer beam as well as the + for superheated locos. Both standard and Drumhead smokebox types as well. that is 8 total variations. The motor is mounted on a cast frame and sufficient weight is in the body to poull prototype loads up grades. Only part you will have to supply is the crew and I suggest Kerreboy models crews. I use them in my own steamers of 3 states and they look the part, much better than the plastic blobs I could mention of another manufacturer.
Geoff Mg.Dir, Shrike
shrikemodels@gmail.com

My June AMRM arrived today, and I was caught by surprise by the add on Pg 59 for Shrike Models. I have not been to RP for the last month so have missed all this thread. A great development. The add has the full list of models in the different variants and tender types. My wallet is going to hurt (even at $420 for pre-arrival orders)!

My June AMRM arrived today, and I was caught by surprise by the add on Pg 59 for Shrike Models. I have not been to RP for the last month so have missed all this thread. A great development. The add has the full list of models in the different variants and tender types. My wallet is going to hurt (even at $420 for pre-arrival orders)!

Geoff,

Might be worth putting up an image of your ad to clear up the confusion about the variants and tender types.

Paul

Geoff,

Might be worth putting up an image of your ad to clear up the confusion about the variants and tender types.

Paul

Not sure the wording in the add is really that great but.

Reading between the lines in the add, also the way its shown in the AMRM news arena, the Term short smokebox means Saturated version, whereas the Standard & Drumhead versions mean Superheated. Drumhead versions were more prolific than the standard type.

Perhaps with the possible exception of 01drumhead superheated, 14 & 55 saturated which were fitted with bogie tenders each of the others listed had both 6 wheel Pcl as well as bogie tenders in the period post 1964.

I never saw 3064 so have no idea what tender it had.

Shrike Models update

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shrike-Models/281664298675525

copied from their face book page :

SAD NEWS JUST IN:
In a short phone call from our partner, who had been on to China. We found that the pre production 30T is not arriving till Mid September, so we now are awaiting it to do the OK on production, which is roughly 2 weeks then say 2 to 3 weeks from Arrival of any boxes of models. ^This will delay any 6 wheel tender arrivals to at least Late October and the subsequent order of Bogie tender version to about January at the earliest.
The RXs will still be arriving (hopefully) mid winter 2015.
I am dissapointed , as is Phill. Sorry folks