Most pre-orderers have already been informed and some of them have already received their new cars. We have been working intensively on delivering the models for two weeks now and the feedback so far has been overwhelming. Many thanks for the many kind words that have reached us in the last few days. This is also a dream come true for us, as we were able to significantly change the Austrian Gauge 1 landscape with these cars. As these wagons could be seen in the original behind almost every Austrian locomotive, we now have a really nice picture with our locomotive models. Due to the large variety of wagon models, delivery extends over a longer period of time. So if you haven't received your notification yet, don't worry. We try to supply all our customers with their wagons as soon as possible. By the way, there are still a few carts available. If you don't have a Spantenwagen yet or you want to expand your set, you still have the opportunity to do so.

The Spur 1 Austria Series 44

All variants are online and the delivery series are fixed

Since a short time all variants of the series 44 are available on our website also with the finished preview pictures. In addition, the offer has been supplemented by further variants. To the already existing offer, which included the DRG, DB and DR-East, the following models have been added:

44 1143, DB Epoche IIIa

The really striking detail on the locomotive is the characteristic T30 tub tender, which is typically known from the class 52. This was later replaced by a T34 tender, but it provided an interesting prototype for this model shortly after the Second World War.

44.519, ÖBB Epoche IIIa

After the Second World War, a few class 44s remained in Austria, more precisely in Vienna and Linz. The Viennese locomotives were primarily Soviet Union baggage locomotives and were shipped east relatively soon. In Linz, however, some representatives of this class spent their time almost until the mid-1950s, before they went back to Germany. Unfortunately, photographic material here is very scarce and this variant is derived from many pictures from the period and from photos of locomotives from the same build (Krauss-Maffei 1941). Various sources suggest that the 44.519 in all-black working dress and with ÖBB lettering was still operationally active in Linz for some time before it was swapped with DB in 1952.

150X 146, SNCF Epoche IIIa

In addition to the locomotive factories in Germany and the associated eastern countries, a large number of class 44 locomotives were also built in what was then occupied France. After the end of the war, some of these machines remained in France as the class 150X. One of them is the 150X 146, which wears the distinctive green livery of the SNCF. In addition to the beautiful paint scheme, this locomotive stands out with its special smoke deflectors, which are reminiscent of Wagner smoke deflectors. Also the circulation and the apron are very different from the German variants. So this locomotive is an absolute eye-catcher and has earned its place in our limited Collectors Edition.

A firework of details

The "Jumbos" provide an enormous variety of different prototypes. Here, we benefit from our experience with the class 52. In this project, too, we have realized various versions of the locomotives, paying the greatest possible attention to even the smallest details and implementing them in the different variants. Already in the first years of the construction phase, the class 44 experienced many changes. The ÜK variants ("ÜK" stands for Übergangskriegslokomotive or transitional war locomotive) had some assemblies simplified in order to save important resources. Most notable were the lack of draft deflectors and cab windows, which were omitted on many locomotives. In addition, several different tenders were coupled to the locomotives. The most common were the riveted T32 and the welded T34 tender. There was also a T34 experimental tank tender, which was intended to hold the necessary supplies for longer distances. This is why there is often talk of the so-called "long-distance tender".

After the end of the war, the 44s underwent further changes. At the DB, the skirts were completely or partially removed from the majority of the locomotives and the circulation was pulled further forward. If the locomotives were equipped with Wagner plates at this time, these had to be removed and were replaced with Witte plates. On many ÜK locomotives, the missing smoke deflectors were also replaced by Witte plates. The second cab window was also often retrofitted. Likewise, some locomotives of the series began to be equipped with an oil main firing system. The most significant exterior changes were made to the boiler rear wall and the tender. In the course of this conversion, an oil bunker was installed in T34 tenders so that the locomotives could be supplied with the new fuel from then on. It was precisely these engines that were retained the longest and were in service at Rheine depot until the end of steam traction.

Meanwhile, other philosophies were pursued in East Germany. Of the remaining coal-fired locomotives, some were converted to pulverized coal firing with the Wendler system. These engines were easily recognizable by their enclosed tender, which was converted to store the pulverized lignite. Both T30 tub tenders and T34 tenders were used for these conversions. Other distinctive features of the DR-Ost machines were the wind deflectors mounted very high up, which together with the preserved aprons gave the locomotives a very distinctive appearance.

As you can see, there is already a lot to consider here. But we can say from experience that we have only scratched the surface of the differences. As we all know, the devil is in the details. We try to transfer the smallest detail differences to the respective model. Did you know, for example, that not all 44s had engine lighting? And among the representatives "with lights" there are still some with two or three lamps on each side. Some had brackets over the lamps, others had shunter handles in the form of a straight bar. The arrangement of the lines on the boiler was also laid out somewhat differently, depending on the construction lot and manufacturer. We take all these and many more details into the model as best we can. Even if two models look very similar at first glance, each variant is still unique. Of course, we also provide the 44 series with many details that we have already implemented in the 52 series. Castle nuts on the rods, which are secured with real small cotter pins, a highly detailed driver's cab, engraved wheel tires or even the numerous copper lubrication lines are part of the equipment.

We find another highlight on the model's third cylinder. In addition to the driving rod, which acts on the second coupling axis, we also implement the cylinder control, which is actuated by a crank axle on the third coupling axis.

For the locomotive-tender coupling, we again use the same principle that we already used for the class 52. Locomotive and tender are again coupled by hook and eye and for the electrical connection to the tender loudspeaker our magnetic plug is used again, which locks itself and thus allows a very easy coupling.

