Welcome Page

Welcome to the website of Ixion Model Railways Ltd, manufacturers of fine scale models in N and O scales. Please scroll down the page for current and recent news items

UPDATE 1 - January 24th 2012 - MANNING WARDLE NOW SELLING!

The 7mm brass Manning Wardle 'H' Class 0-4-0ST (NSWGR No 1021) is now on sale.

The production run is underway in China, and the factory has promised a delivery date of March 15.

The loco is available in both lined blue (Australian customers receive decals for 1021 and the 'Cardiff' tankside name)

and unlined black (Australian customers are supplied with decals for the 1021 numbers on cabside and buffer beam).

Pre-delivery sales are now open, and the loco is selling fast at a fixed price of £425, plus postage where applicable.

Please click HERE or on the 'BUY ONLINE' tab above to make your purchase.

Don't delay, as these delightful little locos are selling fast, and prompt action will be required to secure your preferred livery.

UPDATE 2 - January 24th 2012

The ready-to-run (RTR) 7mm Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST has progressed to a first painted sample.

Following evaluation of feedback from customers and retailers, we have decided to replace the lined blue livery

with unlined black. The white/black/white lining will now appear on the green livery, as shown here.

Samples of the black and maroon liveries (also shown below) should be available after Chinese New Year, and the

production run will commence in late February. We anticipate delivery in late March/early April.

Click here for larger versions of these four images.

We are also retooling the saddle tank and bunker to remove the join lines seen in the photos, and in the drawings below.

This will delay production slightly, but is part of our drive to produce the first - and the best - RTR injection-moulded steam loco for 7mm modellers.

UPDATE - December 12th 2011

NEW PHOTOS - 7MM MANNING WARDLE 2ND DECORATION SAMPLE

These photos show the second painted sample of our brass 'H' Class manning Wardle, received this week from the factory.

With only minor corrections remaining, we expect to give the okayfor the production run within a fortnight.

Check back soon for further news.

UPDATE - December 3rd 2011

FIRST PHOTOS - 7MM HUDSWELL CLARKE 1st EP, PLUS On30 COFFEE POT CONVERSIONS

Photos courtesy Chris Nevard/Model Rail. Larger images can be found here.

1. FIRST HUDSWELL CLARKE EP PHOTOS

We have received the first Engineering Prototype (EP) of the 7mm scale Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 saddle tank. An EP consists of first test shots from the tooling moulds, fitted to a running chassis. This model has been assessed by our Technical Director, and was then sent to Britain. It was displayed at the National Model Railway Exhibition at Warley, to universal acclaim. It was photographed by all four major UK model railway magazines, and you can expect to read more about it in their next issues.

There are a few corrections being made to to this model - cab steps and tank handrails, for example - but we expect that the next delivery from the factory will be fully painted decoration samples, and these are due before Christmas. Photos will be posted of these as soon as we receive them. In the meantime, these photos, taken at Warley and kindly provided by Chris Nevard and Model Rail Magazine, will whet your appetite.

Final pricing is still being determined, but it will be less than £300!

2. COFFEE POT CONVERSION KITS - IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY

Ixion's friend and supporter Paul Martin of EDM Models in the UK has stock for immediate delivery of the much sought-after wooden On30 Mount Blue Coffee Pot cab conversion kits. Paul writes:

"I have plenty of the Mount Blue cab kits available to suit the Coffee Pot No 2, and development work is in progress on the cab kit for the Type 1. Mine are here: http://www.ngtrains.com/Pages/Ixion/Ixion.html."

Paul has also sent us photos of a Coffee pot he has repainted for a customer. He reports "The customer wanted just the respraying, and is doing the detailing, decals and weathering himself. I enjoyed doing it, and all who saw it at our open day thought it an attractive variation on the standard colours. I have been inspired by it and am currently doing my type 2 into a two colour scheme but I will finish this one off completely. If anyone wanted a single colour scheme paint job like the green one I could do that for £75 plus VAT; a two colour scheme would be £100 plus VAT, or custom options can be discussed."

