Thanks to our many friends and supporters for purchasing our LL wagons.
There is no doubt that even though they are a small wagon they are very well made and wonderfully decorated.
Delivery to all customers was made in a very quick time but was not without its entertainment.
3 packs were mislabeled or the wrong lids put on the wrong boxes:
PACK 7 WAS LABELLED PACK 8
PACK 8 WAS LABELLED PACK 9
PACK 9 WAS LABELLED PACK 7
As far as we know, we have been able to swap packs around and satisfy all customers that have made it known to us that they got the wrong pack. We also appreciate the patience customers displayed whist we sorted things out.
This has not effected our retail team. We were able to advise them before they went on sale and thus able to change the lids around or re-label where appropriate.
The LL Wagons have now come and gone having almost completely sold out. We have ½ doz packs of LL12 – a two wagon pack of “Muswellbrook Colliery” and that is all.
Please note: Whilst most customers appear to be happy with the packs received, as a consequence of the sell out, we do not have any further stock to make further swapping of packs.
MODELS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THESE RETAILERS
THE GOOD NEWS
Due to their popularity we have immediately ordered three new packs with all new numbers and some interesting decoration on a few of them. The mix is based on the best selling pack mix and combinations we have been asked for. Here is the mix:
2ND PRODUCTION MIX- OCTOBER 2018
ORDER FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY AND OUR E-SHOP
WILL ALSO BE UPDATED
Two new decorations – 4 wagons – 2 Gollin & 2 Hepburn
As a thank you to existing customers for their support, these three new packs will be made available at the special price of $400.00 each less the SOUTHERN SPIRIT CLUB CAR MEMBER DISCOUNT of 5% for BRONZE members & 10% for GOLD & PLATINUM members.
Otherwise the price remains at $450.oo per 10 car pack.
QUEENSLAND RAIL ‘2300’ CLASS
After six long years and three factories later we are delighted to advise that the QR 2300 CLASS has been shipped. The boat is due in Australia on 24th November and and we expect to have all orders delivered by the end of November.
We are very excited to be introducing the best diesel loco to enter the Queensland model train market. Accurate in research & design, beautifully built with 4 versions – 3 liveries, a further 4 sub-liveries + 2370 painted as running in WA.
Features include DC/DCC fitted with Southern Rail’s “Sound of Power” ESU 21 pin decoder.
“SIMPLY THE BEST”
1550/2400CLASS DIESEL LOCO
In our last newsletter/blog we indicated that we would make some new samples of the locos painted in slightly lighter blue & grey tones. These new colours were on display at the Queensland convention in October (a must attend event for all modellers of Queensland Rail).
ORIGINAL SAMPLE
HERE ARE MY NOT SO GOOD PHOTOS
At the end of the day, when the team viewed both models side by side, we concluded that both were acceptable (allowing for the incorrect white on the first model). Having said that, all opted for the original blue & grey with the corrected light grey long hood decoration. We are in the process of changing all the decoration files.
Below is a JPEG of the original artwork
JPEG of the second sample artwork
In regards to the Bi-Centenary locomotives, 2401 Hi & low Nose, we have changed the colours slightly as we advised and made the new sample Hi-Nose with the green logo.
These are also my unprofessional photos of the new sample & comparison with the old
FOR THOSE WANTING TO COLLECT SOMETHING SPECIAL
Following on from our previous advice that that 2401 was originally released with the blue & yellow Bi-Centenary Logo we have approached the factory and asked if they would allow us to make a very small limited quantity of the loco with the blue logo.
The factory has said yes, so we will be producing a strictly Limited Edition of his version.
The model will be limited to only those who are prepared to pre-order by the 15th November and the edition will be restricted to only that number whether 5, 10 or 20 are sold. This will be a real collectors item with certificate of authenticity.
The terms & conditions of this limited Edition are:
We will not accept cancellation of an existing order with a replacement order for the Blue & Yellow Logo
Product Code Q24/16
Price $365.00 without sound / $489.00 with sound
No Pre-delivery price applies
Southern Spirit Club Car discounts apply for Bronze, Gold & Platinum Members
This project is slotted in for production now but is being held up due to the factory understanding the complexity of versions involved. The OLO/OVO’s of course are made in two gauges for a start. All up there are a total of 25 versions. Some of the differences are minor. It could be a change of bogie or a different hand rake fitting.
Each variation requires a new decoration file in order for the factory to get the production right and manage thousands of small parts and assemble them into the correct model.
We are working frantically with the factory to provide the understanding required. We hope this will be sorted by the end of next week otherwise we will have to think about starting the 1550/2400 class’s in their place to keep the momentum going.
COAL LOADER
Regretfully we are not able to go ahead with with this project.
We were encouraged by the expressions of interest received but there was just not enough interest to even make a break even point.
EAST GRETA| SMR | RICHMOND VALE GUARDS VAN
Disappointingly we will also not be going ahead with the Guards Van.
Others have rushed in to gazump us & cash in on the interest Southern Rail created with the success of our 10 class & LL wagons. This is not sour grapes on our part. “It’s just Business”. However, in light of other industry comments, it is hard to compete where there is very little tooling cost involved as in this case.
Whilst many of our loyal customers have told us that they would rather purchase a better model from us even at a higher price and we did receive sufficient expressions of interest to go ahead with the project our best costing indicated prior to the present low A$ to the US$ that our price would be in the vicinity of $74.00 – $80.00. On the basis that the other brand was offering their version at $66.00 we could not see the point of going ahead.
We will move on
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR OUR EXCITING NEW RELEASES COMING SOON
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After six long years and three factories later we are delighted to advise that the QR 2300 CLASS has been shipped. The boat is due in Australia on 24th November and and we expect to have all orders delivered by the end of November.
