Last week Revolution Trains and Rails travelled to the giant Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire to make a donation to Drax’s chosen charity, the Martin House Children’s Hospice.
Left to right: Brice Heppenstall (Drax Plant Director), Mike Hale, Ben Ando (Revolution Trains), Michelle Ford (regional fundraiser, Martin House Hospice), Mark Gibbens (Head of Logistics, Drax Power), Oliver Davies, Adam Davies, John Barbour (Rails of Sheffield), Jane Breach (Drax Power). Photo courtesy Ian Broadhead.
The money was raised through sales of N gauge models of Drax’s IIA-D biomass hoppers produced by Revolution and retailed exclusively by Rails.
A cheque for £2000 was handed over in a small ceremony and the team at Drax also explained the workings of the power station works and why biomass is an integral part of its operations.
Michelle Ford, North and East Yorkshire regional fundraiser for Martin House Children’s Hospice, said: “We very much value our relationship with Drax and appreciate all the support they’ve given us. This donation will help us continue to provide free care and support for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. In addition to the funds, we’d like to thank Revolution Trains and Rails of Sheffield for the model wagon pack which will be auctioned to raise even more.
“£2000 will help pay for a specialist bed that will allow a child to have a good night’s sleep when they stay at the hospice – thank you so much from all of us.”
Revolution and Rails would like to thank every customer who has purchased these models and therefore contributed to the donation.
66207 at Drax. Imported biomass arrives from Liverpool, Immingham, Hull and Tyne docks. Photo courtesy Jonathon Lawton.
Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics for Drax Power, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to reduce emissions at Drax, which is the UK’s largest single generator of renewable power, and our fleet of innovative wagons have played a significant part in this.
Drax wagons in original livery line up outside the unloading terminal. The biomass is stored in four giant domes before conveyor belts move it into the power station burners.
This short video shows how the biomass trains are unloaded at Drax, and how the biomass is used. Music: www.bensound.com.
“We think it’s great that the highly detailed Revolution Trains models, in their attractive box-set, give railway modellers a chance to depict these operations on their layouts.”
Drax Power Head of Logistics Mark Gibbens explains the unloading process. The wagon discharge doors are opened automatically by magnetic sensors as they pass through the unloading shed at 0.5 mph.
Ben Ando, co-director of Revolution Trains, said: “As an N gauge enthusiast myself I am thrilled that we have been able to do justice to these impressive and fascinating wagons, and being able to watch the unloading operations was a real privilege. And being able to help Martin House Hospice is the icing on the cake.”
Oliver Davies, Director of Rails of Sheffield, said: “These models have been very popular with N gauge enthusiasts and are selling fast. Rails believes strongly in supporting the community and we were delighted to be able to join in making a donation to such a good cause.”
Revolution Trains IIA-D wagons in all four versions of new Drax ‘Renewable Pioneers’ liveries.
The Revolution Trains IIA-D Drax biomass hoppers in N gauge are fully licenced and are available in twin packs depicting the original, original ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and new Drax ‘Renewable Pioneers’ versions. Limited stocks remain at Rails and can be purchased for £79.95 per pair.
Revolution Trains is offering a second run of its highly popular TEA tanker wagons in OO gauge 1:76.2 scale.
Verisons in VTG red and EWS are among those being offered
First proposed at Warley in 2015 (yes – eight years ago!!) and delivered in 2018 the ‘modern style’ 100t TEA tanker was Revolution’s first OO model and to some extent helped to set the standard for features Revolution has come to be known for: accuracy, numerous alternate running numbers and high levels of detail with a focus on subtle variations.
60010 at Kingsbury Fuel Terminal. Photo courtesy Tom Smith.
On our TEAs these differences include the style of ladder – with our without the anti-climb guards, discharge chutes – single or bifurcated, brake equipment and variations in tank vents and man-lids.
VTG grey, red and blue versions
The models will be available singly in improved packaging but with multiple running numbers of most versions, and we have carefully chosen liveries to include our most popular existing versions and complementary new variants.
The class of 2023…
All new versions will have different running numbers to those previously offered.
VTG dark blue with environmental message: 8370 7792 042-4 ‘Railfreight delivers…. with less congestion’
VTG dark blue with environmental message: 8370 7792 049-9 ‘……caring for the environment’
Greenergy green debranded: 8370 7792 026-7
Greenergy blue debranded: 8370 7792 003-6, 8370 7792 017-6
Please note these graphics are illustrative and are not to scale or fully colour corrected.
The new run of TEA tankers will be available from retailers or can be ordered direct from Revolution Trains. We have managed to keep the MSRP the same at £48.95 per wagon, even though it is more than five years since these wagons were last produced.
Which TEA is right for me?
While the useage has remained largely the same since we first prepared our TEA route map, the main difference is that the debranded Greenergy wagons are now used largely from Puma’s refinery at Milford Haven to the west of England and the Midlands. The EWS liveried wagons also seem to be more widely used.
