Accucraft January News

A belated happy new year to our readers!  We have held up the January newsletter in order to cover the release of the new Accucraft (US) Chinese ‘QJ’ Class 2-10-2 at Diamondhead as well as bringing you footage of ‘Mannin’ under test in North Wales.

Gauge 1, 1:32 Scale, Chinese Railways ‘QJ’ Class 2-10-2

The QJ (a derivation of the Soviet LV class) was the last Chinese steam design to go into production and was the most numerous steam class to run in China. The first prototypes were introduced in 1956. Eventually more than 4,700 QJs were constructed, the majority between 1964 and 1988. Initially the locos were designated HP class, Heiping, meaning ‘peace’. Later the locos were changed to FD class, before becoming the QJ class in 1971.

The QJ class 2-10-2s were the primary mainline freight locomotive on the Chinese rail network, and also used on heavy passenger trains. Their displacement by diesel locomotives began during the 1990s. Some were then used on industrial lines, also on the Jitong Railway located in Inner Mongolia. A few QJs remained in minor use until 2003 when they were finally withdrawn.

After withdrawal from active service, three Chinese QJ class locomotives were imported to the United States. QJ class #6988 and #7081, both last used on the Jitong Railway, are currently owned by the Iowa Interstate Railroad. IAIS #6988 was “Americanized” in time for use at Train Festival 2011, which took place at Rock Island, Illinois. IAIS #7081 still retains much of its Chinese appearance, except for specific mandatory changes as required by U.S. law and safety requirements. The modifications included additional hand rails and installing a bell.  The third QJ-class that came to the U.S., former #7040, is owned by R.J. Corman Railroad. The #7040 has been heavily modified, including removal of the distinctive “elephant ear” smoke lifters, and renumbered to #2008.  The three U.S. based QJ-class locomotives can be found in regular excursion service.

The models will, as ever, be built to Accucraft’s high standards using brass, copper and stainless steel.  The UK RRP will be £4395.00 for the butane-fired versions, £4795.00 for the alcohol-fired ones.  Due for release later this year.

Specifications:
Scale / Gauge: 1:32 / 45 mm
Construction: Brass & stainless steel
Mini. Radius: 10 ft. (3 M)

Features:
60 psi working pressure
Pressure gauge
Water sight glass
Lubricator
Axle water pump with bypass valve
Hand water pump

Versions available:
AL97-531 – IOWA INTERSTATE QJ-CLASS 2-10-2 #7081, BUTANE FIRED
AL97-532 – CHINESE QJ-CLASS 2-10-2 #6506, BUTANE FIRED
AL97-535 – IOWA INTERSTATE QJ-CLASS 2-10-2 #7081, ALCOHOL FIRED
AL97-536 – CHINESE QJ-CLASS 2-10-2 #6506, ALCOHOL FIRED
AL97-537 – IOWA INTERSTATE QJ-CLASS 2-10-2 #7081, COAL FIRED
AL97-538 – CHINESE QJ-CLASS 2-10-2 #6506, COAL FIRED

‘Mannin’ – the movie!

Through the good offices of Dave Mees we can share some video footage of the engineering sample of ‘Mannin’ being put through its paces (in less than perfect weather!).

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