AHGX models

South Australian models now have the ability to model modern grain hopper trains. Auscision Models AHGX models arrived mid August. This included several special liveries, including a grey unit, marked ANR. After speaking to Peter at the Caulfield Exhibition, there could be more to come, if those individuals holding the photographic evidence do the show and tell, plus some yellow painted Manildra units, repainted with green sides on their return.

MHGX coded unit.

These are the beginning of an ASR grain unit. Purchased four units at the exhibition, to add to the four pre-ordered. These units have run extensively in Victoria, on broad gauge and standard gauge since privatization with ASR and El Zorro

Three MHGX and a CLF

The beginnings of my ASR grain train. Just need a couple of GM locomotives to add up front, and more hoppers. Will have to recode back to AHGX, and change numbers, as Auscision only produced one pack of these units.
All these model wagons are carried on Victorian XSC bogies, done by Auscision for ease. Would also been on ANR ABXC bogies, but now a mix of Victorian, NSW and AN bogies. I have a photo a one on 40 ton ride control and ABXC at the other end!

Two variations not produced are illustrated on the SA grain hopper post. I have photos of two hoppers with yellow roof and ends, plus photos of hoppers with just yellow roof, but all the brake equipment is yellow, as are the discharge door mechanisms. 

Hopefully, one day, can add in some CFCLA CGAY hoppers to the mix.
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Ambleside loop

The new 1800m loop at Ambleside is well into construction. The main line has been repositioned, a new bridge has been built at the Adelaide end, and earth works are well advanced.

Ambleside loop Spoehr's Road end

SA grain hoppers

South Australain Railways ordered the first 52 SHGX in 1969, being built by Mechanical Handling. These were painted yellow and placed on the standard gauge network in the north of the state. They were bogie exchanged to board gauge from early 1970's, and some were painted in SAR grey with the red piping shrike logo on the side. ( This is controversial, as there is also no photographic evidence released to suggest this, but the SAR rolling stock experts say some were painted grey, being seen at Mt Gambier and Wallaroo.)
When Australian National took over the SAR, they ordered another batch, 53-72. These were turned out in red. By the time the last batch was ordered. 73-108, their classification had changed to AHGX. These were painted in AN's new corporate green and yellow.
 Auscision models produce a model of these wagons, in both discharge door styles, and as modified by ASR with roll tops. (As illustrated in the following photos)

AHGX 15

AHGX 46

AHGX 24

AHGX 39