Price: $295 (Australian) for HO or HOn3 version
Manufacturer
Wuiske Models
PO Box 131
Jandowae, QLD Australia 4410
www.wuiskemodels.com
Era: early 1970s to 2000s
Comments: A freight locomotive that served on Australia’s Queensland Rys. is available from Wuiske Models in
HO scale standard gauge and HOn3 versions. The model’s 1,500 hp prototype is one of 27 1550-class diesel-electric locomotives built by Clyde Engineering, Eagle Farm, and delivered to QR in 1972.
The molded detail on the plastic body shell matches prototype photos and includes see-through grills and flexible plastic handrails.
The model is available in paint schemes that represent the prototypes throughout their careers. Our sample is accurately decorated for no. 1574H as it looked in the 1990s.
Most of the model’s 9.1-ounce weight is from its die-cast metal frame and dual brass flywheel-equipped motor. All axles are powered and all wheels pick up current.
The main printed-circuit (PC) board is atop the mechanism with wires running to light-emitting diodes at each end of the body shell. The amber colored LED headlights operate according to the locomotive direction.
Converting the model to Digital Command Control involves replacing the dummy plug in the PC board’s socket with an 8-pin DCC decoder. A user-installed ESU LokSound decoder and speaker set is also available separately for $140 (Australian).
On our test track the model crept along at 1 scale mph at 1V and accelerated smoothly to 45 scale mph at 12V.
The model’s 1.7 ounce drawbar pull is equivalent to 24 HO scale freight cars on straight and level track. Our sample has metal Kadee-compatible knuckle couplers mounted at the correct height.
All the model’s metal wheels are in gauge per National Model Railroad Association standards. The locomotive easily negotiated 18″ radius curves.
Those modeling Australian railroads during the diesel era will definitely want to check out the Wuiske Models 1550 class diesel.
