Surprise Arrivals From China

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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