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Post by packer on Oct 26, 2020 4:03:42 GMT -8
Profit in business is a good thing, and I'm for it. The molds for the U boats aren't gone. Hornby would probably be happy to make more after they make more: Profit. Someday. Meanwhile, these were available dirt cheap on Ebay, back in the olden days. I even got a couple of "extras". I love 'em. Well, I do wish the BN green was a bit less BRIGHT. Ed My two I wish the black was a bit darker (it's kind dark grey, might lend it self well to weathering) and the BN green is too dark). They run and pull well though.
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Post by middledivision on Oct 26, 2020 7:12:59 GMT -8
I scored two PRR U25's with Loksound for under $90 each. They do run well, pull well and sound great.
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Post by jbilbrey on Nov 1, 2020 7:41:03 GMT -8
Aurora has posted photos of a Chinese Railways DF5 switcher on their FB page over the weekend. I can't/won't comment on the accuracy of the model. However, some of the details, especially around the trucks, look nice. However, there are some mold seams that will need to be cleaned up.
IF the SD60F is as nice as this model, runs as well as it looks, and is dimensionally accurate, then I think a lot of modelers will be extremely happy.
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Post by 12bridge on Nov 1, 2020 8:12:44 GMT -8
Mold seams seems to be an issue that is I dare say plaguing the hobby/industry right now. Some worse then others.
An interesting note that a friend caught - Last week I posted some photos of the fancy container from Portugal. Its the same one being sold by these guys..
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Post by es80ac on Nov 1, 2020 8:23:04 GMT -8
Aurora has posted photos of a Chinese Railways DF5 switcher on their FB page over the weekend. I can't/won't comment on the accuracy of the model. However, some of the details, especially around the trucks, look nice. However, there are some mold seams that will need to be cleaned up. IF the SD60F is as nice as this model, runs as well as it looks, and is dimensionally accurate, then I think a lot of modelers will be extremely happy. The details is on par with some of the recent release from other Chinese manufacturers. The only drawback in my eyes are the wheel flanges are a tad too deep.
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Post by fcixdarrell on Nov 2, 2020 6:43:30 GMT -8
Mold seams seems to be an issue that is I dare say plaguing the hobby/industry right now. Some worse then others. An interesting note that a friend caught - Last week I posted some photos of the fancy container from Portugal. Its the same one being sold by these guys.. They do appear to be from the same data set, however the Portuguese gentleman said he'd found an error in his design prior to tooling and the error he corrected shows up on the Aurora version. He shopped the data set around looking for a factory. Oops.
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Post by keystonefarm on Nov 2, 2020 22:02:23 GMT -8
Aurora has posted photos of a Chinese Railways DF5 switcher on their FB page over the weekend. I can't/won't comment on the accuracy of the model. However, some of the details, especially around the trucks, look nice. However, there are some mold seams that will need to be cleaned up. IF the SD60F is as nice as this model, runs as well as it looks, and is dimensionally accurate, then I think a lot of modelers will be extremely happy. The details is on par with some of the recent release from other Chinese manufacturers. The only drawback in my eyes are the wheel flanges are a tad too deep. Just saw a release of some additional 3d renderings of the new SD60F on the PWRS site . Looks like it will have powered radiator fans. -- Ken
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Post by fr8kar on Nov 2, 2020 23:18:38 GMT -8
Mold seams seems to be an issue that is I dare say plaguing the hobby/industry right now. Some worse then others. An interesting note that a friend caught - Last week I posted some photos of the fancy container from Portugal. Its the same one being sold by these guys.. They do appear to be from the same data set, however the Portuguese gentleman said he'd found an error in his design prior to tooling and the error he corrected shows up on the Aurora version. He shopped the data set around looking for a factory. Oops. I suppose it's pretty easy to keep your costs down if you don't have to fool around with research and design. Just let some poor unsuspecting potential client do all the work for you, cut them loose and voila! Profit!
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Post by mdvle on Nov 12, 2020 8:08:39 GMT -8
I see the Modeler's Life Podcast will be having an episode in the future dealing with this manufacturer and the SD60F and an interview with Ben Wang of Aurora
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Post by sd40dash2 on Nov 13, 2020 16:19:01 GMT -8
^ Someone needs to ask Ben Wang WHY he is trying so hard to hide the name and location of this company. Who is Ben Wang? How about some accountability in case things go wrong. Who will provide warranty repairs and service? WHERE are they located if there's some sort of payment dispute? Need answers, not speculation and guessing, and those answers need to be posted plainly on their website for all to see, just like any reputable company does. Don't put aside logic just because something 'fits your era' or will work on your layout.
