Eureka Models

2011-11-02T00:28:00.001+11:00

BCW/BSV Update

Art work for the BCW has been signed off and production will commence shortly. We are currently waiting for a delivery date from the factory. We are also waiting for completed drawings for the BSV and these are expected within the next two weeks.

Surprise Arrivals From China

2011-10-22T17:46:00.008+11:00

Our new factory team has been hard at work and in the past week we received the pre-production sample of the first vehicle in our Stock Wagon Project - the Bogie Cattle Wagon or BCW. The sample is simple stunning. The level of detail has lead several reviewers to say that this is the best RTR model ever seen.

This model depicts the last batch of 100 cattle vans converted from 1959-type sheep vans, utilising the original bogies, ends, roof and underframe. New sides were fabricated from standard cattle van components but there were two bars in the upper area to compensate for the extra height in the sides compared to the 1959-type BCW. Bogies varied and Eureka is modelling the common 2AQ (AQA) type. The wagons were introduced in 1974 in PTC blue which quickly faded and weathered to a light grey. Numbers were 30801 - 30900, coded BCW later NSCF and they were all out of service by the time that the railways ceased transporting cattle in 1989.

Also received from the factory are the design drawings for the other vehicle in our Stock Wagon Project - the Bogie Sheep Van or BSV.

Both models will be available in packs of three with delivery expected in early 2012. Order forms are available from Eureka and will be included with the next edition of The Eureka Times which is currently being prepared for a November post out.

2011-09-25T21:13:00.004+10:00

A HUB set on its trial run.

The HUB set samples that arrived from China are being put through their paces in the adjoining photo. With the new bogie design method the sets are very free rolling and the set was lifted up the ruling grade on Werris Creek without problem. The samples have now gone for painting. They will be available for viewing at the Liverpool exhibition either on the Eureka stand or on one of the exhibition layouts where it is anticipated that one set will be running all weekend.

2011-09-22T11:51:00.003+10:00

A Package Arrives From China

Four sets of HUB set samples including one complete running set have arrived from the factory.
The samples are being photographed and then will go through a checking process before being painted.
Art-work is currently being prepared to go upto the factory.
This art-work will be reproduced in the next edition of The Eureka Times along with advice on set numbers etc.
The carriages include a new bogie design which provides superb running qualities.
When photographs are available they will be posted here.

2011-08-15T20:06:00.003+10:00

CPH/CTHs with sound arrive.

Five cubic metres of sound equipped CPH/CTHs were delivered today to the Eureka Offices and distribution has now commenced with the first orders going in tomorrow's post.
As is the normal practice, those who have fully paid models on order will be contacted first to confirm order details after which the models will be put in the post. Anyone wishing to short-circuit this process can ring the Eureka office.

For those who are interested in these things we have been advised that the Tian Yun He was not diverted to Melbourne. It sat off the Central Coast for three days because of port congestion.

2011-08-12T10:26:00.002+10:00

When the Boat Came In:

The Tian Yun He arrived at Port Botany last Sunday which was four days later than expected. Our freight forwarder believes that it was diverted to Melbourne first because of congestion at Port Botany.
Consequently, we have been advised to expect delivery of the CPH/CTHs next Monday or Tuesday.

VR R Class - A Larger Picture

2011-07-26T18:34:00.003+10:00

Here is a larger picture than the one posted recently, just click on it for a better view.

2011-07-26T10:55:00.004+10:00

CPH/CTHs with sound on their way.

In keeping with Eureka's policy of providing maximum information on its projects, the attached photo shows the Tian Yu He which has been chartered to carry the Eureka CPH/CTHs from Shenzhen to Port Botany. The last report that we have from the ship's captain is that the ship is in the South China Sea at position 22.11587/114.2729 heading for Port Botany at a steady speed of 9.5 knots on target for a 4 August arrival.

Thanks Dieselfan

2011-07-25T11:00:00.004+10:00

R Class - The first complete sample.

A couple of minor adjustments, the addition of sound and some artwork and the R class is ready to go into full production.