We could continue to write about the many highlights of the model all day, but that would probably go beyond the scope. Work is already starting on the hand sample and we expect that you will be able to get your own first impression of our Jumbo at the Gauge 1 meeting in Speyer.

The end of the pre-order period for the first delivery series is approaching!

The construction of the models is now largely completed and we are already receiving the first pictures of parts for the hand sample and the later series. For this reason it is also time for us to set the final quantities for the variants of the first delivery series. For this reason, the pre-order period for the first delivery series ends on March 26, 2023. To secure the pre-order price of € 3,290 (NEM), you can still place your order with us in the webshop until then. From March 27, 2023, the price will be raised to €3,890 (NEM). The models of the first delivery series should then already be delivered in the last quarter of 2023. But the second delivery series should also not be too long in coming and is expected to be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2024.

Series 41 - Variants published

Since the middle of this week you can find the variants of the class 41 on our website. The project spans 28 variants, which are also divided into two delivery lots like the class 44. We have tried to capture the many appearances of the BR 41 and to reproduce them in the model. For example, the selection includes the two pre-production locomotives in their original version alongside the old boiler 41s of the DRG, DB and DR-Ost. Friends of the German Federal Railroad will naturally find locomotives with high-performance boilers, both coal-fired and oil-fired, in eras III-IV. The models of the Deutsche Reichsbahn include not only the old boiler locomotives, but also those with the DR replacement boiler and in the Reko version. The range is rounded off by three well-known museum locomotives.

The models can be pre-ordered now via our webshop at a pre-order price of € 3,290 (NEM) and € 3,440 (FS). One exception is the 41 058, which we are offering in an elaborately decorated photo finish in our limited Collectors Edition. Unfortunately, there are no preview pictures available at the moment due to the large number of variants. However, we are already working intensively on them and will add them to the website shortly.

Series 52 - Variants for the Reko Rerun are fixed and online

Our class 52 not only gives us a lot of pleasure - our customers also enjoy the beautifully detailed models. Many variants are already completely sold out and we receive many questions regarding the already announced rerun. After much deliberation, we have decided not to produce the existing variants a second time. Instead, we have decided on a selection of new variants. As a first step, we can now present the variant selection for the DR-Ost Reko 52.80. The selected machines are intended to expand our existing range and fill the gaps that we could not consider in the first edition. In addition to five DR-Ost variants in Era III and IV, the selection again includes a DB Era V model in the form of the 52 8075-5. In addition to the six models from the active era of the locomotives, two museum variants still in service complete the range and round it off. As an innovation in the second edition, we are adapting the models by popular request so that both enclosed snow plow and enclosed Indusi can be attached to the model, should they not be standard on the model. In this way, we create a good prerequisite for the often desired easier customization of the models.

The model selection can already be examined on our website and the models are now available for pre-order at the pre-order price of € 3,290 (NEM) and € 3,440 (FS).

Gmhs 35 and Pwgs 44 - construction in full swing

Things are now getting serious for the two escort cars. The freed up resources from our cancelled Ommr project will now be used to push forward the cars planned for later this year. Construction of the many variants is still underway, but again, nothing will stand in the way of hand-building any time soon. We expect to be able to show the hand samples already at the Gauge 1 meeting in Speyer and to finish the production in autumn this year. To shorten the waiting time a little, here are of course the first pictures of the construction for you.

Those who have not yet secured one of these cars can of course do so now. Since we will soon have to hand over the quantities for the individual variants, this could be the last chance to get your own desired variant.Oh yes... one more thing. Of course we have not forgotten the many of you who wrote us a message about DR-East cars. From now on you will also find DR-East variants in Era III and IV in our assortment!

Series 86 - Here, too, things are progressing fast

The design of the 86 series is progressing in leaps and bounds. We expect this to be completed in the coming month and the handbuilt sample will then go into construction quickly. With a bit of luck, we will also be able to show this in Speyer.

Henschel Wegmann train

The handbuilt model of the imposing luxury train is nearing completion. We have once again greatly revised the lighting concept and the electronics of the model. The train now offers the possibility to control many areas of the light in the train individually and thus recreate different scenarios. Currently, the changes are being incorporated into the model and the sample is nearing completion. Unfortunately, this will not reach us at the fair in Gießen. But here we can already show a picture of the painted cars that we recently received from the producer.

Gravita 10bb - Near completion

Our first modern model continues to thrive. A lot has happened since the surprise announcement in July last year and most components are now painted and in final assembly. It looks like we will be able to achieve our ambitious goal of completing production in April and delivering the models before the end of Q2 this year. In this case, we would have succeeded for the first time in delivering a model in under 12 months from the announcement. We look forward to celebrating this success and the colorful models with you this summer!In the webshop you will also find updated preview images of the individual variants starting next week. By popular request, we have also added two more lettering variants to the DB. These models are now available for order in our webshop. The still available models of the individual variants are also coming to an end. For some variants, only a very small quantity is still available. Those who have not yet secured their desired model should therefore do so now.

Update on the gauge 0 series 52

The missing components have reached us in the meantime and the project is picking up speed. Unfortunately we don't have any presentable pictures, let alone a sample, for the fair in Gießen, but we are happy that after the bumpy start things can finally move forward. We will keep you updated in the coming months and provide you with pictures of the progress as soon as possible.

We hope that we have been able to provide interesting insights into the upcoming and current models and look forward to welcoming you to our booth in Giesen!

Your team from,
Spur 1 Austria