NZ pics

[Ryan_McC]

Hi guys

I have just got back from NZ last weekend and have made some enginesounds for the wonderful Wellington EMU's, created by Fender a while ago - both classes, motor and trailer cars.

I have used the technique for electric sounds in the TC CCC (not based on notches). If anyone wants to test them, PM me. They're a test, and if people deem them good enough (near enough is good enough), I'll try to put them on the DLS.

Ryan

 

[Fender849]

Hi guys

I have just got back from NZ last weekend and have made some enginesounds for the wonderful Wellington EMU's, created by Fender a while ago - both classes, motor and trailer cars.

I have used the technique for electric sounds in the TC CCC (not based on notches). If anyone wants to test them, PM me. They're a test, and if people deem them good enough (near enough is good enough), I'll try to put them on the DLS.

Ryan

Hi Ryan,
I trust your trip to N.Z. was enjoyable and without incident. I will be in touch regards the Eng sounds. No doubt you are ultra keen to get back into Trainz and your route-build.
Cheers,
Fender

 

[Ryan_McC]

I've been busy updating the Wellington area after my observations of late, so not much driving lately.

Ryan

 

[kingstonflyer]

Look'n good Ryan.

Andrew.

 

[Ryan_McC]

Toast Martinborough Train

Morning all

This morning, as in past years, there were a few extra trains to the Wairarapa, mainly consisting of 8 car Ganz sets hauled by a diesel. We see one here departing Wellington

The weather got a bit worse by the time we got to the Silverstream bridge

By the time Upper Hutt was reached (we were following an all stopper), the weather had turned terrible...

...this would mean a slow climb to Maymorn as the DC struggled to find its feet with 8 cars full of passengers as well as all the underfloor equipment. Seen just around the corner from the previous shot, at the 33kp

Ryan

 

[Fender849]

Wellington "Wind" train

I still have these under developement, but here trailling a 4 x car Matangi train on the Johnsonville line. They fit through the tunnels O.K. and havn't managed to scratch any paint yet.
Cheers, Fender

 

[Bill69]

Great looking units Fender as always. Looking forward to being able to download them. I will have to watch sirgibby's site on a regular basis.

Cheers,
Bill69

 

[Ryan_McC]

WOW! The un-seeable (at least it was for me - 1 sighting only while I was there) Matangi. Exciting!

 

[nzld]

Will you be doing a version of the Matangi units with SG trucks or NZR gauge only?

Gordon

 

[nzms]

Looking good Fender!!
Look foward to running a couple out to Plimmerton!

 

[Fender849]

Will you be doing a version of the Matangi units with SG trucks or NZR gauge only?

Gordon

Hi Gordon,
I am trying to create all my models now for NZR 3ft.6", but if the demand is there, I may do these in S.G.

Thanks to others for responses.
Cheers, Fender

 

[nzld]

No worries Fender, units look sweet keep up the great work

Gordon

 

[Ryan_McC]

Just one pic today, as I have started the build to Featherston.

It's 1976 (if that guy's suit is anything to go by...) and an 88-seater waits to depart Upper Hutt for Woodville & Palmerston North

 

[Ryan_McC]

Upper Hutt - Featherston

Morning all

With the begining of the very end for the EE units starting on Thursday, with the first Matangi due to enter service, the news isn't all bad for the southern North Island rail scene. The line from Upper Hutt to Featherston opened this morning. The first train was a 7 car SW set pulled by DC4191, seen here climbing past Maoribank

It was tough work for the little DC, I was still doing about 45kph here.

On the approach to Maymorn, we see the Rimutaka Incline group's yard, with several old carriages stored. They've aquired some Northerner cars!

Stopped at Maymorn. Still a nice little station, even if some character has been taken away with the shelter fire a couple of years ago

Entering the Rimutaka Tunnel, all 8798m of it

The time I took in the tunnel from a standing start at Maymorn with a struggling DC was 7 min 3 secs. Out the other side, we pass the site of Rimutaka loop, along with Maymorn loop, lifted about 20 or so years ago.

Heading down the Wairarapa side of the Rimutakas

Speeding across Speedy's Crossing

Flying across one of the 5 level crossings in Featherston township. The station is at the northern end of town

Quickly pulling to a stop at Featherston

Here we are

Ryan

 

[Fender849]

It looks like you have been very busy, Ryan. Some great shots there. Speedy's crossing was where the old line used to branch off up to Cross Creek - the old Fell Rimutaka Incline. Keep up the good work.
Cheers, Fender

 

[Kiwi_Rail]

Wow.

i keep trying of something else to say but i really cant.

 

[Bill69]

Hi Ryan,

Great work there, particularly the first screenie of the train passing behind Maoribank. That embankment gave us quite a bit of a problem when we first moved there. Water off the hill to the left used to bank up behind the embankment and only had a small culvert to pass through, as a result it came through at such a rate that it overflowed the drain on the residential side and flooded most of the backyards.
Speedy's crossing is terrific and Featherston looks very convincing too.

Cheers,
Bill69

 

[Fender849]

KiwiRail DL Loco

It has been said the new DL loco"s are ugly. I agree. I think the area of concern is the front windows. I have grafted a Maxx SD windscreen onto my DL model. I may release both models; DLU ( U = ugly ) and DLW (W = windscreen ). Any thoughts or comments please.
Cheers, Fender

 

[nzms]

It has been said the new DL loco"s are ugly. I agree. I think the area of concern is the front windows. I have grafted a Maxx SD windscreen onto my DL model. I may release both models; DLU ( U = ugly ) and DLW (W = windscreen ). Any thoughts or comments please.
Cheers, Fender

Hello Fender,
I think both versions would have their merit.
If you had a route that you wanted to be as realistic as possible you could use the DLU, but if you wanted a more "visually appealing" model you could use the DLW.

However, My personal opinon is I would prefer the DLU as I actually like the look of the locos (ducks for cover :hehe.

Cheers,
nzms

 

[b9k9kiwi]

It has been said the new DL loco"s are ugly. I agree.

I quite like the dogbone style of locomotive design. I would appreciate your making your model available.

What is 'ugly' about the NZ DL purchase is that there are is a perfectly good, tried and tested Japanese loco available (the Kawasaki DF200 - versions available on the DLS incidentally) with a far better maintenance profile than the Chinese DL.

Everyone is sucking up to the Chinese these days because China is such a fast-growing growing export market - especially for primary produce. As well as this, Japan hasn't helped itself with its continued insistence on hunting whales which offends public sentiment in NZ.