EDM's contact details are:

Paul Martin

EDM models

19 Briar Avenue, Acomb

York YO26 5BX, UK

paul@ngtrains.com

www.ngtrains.com

UPDATE - November 17th 2011

PRESS RELEASE/NOTICE FROM IXION MODEL RAILWAYS LTD - SALE OF OUR MANOR TOOLING

1. SALE OF OUR 'MANOR' TOOLING

Ixion Model Railways wishes to announce that it has sold the tooling, stocks and future production rights for our N gauge 'GWR/BR 'Manor' locomotive to Dapol Ltd.

All sales of current and future Manor models will be in the new Dapol branding.

It should be noted that Dapol Ltd has assumed all responsibility for warranty issues on all Ixion branded Manor locomotives.

2. FORTH-COMING MODELS

Ixion Models is now finalising production of its next two models, which are both 7mm scale O gauge industrial locomotives.

The first, an H Class Manning Wardle 0-4-0ST is a limited-run, hand built and painted RTR brass model.

The second, the Hudswell Clarke 13x20in 0-6-0ST standard contractor's tank, will be the best value RTR steam engine yet seen in the British O gauge market.

Delivery of both models is expected around New Year.

Both the painted pilot model of the Manning Wardle, and the first complete, running engineering prototype of the Hudswell Clarke will be available for inspection at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition.

For further information, please contact Ixion Model Railways. Our phone and mail contact details in Australia, and the UK, can be found on out website: www.ixionmodels.com, or email info@ixionmodels.com.

Phil Badger, Chris Klein and Lindsay O'Reilly

Directors,

Ixion Model Railways Ltd

UPDATE - October 4th 2011

Ixion has received the first painted sample of the 7mm model of NSWGR No.1021 "Cardiff", an 'H' Class Manning Wardle.

There are still corrections to be made, but this model gives a good first indication of how the lined blue livery will look. The name and number will not appear on the production models, but will be included as a decal (transfer) for application by the purchaser if desired. The model runs smoothly and almost silently out of the box, and we are very pleased with this stage of its development.

The model will now be forwarded to our UK director Chris Klein, and will be available for viewing at selected British exhibitions.

Ixion would like to thank the builders of the new 7mm scale New South Wales prototype exhibition layout "Arakoola" for allowing us to use it as the setting for these photos.

UPDATE - August 28th 2011

Ixion has signed off on the three liveries for the 7mm scale Hudswell Clarke saddle tank.

These images are from the detailed artwork, and the arrows refer to colours of the various moulded and painted parts.

Earlier updates - August 20th

Ixion has sent the corrections of the first pilot model of the 7mm scale 'H' Class Manning Wardle locomotive to the factory, and now await the painted sample of the lined blue livery. Pictures will be posted as soon as we have them.
We are finalising the colours and appearance of the three liveries for the 7mm scale Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST, and will post colour pictures here in the next week.
The second run of N gauge Manors - liveried as Hinton Manor and Foxcote Manor - is selling well from Dapol in the UK. To obtain yours - no matter where in the world you live - go to the link in the news item below (item 2).
If you are attending the 'Our Town Model Show' in Newcastle, NSW on the weekend of Sept 10-11, the Barnes Hobbies stand will have a once-only special show price on the On30 Coffee Pots. See Glenn or Nathan Barnes and get an unrepeatable deal!

UPDATE - July 16th 2011

1. Ixion has received the first pilot model of the 7mm scale 'H' Class Manning Wardle locomotive.

++++++See six large photos here!++++++

The model is now being examined in comparison to our drawings and photos to assess its accuracy. It will then be returned for corrections. In the meantime, the factory is preparing a painted sample,and photos of this will be posted when we have them.

2. Ixion has decided not to direct-sell our new run of N Gauge 'Manor' locos to southern hemisphere customers, as we did with the first run. Instead, Dapol Model Railways in the UK have accepted our offer to be our agents worldwide. They will be happy to supply any and all Manor customers, while stocks last. The new locos, liveried as Hinton Manor in GWR unlined green, 'GWR' on the tender, and Foxcote Manor in BR lined passenger green, late crest on tender. The up side of this new arrangement is parity of pricing across all markets, and an effective price reduction of about $20 for all Australia and NZ customers.