2011-07-23T17:27:00.001+10:00

PS. TO SHIPPING NEWS:

I guess I should have mentioned that the cargo will include the sound equipped CPH/CTHs.

2011-07-22T16:53:00.002+10:00

MORE GOODIES FROM THE FACTORY:

One of the items brought back from the factory this week is a complete engineering sample of the "R" class. Complete in all details including smoke deflectors, the sample is currently being painted after under-going some exhaustive test running.

Photos should be available on this blog over the coming weekend.

2011-07-22T14:27:00.002+10:00

LATEST SHIPPING NEWS:

MV Tian Yun He to sail from Hong Kong 25 July, arrive Port Botany 4 August, 2011.

And Still the Test Shots Keep Arriving:

2011-06-07T01:17:00.007+10:00

Click on the image for a larger view

The test shots for the NSW Railways NTAF Bogie Tank Wagons have arrived. A couple of corrections have been raised with the factory and the next step will be the arrival of paint samples which are a little way off yet.

The next test samples that are expected will be those of the HUB set due in late July.

2011-05-28T23:46:00.013+10:00

Just about there now but still no deflectors.

Click on the R Class for a larger view

Just about all of the injected components are now on hand and the model shown in the accompanying photo is the result. Still no smoke deflectors as these are etched components.
Two minor corrections identified at this stage.
The next step will be a running model which is expected in late July.

2011-05-09T23:51:00.003+10:00

Fun and Games at the Eureka Office.

All those with R class locomotives on order have now been sent the K Class special offer letter. The next task for the hard working staff at the Eureka Office is to finish the next edition of "The Eureka Times" and to get it into the post. The next edition is almost written (as of the 9th of May) and post out should commence next week end (but no complaints please if it is held up). The printing and distribution of an edition of "The Eureka Times" takes about ten days and this one is being done in conjunction with the post out of the AD60s.

One or two surprises in it.

Should be fun.

2011-05-09T23:37:00.004+10:00

AD60s On The Way

The re-run of our popular AD60 has arrived and posting out of orders has commenced. As usual all persons with an AD60 on order are being contacted before their model is put in the post. (Anyone wanting to short circuit the process and ring the Eureka Office is most welcome as this will save the time of a call)
Persons with fully paid orders are being contacted first and to date approximately 10 % of orders have been posted out.
The full post out is expected to take three to four weeks.

2011-04-15T14:31:00.004+10:00

AD60 - More Photos Courtesy of James McInerney.

With the AD60 re-run having left the South China Sea on its way to Port Botany here are some more photos of the red lined and centenary liveries. Thanks James.

2011-04-09T12:45:00.003+10:00

AD60 Re-Run: The AD60 re-run is due in Port Botany on the 21st of April. Easter may slow clearance up a bit but we expect to receive the shipment by the 28th and delivery will commence shortly there after. The Brisbane exhibition will also interrupt proceedings a little so it will probably be the 3rd of May before posting out hits full swing. As usual everyone who has an order in for an AD60 will be contacted before their model is put in the post. Any outstanding balances should be paid now as orders with outstanding balances will be dealt with last. Posting out is expected to be completed by the end of May.

2011-04-09T12:32:00.009+10:00

R Class Test Shots

The test shots received are not a complete set with a few important items such as the stack missing.

Next step is a fully working engineering sample.

For those who want a close up look the samples will be at the Hobson's Bay exhibition.

2011-04-05T21:52:00.006+10:00

"R Class test shots - Except that I have them in my hand I might not believe it" A not-quite full set of test shots for the R class arrived by air from the factory this morning. By mid-morning the bits were being assembled into a coal and an oil burner. Assembly is not as easy as you would expect as there are hundreds of parts some of which are still in their plastic bags as I have no idea what they are or where they go but the results certainly look like an R class. Photography is next and I will put some shots up here on the weekend. The next step is a fully operational engineering sample which we expect to receive from the factory in June.

2011-03-29T02:55:00.011+11:00

6018 on trial before entering service.