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Post by auroraminiatures on Nov 13, 2020 17:33:33 GMT -8
^ Someone needs to ask Ben Wang WHY he is trying so hard to hide the name and location of this company. Who is Ben Wang? How about some accountability in case things go wrong. Who will provide warranty repairs and service? WHERE are they located if there's some sort of payment dispute? Need answers, not speculation and guessing, and those answers need to be posted plainly on their website for all to see, just like any reputable company does. Don't put aside logic just because something 'fits your era' or will work on your layout. The business is registered in Toronto, ON, Canada. We're not shipping any products for the North American market until early/mid-2021 so for the time being, there is no need for a company warehouse and office. When the time comes to have a physical location set up, this information will be made available. Email is the best way to reach me, as I am still working full time while kicking off the model manufacturing business in my spare time. There's no point in posting a phone number if nobody is available to answer the phone during business hours. I'll admit, ranting on a public forum is a good way to get my attention as well. For the first phase of the business I will pretty much handle service and repairs. I have 10+ years experience doing HO & N scale locomotive repairs, DCC installs and custom lighting & sound electronics. Our products are also designed with the end user in mind so that they are easy to service if needed. I have seen a wide array of awful designs and quality issues from other importers in the past, so I am doing everything I can to avoid these issues from happening on our own products. If things do go wrong, the product is designed to make servicing, whether warranty or not, as painless as possible. I will stand behind our products 100%. Our manufacturing projects are fully funded. For the time being we are only accepting preorders from approved Canadian dealers, as US distribution is still being worked on. We do not ask dealers and end customers for a dime when they preorder the product. When the products arrive and are ready to ship, only then we ask for payment. Dealers may have their own policy on preorder deposits, which are out of my control. Ben Wang Aurora Miniatures
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Post by edwardsutorik on Nov 13, 2020 17:58:06 GMT -8
I'll admit, ranting on a public forum is a good way to get my attention as well. Ben Wang Aurora Miniatures Good to know. It doesn't work for everyone, you know. Ed PS: Good luck on the venture!
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Post by sd80mac on Nov 14, 2020 6:19:34 GMT -8
Ben, thank you for the response. Good luck on your endeavor! I will be watching the SD60F project with interest.
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Post by migalyto on Nov 14, 2020 7:54:00 GMT -8
Ben,
I'm also one who is going to watch this closely. Don't be a stranger, come on from time to time, and update us on the progress.
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Post by sp8234tim on Nov 14, 2020 19:57:58 GMT -8
Ben, I'm also one who is going to watch this closely. Don't be a stranger, come on from time to time, and update us on the progress. I 2nd this & thank you for coming on board. I am looking forward to your SD60f & containers. I had been trying to get PT Trains containers but yours can up right before I ordered some. Tim Hanesworth
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Post by bigblow69 on Nov 15, 2020 11:32:12 GMT -8
^ Someone needs to ask Ben Wang WHY he is trying so hard to hide the name and location of this company. Who is Ben Wang? How about some accountability in case things go wrong. Who will provide warranty repairs and service? WHERE are they located if there's some sort of payment dispute? Need answers, not speculation and guessing, and those answers need to be posted plainly on their website for all to see, just like any reputable company does. Don't put aside logic just because something 'fits your era' or will work on your layout. The business is registered in Toronto, ON, Canada. We're not shipping any products for the North American market until early/mid-2021 so for the time being, there is no need for a company warehouse and office. When the time comes to have a physical location set up, this information will be made available. Email is the best way to reach me, as I am still working full time while kicking off the model manufacturing business in my spare time. There's no point in posting a phone number if nobody is available to answer the phone during business hours. I'll admit, ranting on a public forum is a good way to get my attention as well. For the first phase of the business I will pretty much handle service and repairs. I have 10+ years experience doing HO & N scale locomotive repairs, DCC installs and custom lighting & sound electronics. Our products are also designed with the end user in mind so that they are easy to service if needed. I have seen a wide array of awful designs and quality issues from other importers in the past, so I am doing everything I can to avoid these issues from happening on our own products. If things do go wrong, the product is designed to make servicing, whether warranty or not, as painless as possible. I will stand behind our products 100%. Our manufacturing projects are fully funded. For the time being we are only accepting preorders from approved Canadian dealers, as US distribution is still being worked on. We do not ask dealers and end customers for a dime when they preorder the product. When the products arrive and are ready to ship, only then we ask for payment. Dealers may have their own policy on preorder deposits, which are out of my control. Ben Wang Aurora Miniatures Thank you for bringing the SD60F to market. Will be eagerly awaiting them.
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Post by auroraminiatures on Nov 16, 2020 18:53:57 GMT -8
Thanks guys for the well wishes! I'll keep you all updated on the SD60F progress.
-Ben
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Post by mdvle on Nov 30, 2020 7:09:16 GMT -8
The A Modelers Life podcast has now posted their interview with Ben Wang
It can be found on YouTube or most of the other podcast sources like iTunes
(for those who don't like the preamble Ben enters the conversation at 6m30s point)
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Post by riogrande on Nov 30, 2020 9:49:02 GMT -8
"Tooling is being cut, as we speak." From podcast ESU Loksound is planned to be used. Mid-late summer hoped for delivery, samples expect January.