Purchase your Manor here: http://www.dapol.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=693&Itemid=66

3. America's major modelling tool and kit supplier, Micro-Mark, has developed a laser-cut wood 'Cab and Pilot' kit to transform the Ixion On30 'Coffee Pot' steam railmotor No.2 into a backwoods or branchline steam tram railcar. The kit is due for release on September 1st, 2011.

These photographs give an indication of how the Micro-Mark kit looks under construction, and also when painted and weathered. Note that the finished model in the photos, completed by Master Model Railroader Tom Piccirillo, contains commercially available detail items and castings which are not included in the kit. A list is included in the kit advertisement - see next point.
To see the Micro-Mark advertisement including full details of the kit, including materials, pricing, and contact details, (PDF file), click here.
Alternatively, for details on kit availability, contact Micro-Mark directly via the 'Customer Service' link on their website - see http://www.micromark.com/CustomerService.dlp .

UPDATE - June 28th 2011

1. Ixion's 'secret' model has been revealed!

It is the 7mm O scale standard gauge Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 13 inch x 20 inch inside cylinder standard contractor's tank locomotive, as built in the period 1928-1938.

Ixion has signed off on the CAD for this model, and tooling has commenced.

For full details and images of this model, click here, or on the '7mm Hudswell Clarke' link above.

2. The second run of N gauge Manors has been delivered by the factory. They are:

INS-7819 Hinton Manor in GWR unlined green, 'GWR' on the tender
INS-7822 Foxcote Manor in BR lined passenger green, late crest on tender
See above for purchasing details.

UPDATE - May 8th 2011

It has been some months since our last update, but much has been happening at Ixion.

Here is a summary of all scales...

1:43.5 (7mm/ft) O gauge:

Work has continued on our brass ready-to-run model of the Manning Wardle 'H' Class 0-4-0 saddle tank, modelled as NSW Government Railways' No 1021 "Cardiff". The general outline drawings are complete, and the pilot model is due at the end of May. We will post photos as soon as we have them.

Sales interest has been considerable, and it may be necessary to open up pre-delivery sales to ensure that customers have the best chance to secure their chosen livery. Only 100 models are being manufactured, 50 in unlined black and 50 in lined blue (the preserved livery). Please keep an eye on this website for details of pre-delivery sales, if these are offered.

1:48 (1/4"/ft) O scale:

Sales of the On30 (O scale narrow gauge) 'Coffee Pot' steam railmotor have been very encouraging, especially through Australian and UK shops.

We have sold Coffee Pots to customers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria

We have not been resting on our laurels, however. We have been working on making the model more accessible to American modellers, and will be making a major announcement soon in this regard. Stay tuned...

1: 148 British N scale:

The second run of GWR/BR 'Manor' locomotives is in production is due to arrive at Dapol Model Railways soon. These will be available as 7819 Hinton Manor (Unlined green, 'GWR' on tender) and 7822 Foxcote Manor (BR lined passenger green, late crest). These are both limited production runs of only 250 of each livery, so make sure you purchase without delay once they become available. A very limited number will also be available to Australian and New Zealand customers via this website.

Development of the GWR/BR 63XX Mogul 2-6-0 has been delayed by our other projects, but we still intend to produce this model as soon as our production schedule permits. Please watch this website for news of further developments.

UPDATE - February 13th 2011:

The list of retailers selling the Ixion On30 Coffee Pots in both Australia and the UK is constantly expanding. If you'd like to see one, and "try before you buy", click the new 'Ixion Stockist' button at the top of this page for a retailer near you.

If you're a shop, and would like to stock the Coffee Pots, contact us - we have no minimum order, and 30-day terms.

We are still seeking expressions of interest from dealers in the USA.

MAGAZINE REVIEWS AVAILABLE HERE NOW!

The modelling magazine reviews of Ixion's second model, the On30 Coffee Pots have been published, and are outstanding.