The re-run of our AD60 is due in Port Botany around the 14th of April. Numbers available are 6001, 6002, 6018 in lined red as above, 6015 in plain black and a small number of 6020 in Centenary colours. All are available with or without sound and the lined red versions are available with weathering. Photo: Ray Pilgrim.

2011-03-21T13:04:00.003+11:00

AD60 - Re run

10 units from the production run arrived by air today and the factory advises that they expect to ship the rest of the run on the 30th of March. This being the case, we should be able to clear them from customs at Port Botany around the 14th of April.
I am arranging photographs and will put them up here when I have them.

2011-02-17T17:30:00.003+11:00

China Back at Work.

China returned to work last Monday after the Chinese New Year holiday break and in response to our emails information regarding deliveries is starting to filter back to us from our factories.
The first news received is from the old factory who have advised that assembly of the re-run of our AD60 class Garratt is underway and that dispatch should take place the last week in April which suggests a mid-May arrival at Port Botany.

E wagon 1st Engineering Samples Arrive - Detailed pictures

2011-02-07T22:31:00.022+11:00

The first engineering samples for the E Wagon project arrived in the week prior to Chinese New Year.
The samples are excellent. The detail is accurate and fine. The interior detail on the open wagons is particularly impressive and provides a very nice view for those who like to run their wagons empty.
The factory has stated that these are the first samples and that they will be making further improvements. At the same time the samples are being checked at this end for any necessary improvements or corrections.
In November last year the factory advised that they expected to deliver the 1st samples in the week before Chinese New Year and this is precisely what they did. This is very promising for the dates that have been supplied by the factory for our other projects currently in the pipeline.
The next steps will involve making any corrections that are necessary, preparing artwork and then proceeding to production.

2010-12-29T01:09:00.002+11:00

Eureka Web-Site Malware Warning.

Visitors accessing our web-site through Google are receiving a warning that malware may be present. I have had this problem looked at and am told that there is no malware present (Google itself states that no-one has been infected) and that the warning is being caused by the fact that we are using a very old version of Java. Whatever the cause of the warning, the site is currently being up-graded (and up-dated) to eliminate the problem.

2010-12-29T00:58:00.003+11:00

THE EUREKA TIMES - 21st EDITION.

The latest edition of The Eureka Times is in preparation and posting out will commence at the end of this week. It will also be available on our web-site early next week.
The edition will contain an update on all current projects and timelines for all current and proposed projects. It will also contain order froms for our 3-dome bogie oil tank wagon 3-packs.

Fun and Games in China

2010-08-25T11:09:00.006+10:00

It has been some time since my last post, too long in fact but there have been major developments at the factory and whilst there is some awareness of these developments in the public domain the situation in China has changed almost on a weekly (and sometime daily) basis so it has been difficult to state definitively at any point in time what is the current position. However, understandably there are a lot of inaccurate rumours going around so this post will attempt to clarify what is the current position regarding Eureka Models in the turmoil which is currently engulfing the factory.
The signs had been there for sometime but in June this year we were summoned to our manufacturer's head office to discuss what turned out to be a major re-structuring of the company's activities. Our manufacturer, Sanda Kan is now owned by Kader the large toy manufacturer who also owns Backmann.
At the meeting company management opened procedings by stating that they were having problems maintaining deliveries (which we already knew) and that they intended to downsize the Sanda Kan operation to a more manageable size. This would be done by completing existing projects for customers but for the majority of customers no new projects would be commenced.
Now, whilst the suddeness of these decisions came as a surprise, as mentioned above, the signs that something was happening had been there for sometime and so Eureka had already started to make arrangements with an alternative supplier.
When Eureka first started with Sanda Kan Ivan was our project engineer. Ivan delivered the first four of our projects, all were excellent in terms of quality, accuracy and operation. Just over two years ago Ivan left Sanda Kan and in partnership with an existing manufacturer went into business for himself. Eureka kept in touch with him and early this year after seeing the quality of projects that he was delivering for other customers commissioned him to do a project for Eureka. This is the VR E wagon project outlined elsewhere.
The E wagon project is progressing well and so when the problems at Sanda Kan surfaced the decision was taken to switch all new projects to Ivan.
This is working well. Sanda Kan have been very supportive and have assisted the move of projects to Ivan. This is taking the pressure off them which I suspect they appreciate. In a recent discussion with a US based supplier the word that they used most in discussing their dealings with Sanda Kan was "chaos".
The current arrangement then is that Sanda Kan will complete the AD60 re-run, the 38 class re-run, the CPH/CTH sound units and the 40 class. Ivan has taken over the R class, HUB sets, NSWGR oil tankers, 59 class, 620/720 re-run and LCH/CCH re-run.
As stated above things are very fluid at Sanda Kan but I expect the above arrangements to hold. The move to Ivan will have very positive outcomes with the E wagon project already demonstrating the ability of Ivan to deliver quality items in a more timely manner.
There will be more problems in the short-term but once things settle down with Ivan I think that we will see a much improved delivery result which would be a pleasant change.

