Andy Y Posted March 28, 2014 Share Posted March 28, 2014 I've had the pleasure of something different to photograph and review thanks to Paul at NGtrains in the shape of Australia's Victorian Railways NA Class 2-6-2T. Baldwin built the first two examples with Newport Works then building a further 15 locos from 1898 to 1915 and it's the Newport manufactured model which has been produced by Haskell in Taiwan. Six of the locos are preserved on the Puffing Billy Railway north of Melbourne. The two examples here are the plain black version with original smoke stack and the Canadian Red version. The black version will also available with a modern tapered chimney (as on 8A) and with red handrails and buffer beams. There is also an Apple Green livery which will suit 6A as preserved. The selection of models can be found on EDM's site here http://www.ngtrains.com/Pages/Haskell/NA1.html This really is a beautiful little model, a 1/48th scale model to run on HO track to suit the 2'6" gauge of the prototype. There's a wealth of detail which is exceptionally well defined and a well-applied paint job. Although plastic-chassied and bodied there's a respectable 292g of weight to it before the brass 'bullets' shown in the detailing pack image at the bottom are added. Paul feels they may add top-heavy weight and additional weight, if needed, is better added to the side tanks. The model is expected to be available in the UK in around 6-8 weeks and is expected to be around the £270.00 mark which I think is respectable value for money although the final price will depend on finalised shipping costs and the take-up of orders. The models were well pacakaged but there are to be further revisions to the packaging and some parts in the detail pack before distribution. Paul is working to create a sound decoder with licensed recordings, further details whether this will be a customer fit or by EDM Models in due course. I've given the locos a good run around HO track and points and they performed very smoothly with slow-speed running possible through to a maximum speed of around 30mph. The directional lighting gives a pale yellow light which the impressive reflector amplifies. The detail pack includes cow-catchers and some very appealing lamps, the etched number-plates with this early sample are slightly over-sized and this is being reviewed at present. To order a model please go to NGtrains pages here - http://www.ngtrains.com/Pages/Haskell/NA1.html Preserved loco reference material - http://pbps.puffingbilly.com.au/rolling-stock/locomotive-fleet/na-class/ Historical information - http://www.steamlocomotive.com/australia/audata.php?wheel=2-6-2&page=vgr Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted March 28, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 28, 2014 Lovely piece of kit and around the same price as the decent kits for O16.5 too. I don't need to start modelling Australia but tempting . . . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ngtrains.com Posted March 28, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 28, 2014 I don't need to start modelling Australia but tempting . The originals were by Baldwin so you run them with your American stuff. The other key thing with them is that once you get past them being of a specific prototype they provide something that 0 scale (whichever flavour) narrow gauge modelling has needed for a long time - a big tank engine ripe for customising. Personally, I think that Bachmann have screwed up with their recent models whilst Ixion (for standard gauge) and Haskell (for narrow gauge) are spot on. I suppose I had better justify that a bit. I think Bachmann had it right with the origins of their 0n30 range in that they were relatively no frills models but the key thing was they were low cost and plastic. These two things together made them both affordable and practical to customise and I wouldn't be surprised is there were more modified than out of the box moguls out there. Fast forward to today and their range is increasingly esoteric (when you produce a 2-6-6-2 Mallet that doesn't sell the obvious thing to do is bring out a 2-4-4-2 Mallet that also doesn't sell), expensive and having moved to die cast metal bodies harder than ever to modify. Take the Heisler, super model but £225 makes you think twice about setting about it with a craft knife and if you do you break the blade as the thing is metal. The Ixion Fowler and Hudswell Clark and the Haskell NA are superb models in their own right but they have an added value in that they are affordable starting points for customising and easy to do. I am looking forward to my two NA's returning home so I can get sound in them and start on customising them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted March 28, 2014 Author Share Posted March 28, 2014 The originals were by Baldwin so you run them with your American stuff. The other key thing with them is that once you get past them being of a specific prototype they provide something that 0 scale (whichever flavour) narrow gauge modelling has needed for a long time - a big tank engine ripe for customising. I think you're spot on there Paul; I was talking to Phil Parker earlier discussing just that point and he suggested it would be a good L&B neverwoz, a sort of Big Lyn. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium DLT Posted March 28, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 28, 2014 Wow! Now then, how do I convince myself that The Marshwood Vale Railway DOESN'T need one??? Thanks, Dave. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ngtrains.com Posted March 28, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 28, 2014 I think you're spot on there Paul; I was talking to Phil Parker earlier discussing just that point and he suggested it would be a good L&B neverwoz, a sort of Big Lyn. OK, so who is going to be first to chop a driving wheel and about 20mm out of one? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ngtrains.com Posted March 28, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 28, 2014 Now then, how do I convince myself that The Marshwood Vale Railway DOESN'T need one??? Dave Reliable off the peg motive power! The CME of Marshwood Vale would grab one if offered so he could withdraw that complicated "two of everything" contraption. If you look at all the railways in South Africa that started with NGG16's they all ended up using NG15's when they became available not for any reason of massive technological advance but simply because they only have one of everything. [bookmark this somewhere and look back after NG15 134 is running in North Wales] Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold PaulRhB Posted March 28, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 28, 2014 I agree completely on the Bachmann points Paul, they missed a trick with cheap n cheerful C16 and K series locos which would probably have sold better to the Colorado followers? Why they don't use the same models and research for On30 and G I really don't know. Just wish I'd taken the plunge and cleared it out earlier for On3. We live and learn. The L&B super power, (LynTON maybe?), was what I was thinking but with RhB Om & 5 On30 DRGW models I think I'll have to focus for a bit and see if I get a bonus this year. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
On30runner Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 In a break from my usual conservative practice (wait for reviews and then buy) I have bought two of them, a black one and a green one, such was my excitement at having this type of engine. I have to say I am very impressed, the running is excellent with no excessive noise, they run well without the brass dome weights, I fitted them anyway as matter of course. What pleased me was how easily they come apart, yes you have a seam on the boiler at the front but its not the end of the world. They come with actual proper Kadee couplers which work well as you'd expect. The green one is absolutely gorgeous, the livery application is spot on. The black ones finish is a bit too matt for my liking but I'm happy to overlook that, the real ones have a quite shiny gloss finish. It really is very old school Bachmann-esque. I'm now trying to avoid buying a red one! I hope Haskell produce some coaches to go with it. One interesting note, they will run through less than the recommended 18 inch radius curves. I haven't tried it with a train but they will get through my loco yard no problem and there are some 1st radius in there. Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRman Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Just for reference and comparison purposes, here are a couple of photos of the real thing in green, from August 2005. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevelewis Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Well I am sorely tempted, that is if there are any left to buy!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted August 4, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 4, 2014 Oh no I mustn't, oh no I mustn't, oh no I mustn't (which does not mean I don't like it). Just as well I didn't go there when I was in Aus - because then it would be even harder to resist. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ngtrains.com Posted August 4, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 4, 2014 I have all versions of the black in stock and when I get home (currently driving Fairlie's for two weeks in North Wales) I will be finalising a re-order for the Maroon and Green ones which should be here by the end of the month. Also when I get home I must get on with the sound installs on the 20+ now waiting Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium DLT Posted August 5, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 5, 2014 Oh no I mustn't, oh no I mustn't, oh no I mustn't (which does not mean I don't like it). Just as well I didn't go there when I was in Aus - because then it would be even harder to resist. Go on, go on,another narrow gauge convert ? ? ? Dave/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Budd Posted August 5, 2014 Share Posted August 5, 2014 Oh no I mustn't, oh no I mustn't, oh no I mustn't (which does not mean I don't like it). Just as well I didn't go there when I was in Aus - because then it would be even harder to resist. I did go there when we were in Aus. 5 years ago and had a cab ride on 6A so it made it impossible to resist! Arthur Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium DLT Posted August 5, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 5, 2014 I did go there when we were in Aus. 5 years ago and had a cab ride on 6A so it made it impossible to resist! Arthur Hi Arthur, Long time no see/hear, how are you? Hows the modelling? All the best, Dave. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Budd Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 Hi Arthur, Long time no see/hear, how are you? Hows the modelling? All the best, Dave. Hi David Good to hear from you. I'm still working (very slowly) on both my 7mm NG layout Wigmore and the P4 layout Wigmore Road Sidings but I'm afraid most of my spare time is now taken up with archery and chairing my club, the Bracken Company of Archers. I discovered archery back in 2011 just after I finished a course of radiotherapy for prostate cancer. I needed something to lift me both mentally and physically and although modelling played it's part, it wasn't enough. I took a beginners archery course and was immediately hooked on the sport. One thing led to another and now I'm not only Chairman but also the editor of our monthly newsletter which recently won the award for best Regional, County or Club Newsletter in the UK. So even though I've been retired for 10 years now I seem to be busier than ever. Hopefully this winter will allow me to complete the trackwork on Wigmore and then consider some scenic work. I will post on here when I have something new to show. In the mean time the Puffing Billy loco will provide an alternative source of motive power to the W&L loco featured on your layout thread. I've a rake of Ashover coaches to build which I think will look very good behind it. Sorry to have hijacked the thread! Regards Arthur Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevelewis Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 My Na has just been delivered!! Not opened the parcel yet, will report in later Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevelewis Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 I have just unpacked the loco from its box, ( very well packed in what appears to be today's norm of plastic shaped loco holding packing within a plastic sleeve in a very stout cardboard outer box, those who are familiar with Heljans cardboard outer boxes will know the quality) I have given the loco a quick test on analogue power on a yard of track I plonked down on our H0e layout (very much work in progress there!!) it ran very smoothly and crawled brilliantly, the lights illuminate at full brightness at very low voltage, I was impressed at the amount of 'run on' the loco has due to the fly wheel when the power is suddenly switched off A rough pic attached any of the bits & pieces in the pic are nothing to do with the Na loco !!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ngtrains.com Posted August 14, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 14, 2014 Tips..... Do fit the bullet weights in the domes. It improves the running even more Running improves with some running in plus I think it polished the blackened tryes a bit If you glue the tank strap on only glue to the boiler and not the tanks or you can't subsequently open the loco up Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold roundhouse Posted August 14, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 14, 2014 Oh no I mustn't, oh no I mustn't, oh no I mustn't (which does not mean I don't like it). Just as well I didn't go there when I was in Aus - because then it would be even harder to resist. The problem for me is that I have!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevelewis Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 The problem for me is that I have!! Go on! You know it makes sense!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold roundhouse Posted August 14, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 14, 2014 Go on! You know it makes sense!! How easy is does it look to fit a decoder, sound or non sound? My biggest problem is that I don't have a On30 layout although I do know soemwhere I can run one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold ngtrains.com Posted August 14, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 14, 2014 How easy is does it look to fit a decoder, sound or non sound? Decoder - Easy peazy Sound Decoder - Two ways to go. Easy but the wrong end goes chuff or a bit more work and the right end goes chuff and includes keep alive. The model is designed to have the speaker in the bunker and has wired to it for this although you do have to solder the speaker in and also make soldered connections in the boiler. The installation I offer takes a bit more rewiring and has a speaker in the smokebox with a keep alive unit in the bunker. I install am ESU decoder with genuine NA class sounds. The only downside to the conversion I offer is there is a bit of a queue at the moment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
flexible_coupling Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 I've only ventured to a few spots along the Puffing Billy railway (not to be pedantic, but to correct Andy in the leading post, Belgrave and the line emanating out into the bush to Gembrook is to the south-east of the main metropolitan area of Melbourne), but the scenery alone is truly spectacular and an absolute must-see for anyone planning a holiday to Australia. I took a short video of a shunting movement while there last year; the quality isn't brilliant but the wheel-slip and effort from 8A certainly makes up for it! On the same day, Garratt G42 was in service as well which made for a pleasant surprise - it took off just as we arrived in the car sadly so I wasn't able to get very good pictures of it. I'm really tempted by the prospect of modelling the PBR in some way/shape/form - especially as a great kit for the Queensland Railways DH-class diesel loco exists (which was re-gauged to 2'6" from QLD's native 3'6" to be used as motive power on fire-ban days). If EDM Models comes through with their proposed Garratt kit.... well... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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