Click here to see them, or use the 'Product Reviews' link above. The reviews of the N gauge Manor are there also.

DECEMBER 2010 - ATTENTION CUSTOMERS IN ALL COUNTRIES: The On30 Coffee Pots are now in stock, and selling fast.

Shipping to online customers and shops commenced in December - already 300 sold in a month!

We have sold Coffee Pots already to customers in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United States and Great Britain.

Click 'BUY ONLINE' in the menus at the top of this page to make your purchase.

PLUS - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL COFFEE POT OWNERS:

Ixion's technical director Phil Badger has prepared illustrated instructions for disassembly of the Coffee Pot's

locomotive unit for lubrication and servicing. Click here to view/download the PDF file.

NEW PRODUCT NEWS

CAD work is underway on the finescale brass 7mm Manning Wardle standard 'H' Class 0-4-0ST (NSWGR No. 1021 Cardiff)

Production of the N Gauge GWR/BR 63XX Mogul should follow this year.

We have been advised that some UK and European customers have had difficulty finding the Manor on the Dapol website. The direct link for online purchases is:

http://www.dapol.co.uk/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=48&Itemid=59

NOVEMBER 30th - SEVEN MAJOR NEWS UPDATES!

Please scroll down to see all items...

1. WARLEY

The On30 Coffee Pots were officially launched in the UK at the Warley Exhibition in November. Ixion's UK Director Chris Klein was able to place examples on the 7mm Narrow Gauge Association stand, and also place one on David Taylor's O16.5 'Bridport Town' layout, where it ran happily for the whole weekend, drawing much positive comment. David liked it so much, he bought it! Chris was attached to the Dapol stand, and received lots of positive feedback on the Manor also. Dapol have sold out of Frilsham Manor and Torquay Manor. These liveries will be rerun in 2011 as 7819 Hinton Manor (Unlined green, 'GWR' on tender) and 7822 Foxcote Manor (BR lined passenger green, late crest).

2. COFFEE POTS - NOW SHIPPING!

The production run of the Coffee Pot is finished. Awaiting only the correct documentation, the models and packed and ready to ship from Hong Kong to both Australia and the UK. As they will travel by air, they will be available in a matter of days once shipped. Watch this space for news of availability!

3. COFFEE POT PRICING - MASSIVE PRICE CUT

With the strong Australian dollar and UK pound, Ixion has decided to reduce the advertised prices of the Coffee Pots. In Australia, this amounts to a price drop of $100! The revised prices are now:

Australia and New Zealand: AU$325.00 + $10.00 Post & Packing (same price to both markets!)
UK and Europe (shipped from the UK): £199.50 + £5.00 Post & Packing
United States (shipped from the UK): US$310 + $10 Post & Packing

4. COFFEE POT AVAILABILITY

The Coffee Pots, No.1 and No.2, will be available direct from the Ixion website - purchase buttons will be added this week. They will also be available from selected hobby shops. Whilst the UK outlets are still being determined, Australian stockists will include:

Austral Modelcraft, Vic Barnes Cycles and Model Trains, Berg's Hobbies, End Of Line Hobbies, Junction Hobbies, The Model Railroad Craftsman, Orient Express, Tom's Hobbies, and Trainworld.

Call them to ask if they are taking reservations on your selected version.

5. MASSIVE MANOR PRICE CUT IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND!

Due to the strength of the rising Australian dollar, there has developed a considerable pricing disparity for our N gauge GWR/BR 'Manor' between the southern hemisphere and northern hemisphere of more than 25%! The Ixion have responded to this situation by reducing the price of the Manor in Australia and New Zealand to one fixed price.

The Manor will now cost just AU$180.00 POST FREE to Aust & NZ!

Revised purchase buttons will be added to this website this week. Use the "BUY ONLINE" button above to see when these have been adjusted.

6. 7MM SCALE MANNING WARDLE COMMISSIONED

As mentioned further below, Ixion is producing a 7mm O Scale Manning Wardle 'H' Class 0-4-0 Saddle Tank, in painted, ready-to-run finescale brass.