2010-04-25T22:58:00.002+10:00

Back from the Middle Kingdom

Just arrived back from a visit to the factory and have much news. So much in fact that another edition of The Eureka Times (no. 20) is probably warranted. (Distribution of ET19 has only just been completed.)
ET20 will include artwork for 3806 and 3807, updates on the R class (test shots are close), details of new projects which we have been working on (both VR and NSWGR) the delivey of which is now expected much sooner than we thought, updates on existing projects such as the 40 class (8 -12 weeks), CPH/CTH (12 weeks) and news on our re-runs (38, AD60, LCH/CCH and 620/720).
We will be at the Brisbane exhibtion next weekend and will start work on ET20 when we return but don't expect to see it before the end of May as it may include some surprise details which we have been promised from the factory.

2010-03-14T00:47:00.002+11:00

38s ON SPECIAL

I have two 3801s, one with sound and one without which have a very slight bind in their mechanisms. They are available at $100 off, that is $540 for the non-sound and $639 for the sound version.

2010-03-14T00:19:00.002+11:00

A NICE WEEKEND AT HEALESVILLE

Attended our first exhibition for the 2010 at Healesville last weekend. I regard this exhibition as one of the most enjoyable on the exhibition circuit. The organisation, the associated activities and especially the location always combines to make for a pleasant weekend away. The drought appeared to break whilst we were there but this just added to the atmosphere.

The four major manufacturers were in attendance and in the occasional quite times they could often be seen huddled together trading old war stories.

The factory has been back at work for a couple of weeks and most projects are making steady progress. A new edition of The Eureka Times is in preparation and should be available in a week or so. For those who have an R class on order there will be an accompanying letter with a special offer regarding the K class.

Distribution of the 38s is now past the 90% mark and anyone who has not yet received their model(s) might like to contact us.

Most modellers will know that Eureka Models is operated on a part-time basis. In the first half of 2010 I will not be available to answer the phone at all on a Thursday but there is generally someone at home who will.

Plenty more news but that will have to wait for The Eureka Times.

2010-01-02T13:46:00.002+11:00

38 Class Update:

Distribution of the 38s is nearing completion with over 80% now having been delivered.

All units are tested before they leave our office and in this process some models are found to have minor defects. With past models such units are either put aside for repair or have been sold at a reduced price at exhibitions. This has meant that only those who attend exhibitions get a chance to purchase these items and, although this policy will continue in future I intend from time to time to advise the availibility of these items on this blog.

I will describe as best I can why the unit is being offred at a reduced price and the units are offered for sale on the basis of no warranty and no return. If the response at past exhibitions is any guide these items will go very quickly.

As an example from our testing this morning I have 3805 in weathered green with sound on which the headlight does not work. Normal price for this combination is $774 posted but this is being reduced by $100 to $674 on a first come first served basis.

I have half a dozen other units available details of which I will put up on this blog from time to time.

2009-12-05T20:42:00.002+11:00

38 CLASS UPDATE:

Distribution of the 38s is continuing with 60% of orders now filled.

The response to the release of the model has been nothing short of overwhelming and the stage has now been reached where the only locomotive numbers that we have available for sale are 3801 (in green) and 3830 in both sound and non-sound models.

