HO scale NSW 81 Class

[jjb1970]

I've always had a soft spot for the NSW 81 Class (well, by always I mean since about 1990), I have an old Powerline model but it is very basic (think early 80's Lima) but I'd love a nice one. Given the proliferation of excellent Australian HO models in recent years could anybody recommend a good model of the 81 Class please? Many thanks.

[Craigw]

I would hold off a little while. Austrains released one a while back that has some accuracy issues. SDS have one in the works that is due reasonably soon and should be a better model. SDS are on Facebook if you reside there and also have a website.

 

http://www.sdsmodels.com.au/

 

Regards,

 

Craig W

[jjb1970]

Thanks for that! Looks like it'll be a great model and they're doing the original livery version which is the one I want.

[Craigw]

Thanks for that! Looks like it'll be a great model and they're doing the original livery version which is the one I want.

 

From memory, the Austrains version incorporates some later changes and does not represent them in earlier condition. I remember them when they were entering service on the Illawarra coal workings in 1983. Quite a change from the 48 class that were common place up until that time!

 

Regards,

 

Craig w

[jjb1970]

I find the 81 class to be a very good looking design and like the liveries they've carried. I like quite a few Australian designs, some of them are clearly Australianised derivatives of North American base locomotive platforms (nothing wrong with that) but I do like the Australian designs.