This model has now been commissioned. The production process has commenced, but production times have increased, and the model is now not expected before June 2011. Regular updates will be posted on this webpage.

7. COFFEE POT COMPETITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ixion is proud to announce a Coffee Pot superdetailing and modification competition.

Once the Coffee Pots are readily available, we will be posting details of the contest here.

Essentially, we will be inviting customers to submit photos of their weathered, detailed, or modified Coffee Pots, to be in the running to win a Coffee Pot No.1, accompanied by a First Prize certificate. Dates and guidelines will be posted here in a few week's time. The judges will be the three Ixion Directors.

Thanks for reading this far. We hope you are as excited about all these developments as we are!

Regards,

The Ixion Directors.

Monday October 4, 2010: Coffee Pot Launched in Sydney!

Ixion's On30 'Coffee Pot' steam railmotor model was launched last weekend at the Sydney Model Railway Exhibition. The picture shows Ixion's Australian Directors Phil Badger (left) and Lindsay O'Reilly with the production model of Coffee Pot NJAB1, on the elevated stand. Three close-up pictures of the production model of No.1 can be found here.

A limited advance shipment of No.1, shipped straight from the factory, arrived in time for the show, and, at the final price of AU$425, sold out inside two hours on Saturday morning! Also on show (on the test track in the foreground) was the pilot model of No.2. which has been fitted with DCC control and sound.

We are now awaiting the delivery of the full production run, totalling 500 of No.1 and 500 of No.2. This may take up to a month, and details will be posted here as soon as we have them.

Both versions of the Coffee Pot will be available direct from this website, and also from selected Australian model shops. These orders now account for one fifth of the first production run, and we will post a list of our retailers here as soon as it is finalised.

Ixion would like to offer grateful thanks to Dave and Tracey Pallas of Pallas Hobbies, who graciously hosted us at the Sydney show, supplying credit card facilities, display space, sales assistance and chocolate fudge in equal measure. Check them out soon at a model show near you soon - they are great people, and will be one of our Coffee Pot stockists.

A short clip of the pilot model of No.1 running on Ray Cross' layout "The Cabinet Line" at the 2010 Newcastle (NSW) Our Town Model Show has been placed on Youtube. See the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhPw66JPKSc

July 7: Mercig Studios in the UK have kindly provided us with stunning images of a detailed and weathered N gauge Frilsham Manor that they have produced for a customer. See the pictures in our Manor images gallery, or visit their website www.mercigstudios.com .

Their email address is mercig@hotmail.co.uk

July 7: James McInerney at the Australian Model Railway Magazine has provided us with this outstanding image of the pilot model of the On30 'Coffee Pot'.

See the full-size image here.

July 7: Ixion customer Nigel Box has sent us this unsolicited testimonial, and we were so delighted we asked his permission to include it here. Nigel wrote:

Gentlemen, I know that you have received many accolades for the superb Manor model, but I would still like to add my congratulations on producing an absolutely superb N gauge locomotive. I purchased “Cookham Manor”, a locomotive that is very familiar in 12” to the foot scale, from numerous visits to Didcot. The level of detail and accuracy are superb and the running characteristics first class. Electrical pick-up is very reliable and pulling power is much in excess of anything that I would need on my late 1930s GWR layout. The weight distribution is well balanced across pony truck and driving wheels and the locomotive rides turnouts particularly well. I also appreciate the packaging, which not only protects the contents well, but eases the unpacking and repacking compared with other packaging concepts.

Roll on the 63XX Mogul. I can’t wait!

Thanks, Nigel! We look forward to producing many more models that will make modellers happy for years to come.

UPDATE - SATURDAY JUNE 20th 2010

The N Gauge Manor has now been reviewed in the major UK model railway magazines.

Read the reviews on our new Ixion Press page.

UPDATE - Saturday June 5th, 2010:

First On30 Coffee Pot pilot model photos.

Click here to see more!

