SDS Models 81 Class HO Locomotives | Talking Trains with Will James |

Published 26 February 2024
SDS Models 81 Class Locomotives:
shorturl.at/hDEQ4
The 81 class are a class of diesel locomotives built by Clyde Engineering, Kelso for the State Rail Authority.
Eighty 81 class locomotives were built by Clyde Engineering, Kelso between September 1982 and February 1986, to replace 1950s vintage 42 and 44 class locomotives as well as provide additional capacity. The first 42 were based at Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot to operate Hunter Valley coal trains, while the remaining 38 were mostly employed on the Main South line between Sydney and Albury, hauling both passenger and freight trains. The final 15 were equipped with V/Line radios and, from July 1986, operated through to Melbourne. The 81 class was an evolution of the Australian National AL class, and the V/Line G class and Australian National BL class were, in turn, developed from the 81 class.
In 1991, a further four units were built at Kelso, using many components from spares held.[3] Following the delivery of the 90 class in 1994, the Broadmeadow-based units were released to replace older locomotives on other freight duties. That saw their sphere of operation extended to Brisbane and Broken Hill.
In the mid-1990s, some of the later locomotives were leased to National Rail. They were later exchanged for 13 of the earlier locomotives which were permanently transferred to National Rail for use around Australia as high-powered shunters. All were reunited when National Rail and FreightCorp were both sold to form Pacific National in February 2002.
In February 1999, 81s began operating in South Australia, when FreightCorp won a contract to haul brown coal on the Leigh Creek to Stirling North line from Leigh Creek to the Northern Power Station in Port Augusta.
As of February 2013, Pacific National operated 83, primarily in New South Wales. 8147 was written off following a derailment and fire near Forbes on 11 March 2007.
From SDS Models
"Meticulous research, meticulous design and precise livery application. Our model is an extremely accurate representation of the SRA 81 class diesel electric locomotive, scale fidelity at its finest.
Our models are factory fitted with an 21 pin board with either a DC plug or a ESU DCC sound decoder featuring locally recorded and developed Profound Sound.
We have designed 4 distinct body types, these represent design changes covering all periods of service and colour schemes. The models feature a common design DCC motherboard allowing for lighting control of headlights, illuminated number boxes, white and red marker lights and ditch lights."
Model Features:
Highly detailed Ready-to-Run HO scale model
Precisely tooled plastic body (ABS)
Diecast metal chassis with dual sound enclosure
4 car body styles tooled representing all livery applications
Genuine Kadee scale head whisker coupler
Blackened semi scale metal wheels
Separately applied metal detail parts
Stainless steel handrails and plastic brake piping
Brass Horns
Highly detailed bogie frames and separately applied brake parts.
5-Pole skew wound electric motor and dual flywheels
All wheel drive and electrical pickup
LED headlights, marker lights, number boxes and ditch lights
Separately applied air hoses
Detailed cab interior
Factory painted and decorated, 13 liveries available
Custom numbering option
Standard with 21 pin mother board
18” Minimum radius recommended
More information: en.wikipedia.o....
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[@davidksuter8734]

Good to see you plugging the model trains. Keep it up.

[@HearnsHobbiesMelbourne]

Glad you enjoy it! More to come!

[@needlejuse1113]

Awesome👍

[@HearnsHobbiesMelbourne]

Thanks 🤗

[@michaelimpey1407]

Will, great review, thank you.
Only complaint I have is: no crew in the cab. Maybe future SDS models will include the crew.
Keep the reviews coming, cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@HearnsHobbiesMelbourne]

Thank you for watching and your feedback!