Auscision: 44 Mk1 Review (with DCC Sound)

n this episode I take a look at the 2023 release from Auscision Models: The New South Wales Alco 44 Class locomotive in HO Scale with factory equipped DCC & Sound.
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Auscision:
Web: www.auscisionmodels.com.au
Facebook: auscisionmodels
Instagram: auscision
44's: auscisionmodel...
AMRA
Facebook: AMRAvictoria
Instagram: amravictoria
Website: www.amravic.com.au
44 Class:
Transport Heritage NSW: www.thnsw.com.au
Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum: roundhousemuse...
NSW Rail Museum: www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/
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[@1johnmcwilliams]

I 100% agree with your comments about preorders ,it is 2023. I understand you can't buy a G Class locomotive unless you attend the Sandown train show,I think that is a bit unfair for people in other states. Nice review Will ,cheers.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks John! It's a bit off if they really have done that. I picked up a G and a BL last night at the exhibition, and they where very low on stock. Although I hear, a number have been send to hobby stores. So I guess we'll see later in the week!

[@adampage8030]

Thanks Will for your review on the 44 class. I too have bought pre orders from Auscision over the past 4 year's, and like many of you waited 12 months or more for some items & also l purchase a lot each time because of the postage cost which can take up to a month to arrive. Did l mention l live in the States. I order trains from England and the US and no body sells products on pre order like this. In fact most you don't have to lay down any money, they charge when item comes in & usually contact beforehand that you still want the item before the charge your credit, which is very nice. I've enjoyed buying from Casula hobbies of late. I was looking forward to visit family in Melbourne & see some trains, models and vintage this month, still waiting for affordable airfare, cheers.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks for that Adam! I wish that was they system in place here! Would make it much better for the consumer! Thank you for sharing that with us! Well hopefully they come down soon! Lots going on over here!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Solid review of a solid model Will - thanks! Very excited about the fact the BLs and Gs have arrived in Aus. Couldn't agree more about the preorder form ... hard to think of many modern Australian companies that accept preorders that DON'T use secure online ordering. Cheers.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you mate! Yes, I picked mine up at the Sandown exhibition yesterday! Keen to give them a run when I've got the time! I'm glad you agree with me on that one! Looking forward to your next trip video!

[@billparas5114]

The Tuscan livery looks great hauling the Daylight cars. Thanks Will, loved your review.

[@WillJamesRailways]

I reckon it would Bill!

[@mels1811]

Amazing video Will James

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you!

[@donsinai2554]

Good review Will, your comments are spot on. It was a very long wait to get mine, I ordered a 4431 in August 2021 by paper form, but once it arrived, I was so impressed I bought a 4403 DC model from Australian Modeller and fitted it with a non-sound decoder. They look sensational running around my layout and with Southern Aurora carriages, which are on order from Auscision, should look awesome. Can’t wait.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks for that Don!

[@aussiesith]

Fully agree with your comments on online pre ordering, it would be so much easier than having to download a order form, print it off, fill it in, scan it back into the computer and then attach it to an email and send it off. Also would be good if these companies could keep their websites up-to-date as soon as there's a change in the release date.

[@WillJamesRailways]

It seems we can only keep asking until it happens! Hopefully they take notice of all the comments here!

[@Ansith]

I weathered one for a friend and I was pretty happy with the details. The bogie chains are a bit painful if they come off though. Also seeing those wagons I weathered for you in your videos always improves my day

[@WillJamesRailways]

Excellent to hear! They’re some of the most prized pieces of rolling stock in the collection!

[@FogartyAvenue]

Magnificent.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you mate!

[@tobyrowallan6037]

Also totally agree on the paper pre-orders. I've pre-ordered from other model train producers who have part-payment plans, afterpay and so on. If other companies can do it, Auscision can. Speaking of things they could also do - their website needs a big upgrade. I'm getting sick of scrolling up and down on the product page. Why can't they at least have a separate page for each of the different groups, e.g. locomotives, railcars, carriages, freight wagons, spare parts, O scale etc? After all their 'news' and 'blog' page both just direct you to Facebook, so its not like they're even using all of the available tabs (I should add that the photos page is also defunct).

[@michaelholian6670]

Yeah you tell ‘em Will, online preorders are the way of the future

[@WillJamesRailways]

I'm glad so many people agree!