RTR 7mm scale O Gauge tank engine - Preliminary Announcement

As advised in the June 2010 issue of the Australian Model Railway Magazine, Ixion Models is investigating the production of a brass O gauge 7mm scale painted ready-to-run model of the NSW Government Railways Manning Wardle 0-4-0 standard 'H' Class saddle tank locomotive No. 1021.
The model will be available in unlined black with red buffer beams, and lined blue as shown at right. Decals will be provided for the NSW numbers and 'Cardiff' name, allowing the loco's use in industrial applications also.
All research has been completed, and the model is ready to commence production should the level of interest support its production now.
Expressions of interest are invited from potential purchasers in Australia and the UK - please use the "Contact Us" link above to register your interest.

1. Fitting the N Gauge Manor's Detail Parts

A guide to fitting some of the parts supplied with the Manor has been added to the website.

Click here to view the guide.

2. Fitting DCC to the N Gauge Manor

UK customers can now have a DCC chip fitted by Dapol's Authorised DCC installer Shady Lane Models. This fitting will not void the Ixion warranty. For more information and contact details, visit their website http://www.shadylanemodels.co.uk/

For "do-it-yourselfers", or customers in other markets, Ixion customer Julian Thornhill has successfully fitted a TCS Z2 decoder to his Manor without any modifications being made to the tender body or chassis. (The tender body is removable after easing out the large 'dome'. at the rear, and undoing the screw underneath.)

Julian has written an illustrated description, and posted it at http://www.ness-st.co.uk/links.html#IxionManorDCC

IMPORTANT NOTE: This installation should only be attempted by experienced DCC modellers, and in the knowledge - as previously stated - that customers hardwiring a chip into the tender will void the manufacturer's warranty.

UPDATE - Wednesday May 5th, 2010:

ALL AUSTRALIAN AND UK PRE-ORDERS WERE SHIPPED ON TIME, KEEPING OUR DELIVERY PROMISE.

The Ixion Directors would like to place on record our gratitude to Dapol CEO George Smith, and all the Dapol staff for their unstinting work on our behalf which has allowed us to keep to our promised UK release date.

We also appreciate the patience and support of our loyal customers, and the dozens of positive emails we have received from them since receiving their models.

Thanks, everyone.

Phil Badger, Chris Klein and Lindsay O'Reilly,

Directors, Ixion Model Railways Ltd.

UPDATE - Wednesday April 7th, 2010:

High-resolution images of a production run version of 7816 Frilsham Manor have been added to the site.

Click here to see them.

A number of modellers have also made videos of the Manor which demonstrate its running qualities and pulling power.

Go to www.youtube.com and search for "Ixion Manor".

One video, by Ben Lawson in Australia, shows the final Engineering Prototype - the basis of the production model - hauling thirty bogie coaches

up a 1 in 75 grade (including a 15" radius curve) without slipping. In fact slipping did not occur until thirty-six coaches were attached! Enjoy!

UPDATE - SATURDAY 16th JANUARY, 2010:

Ixion Models is pleased to advise that the Mk 2 Manor will smoothly traverse a 9" radius curve.

Click here to see a video of the third EP on an oval of Peco Setrack with 1st radius curves

(Note, the video has no sound and requires Windows Media Player to view).

UPDATE - TUESDAY 12th JANUARY, 2010:

Please scroll down this page to see factory hand-prepared samples of the four versions of the N gauge 'Manor' Class 4-6-0 locomotive

There are corrections to be made to these samples, including:

Guttering and rear edge of cab roof to be black; Chimney top to be copper, not brass colour; Boiler bands on BR green livery to

have black line in centre; Boiler handrails to be black; Smokebox number plate placement; Note new semi-gloss paint finish.

The website also features a Gallery page containing photos of some of the models built by the Ixion directors, Phil Badger, Chris Klein and Lindsay O'Reilly. All the photos were also taken by the relevant model's builder, except where otherwise noted.
Click this link to view the Gallery page.

Elsewhere on the site...

Our Products page feature details and pictures of the Manor, and purchasing details
Try our website's Search page if you're not sure where to look for the information you're seeking.
Click here to contact us directly.
Who are Ixion Models? Check out our About Us page to find out more.