News from MMW
We have heard from Mark, that he now has DQ & QR mesh available. At the time of writing this, it’s not listed on his website yet. But you can drop him a message about it here. Mark's Model Works – New Zealand Railway Models in Etched brass
He will also be at the Wellington train show (RailEx) if you if you want to catch up with him there.
On the Website
For those of you that have relatives asking you what you want for that upcoming birthday or Xmas, there is the gift card. Its better than getting socks. The gift card comes in several denomination’s, and in a price bracket to suit all occasions.
The YouTube channel.
Currently being posted on the YouTube channel is the digital instructions for the DFT/B . Those of you that have been following along, seem to be enjoying the digital instructions. There have also been some good questions too.
If there is something that would be interested in seeing let us know. We will see if we can do it. We already have a bit of a list going.
GM DFT/B
The GM DFT/B is complete. We are really proud of this kit, it has been a long road to get it done. We released it at the CHCH train show.
The eagle eyed of you will see it on the website, but out of stock. That’s because, We took all of the first batch to the show and sold out of them. It was well received by all who got to see it in person. We had a bit of R&R after the show. But at the time of writing this, we have already ordered more stock.
If you would like to see what the kit consists of see our unboxing video https://youtu.be/T_nKOfYfdlc
Need a hand picking a kit? See our journal article Fruit, Bee’s, & Flightless birds - Loco colour schemes — VCC Models
The Kit comes in 4 variants:
DFT phase 1 - numbers 7117 - 7335
DFT phase 2 - numbers 7008 - 7104
The DFT kit is as built (1992) so DOES not include ditch lights & GPS fittings.
DFB North Island - This kit includes all the passenger mods
DFB South Island - This kit does not include the passenger mods
DFB’s have ditch lights & GPS fittings included
Not included optional details are couplers, Decals, Cow catcher clutter (includes side chains) & number boards.
Note: Cabs, all the kits come with cabs as-built for that sub class. these can be swapped out on request for: as-built side windows with the kidney window or the DFB style cab.
Not a train show – Matariki Woodville model building weekend - dates June 25 - 27. 2027
We have put our model building weekend up for registration on the website, nice and early so you can plan travel and accom. This weekend also helps out the Woodville station trust.
The details are on the website booking, but the abbreviated details are: Morning tea, Lunch, and happy hour beers provided. It’s the same price as last year $75.00.
We look forward to catching up with those that are looking to attend.
Train Shows
Christchurch Train Show - debrief
We made it this year! and wow did we miss being down that way at the show. We had a blast, catching up with everyone. It was quite a busy weekend. so much so, we nearly lost our voices we talked so much.
Thank you to the show organizers for putting on another good one, set up and pack down was really easy.
A special thank you, to our good friends Rhys & Jane. Thank you again for your help
You can see some of it and our debrief on our youtube channel here https://youtu.be/14-ANZnZiTc
Wellington Train Show - RailEx
This one is coming up in couple of weeks. It’s always been a good one to be at & one that people travel far and wide for. We will be there if you are planning to come to it, stop by and say hi. Our good friends from Southdock will also be at the show. So, if you are after something from them, it’s a good opportunity to get it without the postage. see there range here SOUTH DOCK – NZR Model Railway Kits Sn3.5 Scale
The dates for the show are 21st - 22nd of November. All other details can be found here RailEx Wellington
From the research department - Fun fact
When the railways were changing from pre-TMS to the TMS numbering system. The TMS numbers were yellow on a black backgound, it was only in the mid to late 1980’s that the wagons got black numbers on a yellow backgound! In 2026 the railways have gone back to the yellow numbers on the flat deck wagons.
The LC TMS decals, which will be released in the next 4 weeks will have the option of either yellow or black numbers.
Wagons with Yellow TMS numbers, photo taken 1980.
On the workshop bench
At the time of this newsletter, we have completed the drawings for the GM DF & are waiting for masters ect to turn up. It will be the same design intent as the DFT/B. We are hoping to have it ready for you all in January & the kit will be $710.
We have also made progress on the TBC container. We are currently waiting for the first etches and master’s to turn up. Fingers crossed we will have it ready for you in January. It will also come with decals. upon the successful completion of the TBC we will be able to look at a range of curtainside containers.
DJ. since being back home after CHCH. We have also started full time on the DJ kit. The first cab prototype needed some corrections. Those edits have been done & ready to be sent off of round 2 of prototyping. Work has also started on the head stocks & bogies. We are hoping that progress will be swift & we will update you in the March edition of the news.
On completion of the DJ, our plan is still to do the DX class. Starting with the DXC & a Kit for 5310.
We have also decided to produce a UK kit to go with the TBC. At some point, we have great plans to produce the FE log wagon & the ZXF.
That’s it for this one Folks !!!
Thanks for your Support