Remaining stocks of all other numbers are required to meet existing orders.

2009-12-05T20:21:00.003+11:00

LATEST ON THE CPH/CTH

The factory has advised that the sound board for the CTH trailer is now underway and as soon as it is finished it will be installed in the already completed trailer car and the finished CPH/CTH set dispatched from the factory. No delivery date has been supplied yet but it will be after Chinese New Year.

The reasons for the delay involves the separate decoder which is being installed in the CTH trailer car. This is a single function decoder which will provide control over the CTH car's internal lights and will allow DCC users to turn the internal lights on and off using a DCC function.

There apparently was some problems between the factory and the supplier of the chip and these had to be resolved before manufacturing could proceed. This has now been done and final manufacturing and assembly is proceeding.

More later when a definite delivery date is available.

2009-11-05T13:38:00.003+11:00

38 Class Update - 5 November, 2009

As of today 25% of total orders have been filled and steady progress is being made on posting out the remaining orders. Anyone wishing to check the status of their order is welcome to contact us for details.

The response to the 38 has been nothing short of overwhelming. We normally try to order what we think will be sufficient units in the first production run to keep the model in stock for 12 to 18 months however, such has been the response that in non-streamlined units 3809 in black and 3820 in black are now sold out. In streamlined units 3805 in green is now also sold out. We have reasonable stocks of 3801 and 3830 but stocks of 3813 and 3827 are getting low.

2009-10-27T21:22:00.002+11:00

38 Class Update

Three van loads of 38s arrived at the Eureka office last Thursday and after a day sorting things out distribution commenced. A mixture of pick-up and postage has resulted in about 10% of orders on hand being filled by close of business tonight (Tuesday).
We are a little bit overwhelmed by the response to the 38s to date but we will be concentrating on maintaining the above distribution rate until all existing orders are filled.

2009-10-02T14:36:00.003+10:00

Shipping News

The motor vessel carrying the 38s is scheduled to arrive in Port Botany on the 15th of October. Allowing time for customs clearance, distribution should commence around the 20th.

2009-09-26T00:01:00.004+10:00

News From the Factory (almost)

There have been some significant changes at the factory of late and with a number of projects currently underway needing attention it was decided that some face to face contact was overdue. In what was to be a very quick visit we headed north last Wednesday (after a seven hour delay getting away due to a sand storm), visited the factory on Thursday and Friday and will arrive back in OZ on Saturday.
This dispatch is being posted from our hotel in Hong Kong as we could not send it last night from our hotel on the mainland as international blogs cannot be accessed on the mainland.
This was one of the most challenging meetings that I have had at the factory and as time permits some of the matters discussed, particularly those relating to projects underway will be reported on either here on this blog or our web site.

PS. I understand that the air shipment of 38s arrived in Sydney whilst we were away and we will take delivery on Tuesday.

Streamlined C38 photos

2009-09-21T15:22:00.002+10:00

Here are photos of two of the streamlined models due to arrive in port about 20 October 2009.

The front shots show the hook and link couplers as on the original, these may be removed and the supplied metal Kadee style clone coupler can be easily substituted.

2009-09-14T20:14:00.002+10:00

More Production Models Arrive:

The factory forwarded a further 23 models (one of every variation) today and we will have them tomorrow (Tuesday).
Will try to get more photos up this week especially a streamliner.

C3827 Production Model Photo

2009-09-06T16:15:00.002+10:00

Here is a photo of 3827, one of the seven production models air freighted out of China.

Some more photos will be posted on the Eureka Models web site later this week.

Click on the photo for a closer look.

2009-09-01T23:47:00.002+10:00

Production Run 38s Arrive

Seven 38s from the production run arrived today from the factory which confirms that the September 20th dispatch date should be met.
The models will be photographed and posted here and on the Eureka web-site.

2009-08-22T18:31:00.003+10:00

38 Class Delivery Date:

Advice from the factory is that the 38s will be available for shipment on the 20th of September. Allowing for sailing time and clearance through Port Botany the 38s should be in hand around the 20th of October.
The sailing date of the vessel carrying the 38s should be available within the next two weeks and this will allow a more precise date for their arrival at Port Botany to be calculated.