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Post by sd40dash2 on Dec 1, 2020 4:57:37 GMT -8
The A Modelers Life podcast has now posted their interview with Ben Wang
It can be found on YouTube or most of the other podcast sources like iTunes
(for those who don't like the preamble Ben enters the conversation at 6m30s point)
I listened to this entire podcast and would like to apologize to Ben for my earlier tone and message. I have enjoyed several of the Drunk Bee youtube videos through the years and was always impressed by the creator's prototype knowledge. I never realized that was the principal behind Aurora. I was frustrated and couldn't connect the dots when I wrote my earlier message and had flashbacks to some previous bad experiences with anonymous websites in the hobby.
Anyone interested in these products and this company would be well served to listen to this podcast. Lots of great information about the impact of social media on our hobby and timelines for the containers and SD60F.
Best of luck with this venture. I am sure the products will be awesome.
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Post by auroraminiatures on Dec 2, 2020 18:25:51 GMT -8
Apology accepted, no worries! We have announced the 1st run of the 45' containers: auroraminiatures.com/product/ho-scale-45-hi-cube-dry-containers/We are mainly pressing to get the production slot so it is a very short notice. The order deadline is next week but not to worry if you don't preorder. We will make plenty of extras for those who decide that they want them at a later time. In addition a run of 40' containers will be announced early next year. Paint schemes will be mostly the same as the 45s and the ones from the previous release for Asia. SD60F is being tooled, timeline for the project is still good.
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Post by 12bridge on Dec 2, 2020 19:39:19 GMT -8
Can you comment on why your container design is identical to those produced by PT Trains?
Whats the thought process behind working fans? Something you will barely be able to see, not to mention, fans don't all come on at the same time. Looks like it should be a nice model though.
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Post by migalyto on Dec 2, 2020 19:42:08 GMT -8
Ben,
Containers look great! looking forward to seeing these hit the market. Will be picking up a couple of3 packs of the ONE containers
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Post by auroraminiatures on Dec 3, 2020 3:58:50 GMT -8
Can you comment on why your container design is identical to those produced by PT Trains? Whats the thought process behind working fans? Something you will barely be able to see, not to mention, fans don't all come on at the same time. Looks like it should be a nice model though. The Aurora container was originally designed in 2017, as a load for our Chinese intermodal flat cars and well cars which were in development at around the same time. The design was handled by one of the founding engineers who later went on to do the SD60F as well. The containers were originally only sold bundled with the rolling stock, we are only offering them separately because modellers in US/Canada have asked me over and over to bring them out here. I do not know much about PT's offering, looks like it showed up at some point last year. We have far more variations for the body and door ends than they have so I believe the two products have no relation. Our designer does not do any work outside of Aurora (he's way too busy designing our next locomotive and rolling stock). The operating rad fans is something we have researched and used on our Chinese locomotives already, so it was natural to apply it to the SD60F. This feature is extremely important on the Chinese loco because there are shutters on the roof that would only open up when blown on by the fans underneath, less so on the SD60F as it is purely spinning for visibility. I do know on the prototype the fans don't spin together, but it is simply not feasible to have each fan controlled separately on the model.
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Post by riogrande on Dec 3, 2020 4:34:23 GMT -8
I've seen overhead video's of loco's where you can see fans spinning. I wonder if one of the fans could somehow be disconnected if the hobbyist wanted to as sometimes you see a fan not spinning and others spinning as I assume thermostats control them independantly as needed.
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Post by jonklein611 on Dec 3, 2020 10:17:39 GMT -8
Sign me up if you're going to do any of the CRH passenger trains in the future!
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Post by Mark R. on Dec 24, 2020 9:03:53 GMT -8
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Post by thunderhawk on Dec 24, 2020 18:11:07 GMT -8
The truck detail is quite frankly insane on this Chinese prototype that they make. If the pic doesn't show up it's in this post. Don't need to be on FB to view business pages. I'm trying to figure out how the design works. Others have had individual gearboxes before, usually on brass, but there was a shaft between them that isn't present here.
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Post by edwardsutorik on Dec 24, 2020 21:12:52 GMT -8
I'm trying to figure out how the design works. Others have had individual gearboxes before, usually on brass, but there was a shaft between them that isn't present here. There's room above the flat plane of the plastic, as defined by the flat head screw. That's for the shaft, not the worm. Ed
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Post by nsfantodd on Dec 24, 2020 22:31:18 GMT -8
The truck detail is quite frankly insane on this Chinese prototype that they make. If the pic doesn't show up it's in this post. Don't need to be on FB to view business pages. I'm trying to figure out how the design works. Others have had individual gearboxes before, usually on brass, but there was a shaft between them that isn't present here. Locomotive truck detail is an area I would really like to see improvement in. Scaletrains and Genesis have very nice side frames, but they are mounted to a huge rectangular block which does not look anything like a prototype truck. Trucks are made of individual components and have a see through effect. This is an area manufacturers could push the envelope, and I would pay a premium for.
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