[@canban778]

Can't wait for the C class!

[@WillJamesRailways]

Coming soon!

[@robertgates7686]

Enjoyed the review. Although you have a DCC sound version it would be good if you could show how easy or difficult it is to remove the body for DCC fitting and maintenance.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you Robert! Yes I agree that’s a great suggestion and one I’ll incorporate into future videos!

[@MainlineMilne]

Yes Will I agree with on preorders, I get some stuff for the US don't asked for money till they arrive. I ordered and paid three C class back in 2018.

[@WillJamesRailways]

I believe it should be a standard by now as well!

[@Ausmerica]

I got 2 DCC sound installed. Great running locomotives great detail, engine and horn sounds fantastic. One thing that disappoints me as a NSW modeller, is these locomotives did run in passenger service. Auscision did not include the guards whistle in the bell function. Apart from that great model.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Great to hear! Now that's a great thing to suggest for something they could add to these in the future!

[@helmutsandner6964]

Thanks for your review of this model. As a train driver since 1979. I spent thousands of hours on 44 class locomotives. 4403 is one of those, that I got to play with in the 1:1 scale version. They are are favourite locomotive of mine. It's been over twenty years since I drove a 44 class. It's great to see many operational 44 class locomotives still active. My thanks to the volunteer people who spend thousands of hours to keep them active.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you very much for sharing that with us!

[@SharkytheGunzel]

Agreed with the lack of online pre-orders. It's not 1970 anymore. Pretty well every other industry has online ordering as standard. I refuse to do any pre-orders which are paper based.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Glad to hear you and others agree!

[@JsetYT]

great vldeo will like all ways

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you!

[@michaelimpey1407]

Will, a great review. I was thinking of getting one. Now I will have to see what I can get. Cheers, and keep up the great reviews, and I agree, the mail-away pre-order needs to go, and the manufacturers need to come to 2023. Keep safe, Michael

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks Michael!

[@garypendlebury7046]

Congratulations Will ! A wonderfull model review that truly is appreciated. Your review was comprehensive and greatly assisted in my understanding what is important when purchasing Australian outline models, sometimes sight unseen at the time of ordering.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you Gary!

[@XDHwilks]

I completely agree with the mail away forms, it's both much safer and more convenient to have an online pre-ordering system!

[@WillJamesRailways]

Great to hear you agree!

[@Joe-jd4pn]

The "hunting" is so accurate.

[@eddysmith5796]

Another great review and video Will. Cheers

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks Eddy!

[@johnzubrickas5235]

Interesting review. I found the sound quality a bit "thin". Will try some better speakers. Thanks

[@WillJamesRailways]

I see John! Do let I know how you go with upgraded speakers! I’m very curious

[@jimmyg5408]

Agreed preorder forms are a pain in the ass online would be a so much easier

[@WillJamesRailways]

They certainly are!

[@ausfoodgarden]

I can't agree more about the lack of online preordering. Still using the postal service to place an order with payment in the 21st century??? Not going to happen from me. Nice review Will.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Glad you agree Gerry!

[@kenfowler1980]

Nice model & great review Will!

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks Ken!

[@EsotericArctos]

I hoep they do bring out a MkII version. The pricing is pretty reasonable, when compared to the pricing of UK models and Auscision look to do good quality models, aside from maybe the sharpness of lines on the paint. That said, I bet the prototypes were not ultra sharp either

[@WillJamesRailways]

True that Brendan!

[@raymondleggs5508]

much finer than the classic lima loco

[@WillJamesRailways]

Certainly is Raymond!

[@jordankeeps]

Auscision def need to update there payment info, i think if they do they will get a lot more sales pre orders. I know a few people who only use afterpay becuase thats how they can afford trains. Great review, def a fan of the new boxes, looks so much easier to get out now.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Totally agree there. I’m in the afterpay boat most of the time, but I do know that you can’t afterpay a preorder. Not sure what the legal side of that is. Still, online orders should be a standard!

[@Iain1957]

Pre orders have been for me a disaster - I pre-ordered Eureka CHP railcars, BGB J class kit and several others. All ran years over the due date with the business owners showing little concern with informing those whose money they had. The Eureka experience was particularly bad.

[@bheales]

I agree on pre orders although I email in the form which is only slightly more modern but better than mailing credit card details

[@WillJamesRailways]

Honestly still not great, I had to chase and chase receipts for the B and C Classes. Never again.