2009-08-16T20:54:00.003+10:00

38 Class Update

There is no official news yet on delivery of the 38s from the factory although they have advised that assembly is underway. We are pressing the factory to have the models at Port Botany by mid-September in time for the Liverpool exhibition but they are not guaranteeing anything at the moment.

2009-08-16T20:42:00.004+10:00

40 Class Paint Samples Arrive

Painted samples of the three liveries (Green, Royal Blue and Tuscan) of the 40 class have arrived and are currently going through our checking process.

It normally takes at least12 weeks from approval of the paint samples to delivery and given current delays at the factory a December/January 2009/2010 delivery is likely.

2009-05-25T11:01:00.003+10:00

CPH/CTH Sound.

For the past week we have had a pre-production CPH/CTH sample with fully functioning sound to play with. We have been having fun fiddling with the model but more importantly we have brought in the experts to listen to the sound and give their opinion.

The last two unknowns to worry about in a project are the final running qualities of a model and where appropriate how does the sound come across.

Well, it appears that the CPH/CTH passes with flying colours on both accounts. With regard to sound, the motor sound, air and horn are all distinctively that of a CPH/CTH which given the specially recorded sound that we supplied is as it should be. (My thanks to Gary from Model Railroad Craftsman at Blacktown for the recording of the sound. For sound he is the expert.)

Sound is now progressing beyond providing just basic sound functions and listening to the sound associated with passengers boarding including the squeal of the seats being folded over is most entertaining.

The only advice to date from the factory regarding delivery is that they are still awaiting components.

2009-05-19T23:12:00.005+10:00

LCH/CCH Stocks

Stocks of CCH wagon packs and the 5 + 5 packs are now exhausted.
We have sufficient stocks of LCH packs to last about four months at the present rate of sales.

A re-run of LCH/CCH wagons is in preparation and will probably be delivered in conjunction with the RSH project. No delivery date as yet but we are thinking late 2009.

2009-04-26T20:44:00.003+10:00

Some Early Observations on the CPH/CTH and C38 Sales and Orders

Towards the end of any model project the decision has to be made as to the quantity of each paint livery that is to be produced within the context of the overall total run of the model.
This is not always easy to do and our approach has been to base the break-up on the orders in hand at the time when the numbers have to be supplied to the factory.
This has already been done with both the CPH/CTH and the C38 project and whilst it is still early days the following trends are already manifesting themselves:
With the CPH/CTH it is clear that we underestimated the demand for the Indian Red on Masonite siding variation. In the non-sound version it is almost certain that this variation will the first to sell out as we have less than 20 units left.
Similiarly with the C38 we have clearly got the demand for 3801 in Grey wrong. Our initial estimate based on orders to hand suggested that there would not be a large demand for this variation and so we ordered the minimum number. We have now displayed the final paint samples at three exhibitions and orders for 3801 in grey have jumped significantly and it is highly likely that this variation will be the first to sell out.
A similiar thing happened with the 620/720s where pre-orders for the Candy livery suggested a low demand which proved to be totally incorrect with the Candy livery experiencing a surge in demand once they were displayed at exhibitions.
Sometimes you just can't pick it.

2009-04-16T01:31:00.005+10:00

38 Class Delivery Date

Painting and assembly of the 38s is underway and the factory is talking about delivery in ten weeks. This would suggest the last week in June as a date to be late by.

C38 Paint Schemes

2009-04-08T21:04:00.004+10:00

You have waited a long time and here they are.

CPH / CTH Production Models

2009-04-04T18:29:00.001+11:00

Sorry for the delay in posting these photos of the various paint schemes for the CPH / CTH railmotors.

2009-03-30T16:35:00.004+11:00

CPH/CTH and C38 CLASS UPDATE

Distribution of the non-sound CPH/CTHs is about half complete as of 30 March. Another week or so should see them all in the post. Ring if you want to check where your non-sound unit is upto.