[@cossiephil]

Great review Will, just signed up on Patreon👍

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you!

[@OgaugeTrainsplusslotCars]

Sweet.Cheeeers from United States

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@Matthew_Scan]

I’ve got the old Lima one

[@WillJamesRailways]

Nice!

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Great review Will. I agree very solid model by Auscision. As for the mail away forms I agree they need to get rid of them! Online pre orders are way better. Enjoyed that one Cheers. - Nicholas.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks Nicholas!

[@roberthocking9138]

Nice bit of kit. I wonder why, in the prototype, when there’s a drivers cabin at each end, only one end was squared off and the other streamlined with a bonnet 🤔?

[@bennoakes2477]

have a look inside one

[@WillJamesRailways]

Yeah i mean in Vic they have the B and A class which was a double ended streamliner, I'm surprised others never followed suit!

[@justinebarker3706]

Hey Will! Just checking, what day and time are you going to the Diamond Creek's model train expo?

[@WillJamesRailways]

Hey! I’m not sure yet! There’s a few events that weekend so I’m still working it out!

[@justinebarker3706]

Thanks will!

[@JsetYT]

Good old alcos

[@WillJamesRailways]

A real beauty!

[@avlisk]

Someone else (was it Austrains? Was it TrainORama?) built this model a while back. I think it was called the 900 class? Mine is in Australian National green and yellow. It's packed somewhere in storage now. I think mine was #950 or #930. Help refresh my memory as to which company offered this model, maybe 20 years ago. Thanks.

[@nr120]

930 class

[@WillJamesRailways]

TrainOrama has done both the 44 and 930 before (the 930 is the South Australian equitant)

[@avlisk]

@@WillJamesRailways Thanks. It's been in storage so long I couldn't remember. I need to go find it and build a new layout. It just might happen this summer!

[@jaistorey6839]

Hey Will i have a question. Are you planning to get The Auscision Models Overland set when it comes out? And if you are which one, were you planning to get also great Review (:

[@WillJamesRailways]

Hey Jai! Yeah I’m keen to get a set that models the last broad gauge set!

[@jaistorey6839]

@@WillJamesRailways Awesome thanks for letting me know. I am thinking of getting one to review when it's out and i can't wait for your video review on it tow(:

[@markbutel5466]

Hi Will, did you hear about any faults with these,

[@WillJamesRailways]

Not yet! Mines still running fine and others at the club!

[@Iain1957]

Oh Will admit it - you chose 4403 in a pseudo VR livery!

[@WillJamesRailways]

Sure did!

[@ducky_the_helper]

I pray to God auscision does an MZ one day

[@WillJamesRailways]

The only modern locomotive I'd buy!

[@terryflynn8830]

Thanks for your review. Unfortinately the no 1 end windscreens are too small in height. Also as mentioned by you the series 1 engines had a destinctive idle sound. The sound on the model does not match the correct idle sound of your model.

[@bennoakes2477]

had a chance to correct it when pointed out with the all the hideous squinting samples, but no.

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks for that Terry!

[@WillJamesRailways]

Ill try harder in the future! Sorry.

[@terryflynn8830]

@@WillJamesRailways Don't be so hard on yourself, after all you are Victorian (not your fault) and can't be expected to review a NSW engine and know every NSW microscopic detail. Keep up the good work promoting Australian model railways.😀

[@Stephenkiernanbackup]

Sort if sounds like a b class just with a alco engine

[@WillJamesRailways]

Then it wouldn’t sound like a B class then? Haha

[@budgiedeluxe8652]

Here me out, if we all work together and mail in fake order forms…

[@WillJamesRailways]

Far out!

[@RB-yq7qv]

For the price the paint work is second rate, the blue to yellow bleed the horns are poorly finished. While running on the roller set it seemed the wheels are not true as one can see a wobble. I would recommend when reviewing models a wheel gauge be used to ensure all are set at the right gauge. The rear red lighting seemed very dull as if the lenses were covered with dirt. Would I pay the money for this engine NO. I would prefer to 3D print a shell for 20 dollars it may not shine as good but it leaves me with dollars to spend on other equipment Nice review

[@WillJamesRailways]

Thanks for that! Yes I'll get myself a wheel gauge for future reviews! I very much appreciate the comment!