Another package arrived from the factory today containing a full set of painted 38 class bodies complete with all details and in their final paint schemes down to the last detail.
Also included was a fully assembled non-streamlined version in weathered black with red lining.
Paint scheme looks good but as importantly after much testing the general opinion is that it is a very fine smooth running mechanism.

2009-03-10T23:09:00.005+11:00

CPH/CTH UPDATE

The motor vessel Cosco Fuzhou carrying the non-sound CPH/CTHs is expected to dock at Port Botany this Thursday (12th of March). The cargo should be cleared early next week and distribution of the models will commence immediately. Distribution should take about two to three weeks.

Production of the sound boards for the sound - equipped units is underway but no delivery date is available at this time.

2009-02-26T09:44:00.002+11:00

NON-SOUND CPH/CTH ON THE WATER

Word from the factory is that the production run of the non-sound CPH/CTH is finished and is booked on a ship leaving Shenzhen on the 1st of March.

Ron

2009-02-16T21:33:00.004+11:00

38 Class Paint Samples

Last seven painted 38 class bodies have arrived and we now have received all 13 paint schemes. These are being checked and when we have confirmed the 13 liveries painting of the bodies will commence. Assembly will commence when the painting stage is finished.
Photos will be up on the web-site shortly.

,

2009-02-13T00:56:00.003+11:00

CPH/CTH Update

Word from the factory today is that assembly of the non-sound CPH/CTHs is well advanced and should be completed late next week. We should then recieve a shipping date. No dates for the sound equipped units yet.

2009-01-26T23:23:00.002+11:00

LCH/CCH Stock Update

At the current rate of sales it is estimated that stocks of LCH and CCH 4 wheel hoppers will last about six months. However, stocks of pack No 3 (LCHs) and pack No 4 (CCHs) are now both down to less than 20 packs. Packs 3 and 4 are back-up packs that provide different sets of numbers for those who wish to run more than 10 of either the LCHs or CCHs. It appears that we have under-estimated the demand for these packs and they will be the first to sell out completely.
Anyone intending to purchase adittional packs are advised to do so quickly if different numbered wagons are important

2009-01-17T12:49:00.003+11:00

38 Class Update

Whilst at the factory I saw painted body samples for all liveries of the 38 class. They looked superb. I couldn't bring them back with me so the factory has put them on Fedex and I have received advice that they will be delivered Monday.
We will check the liveries and assuming they are correct forward our approval to the factory so that when the factory resumes production after Chinese New Year painting and then assembly can commence. This would suggest a delivery date sometime in March or April.
I will put photographs on the web-site as soon as they can be arranged.

2009-01-16T13:06:00.004+11:00

A Most Succesful Factory Visit

Arrived back in Sydney yesterday (Thursday) and just getting over the jet lag. This was a very succesful (and enjoyable) visit. I have started work on the next edition of The Eureka Times which should be ready for distribution next week.
I will also be posting snippets of information here as I think of stuff.
As a matter of interest and an indication of snippets to come the following is the agenda for the two meetings held at the factory. (The main meeting was at the Design Department followed by a second meeting in the Drawing Department for more detailed discussions on projects at the drawing stage.)
1. CPH/CTH
2. 38 class
3. 40 class
4. R class
5. 59 class
6. AD60 re-run
7. HUB car set
8. DEB set
9. 620/720 re-run
10. K class
11. RSH
12 BCW and BSV
13. Oil tankers
14. 30 class tank engine
15. 43 class

2009-01-10T14:18:00.002+11:00

On Special

I have two sound equipped 620/720 2 car diesel sets on which the headlights do not work. They can be in Early Tuscan, Indian Red or Reverse liveries. They are marked down $94 per set to $400 per set on a first come-first served basis.

2009-01-04T14:29:00.004+11:00

The Eureka Times - 17th edition

Preparation of the 17th edition of The Eureka Times has commenced.
Production and distribution will be interrupted by a trip to the factory but this visit should produce even more information to incorporate in the 17th edition.
At this stage the 17th edition is expected to be available on the web site around 1 February with paper copies in the post shortly there-after.

2009-01-03T13:04:00.005+11:00

Assembly of the CPH/CTH

A visit to the factory on Monday the 12th of January has now been confirmed. A wide variety of issues have been listed for discussion and much news should be available on our return. The visit has been timed so that the assembly of the CPH/CTH can be observed. This will be the first occasion that anyone from Eureka has been present to observe the assembly of a Eureka project.
The factory will close for Chinese New Year on the 20th but the CPH/CTH should be on the water before then and we expect them to be on the wharf at Port Botany by the second week in February.

2008-12-31T14:06:00.005+11:00

More on the HUB set.

Continuing discussions with the factory this week indicate that this project is progresing quickly. As a consequence we will be making order forms available on the web site shortly and they will be posted out with the next edition of The Eureka Times which we are aiming to have in the post at the end of January.
Seven different cars will be available and whilst final set presentation is not yet settled, current thinking is that there will be a five car set with a futher two cars available separately to build up to a seven car Newcastle Flyer set.
Final pricing is still being finalised but it is likely that the pre-order price for the five car set will be $495 with additional cars available at $100 per car. The after delivery price will depend on the exchange rate at the time but is expected to be $630 for the five car set and $110 for the separate cars.
Three and possibly four liveries are being considered.

2008-12-29T23:14:00.003+11:00

The HUB set.

After protracted discussions with the factory the HUB set proposal has now been finalised and we are now committed to the project. The first stage of the project, the drawing process is underway. This project will be one of the items discussed at our visit to the factory in mid-January and we will be releasing full details including pricing and estimated delivery date after we return. At this stage mid 2010 is the estimated delivery date.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T18:49:00.005+11:00

We would like to wish you seasons greetings and a happy and safe Christmas.

Eureka Models

A Package from the Factory

2008-12-10T22:44:00.003+11:00

A knock on the door today and it is the man from Fedex with a package from the factory.

A bit of work with the snap-off-blade knife reveals two lots of test shots.

The first group is for the 40 class and is mainly samples of the frame with the checker plate pattern now added to the surface area of the footplate plus a couple of minor detail bits. Paint samples will be the next major step in the process.

The second group consists of a AD60 class boiler incorporating the modifications (mainly the twin turbo-generators) for the second run. All modifications are now complete.

2008-12-03T00:33:00.002+11:00

Surprising news from the factory

A visit to the factory is over-due and so this week we started canvassing a visit sometime between Christmas and the 16th of January.

The factory suggested that it would be good to be there whilst the CPH/CTHs were being assembled and they have gone off to see if it is possible to bring the assembly process for the CPH/CTH forward from the third week in January to somewhere around the 26th of December.

More news later.

2008-11-30T13:39:00.004+11:00

Welcome to the Eureka Models Blog

We here at Eureka Models who remember when punched cards were needed to input data into a computer sometimes have trouble keeping up with the latest developments in computer applications such as blogs, wickies, You-tube, Facebook etc etc.However, the popularity of some of these applications suggests that they can serve a real purpose in conveying information to help build the relationships which are part and parcel of the endeavours which make up any society.

The Eureka Models blog then is intended to be a vehicle for conveying information about the day to day goings-on in the Eureka Models organisation. It is not meant to replace The Eureka Web-site but rather will carry what might otherwise be almost referred to as trivia.

Blogs are supposed to be a lot easier to update than a web-site and as such will hopefully be more up-to-date and “newsy”. It is intended to be quite informal and may well develop in directions that we have not even anticipated.

As with the Eureka Models web-site which is ably maintained by Tom Worley, the Eureka Models blog will be under the care of fellow modeller Ray Pilgrim. Ray will be known to many modellers for the many superb photographs of his that have appeared in various publications over the years and for the fine modelling which is a feature of his model railway “Bylong”.

One of the first items that will appear on this blog will be a spreadsheet showing activities currently underway in each of the Eureka Models projects. This spreadsheet will be regularly updated which should allow anyone so inclined to keep up to date with a particular project.

Well, as stated above this blog could take us anywhere so let us at least take the first step.

Ron Cunningham
Eureka Models