60040 works 6B33 Theale-Margam past Shrivenham. Photo courtest Foulger Rail Photos/Creative Commons.
The green ex-Freightliner batch are seen largely with the grey and blue VTG types on trains from Humberside to the Midlands, while the Dalston train from Ineos Grangemouth to Dalston in Cumbria is mainly operated by a mix of red and grey VTG tanks, with the occasional blue mixed in.
60059 with Humber-Kingsbury train. Photo courtesy Rob Reedman/Creative Commons.
60056 with the Dalston-Grangemouth empties. In the background can be seen the conical Gateside ‘Bings’ (former colliery spoil heaps) that are being incorporated into a land art project known as The Crawick Multiverse by American artist Charles Jencks. Photo courtesy Dave McAlone.
As can be seen above, the Dalston train usually comprises 18 wagons between Grangemouth and Carlisle, but because the unloading siding at Dalston can only accommodate six bogie tanks, the train is tripped in shorter consists from Kingmoor yard to the terminal, making for a very modellable train.
A fascinating video explaining the full sequence can be enjoyed here, with thanks to ‘Northumberland Snapper’ for documenting these manoeuvres:
Freightliner has also used these wagons, in VTG grey or green, to supply its locomotive fuelling point in Ipswich, often in short consists of 2 or 3 wagons, again offering modellable potential for those with smaller layouts or tighter budgets.
If you’re keen to learn more searching on Flickr for still photographs, or YouTube for videos, of your preferred route will give a good indication of what the consists are.
These models are going into production next month and are expected to arrive in the summer, however China is subject to ongoing Covid issues so this date is an estimate, not a guarantee!
Revolution Trains is heading north next week again to attend Model Rail Scotland 2023 this February 24th, 25th and 26th.
Come and find us on stand A21, near the front of the hall, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.
We’ll have plenty to show, including a first outing for our decorated BR Blue Grey Class 313 units in N, 00 KSA EP1 samples, FNA-D nuclear flask carriers in 00 and N and latest news and samples of a host of existing and new projects in N and 00.
There will be free catalogues for all listing all our current projects, and with some good fortune and a fair wind there could be a couple of surprises too!
It’s always a thrill to pass Carlsle and see the Saltire!
As 2022 draws to an end, and we look ahead to 2023, there is time to take stock of the year and reflect on the ups and downs.
The Revolution grows…
January saw a new face join the Revolution as Mike Buick became a full-time member of the team alongside founders Mike and Ben. Paul and Gareth have also continued to be an enormous help both at exhibitions and with their expertise in model railway electronics and in knowledge about the real thing!
‘Left – If this is February it must be Glasgow; Ben, Mike H, Gareth, Mike B. Right – Paul at the NEC
The train now arriving… is delayed.
New models delivered in 2022 included the hotly-awaited Class 320 and Class 321 multiple units in N (and much requested in 00), IWA ‘Sfins2’ vans and ‘Rfnoos’ timber carriers in 00 and N, JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons in N, IPA car carriers in 00 and FWA Ecofrets in 00 and N.
But ongoing difficulties in China with the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic and power issues caused significant delays and some (though not all) of these projects arrived later than we’d expected when we began development.
But it’s not all doom and gloom – just after Christmas, we received final production samples of the N gauge Drax biomass hoppers that are exclusively available from Rails of Sheffield. Subject to final checks these models will be shipped early in the New Year and should be here by the end of February.
So near and yet, not…
Unfortunately some models that we had expected to arrive this year – the N gauge Mk5 coaches, second run Class 390 ‘Pendolinos’ and PFA 4-wheel container flats plus 00 gauge TUA chemical tankers (for Rainbow Railways) and 975025 ‘Caroline’ saloon have failed to materialise.
The gallery of tardiness…
China Crisis
Delays are obviously as frustrating for us as they are for you but the reality is that there is little we can do.
So what has been happening? We thought it might be helpful to give a little more depth to the standard ‘blame it on Covid’ line.
The Chinese zero-Covid policy meant that often industrial zones were closed with almost no notice if a case was identified in the area.
Factories could be told to shut immediately, and not permitted reopen for weeks or more. Lockdowns have been sudden, extensive and vigorously enforced.
Strict travel and quarantine regulations curtailed travel between areas for designers and engineers.
Restarting a complex production line after a sudden enforced shutdown is not trivial and in addition power outages exacerbated these problems. Factories in some areas were only allowed power for, say, two days a week – and those days were not necessarily consecutive! This made time critical operations such as painting and printing very difficult.
Even now, with regulations relaxed, as the Chinese New Year break approaches many factories are closing early and their owners are struggling to recruit amid concerns that rural workers who normally travel in their millions to the cities to boost their earnings may prefer to remain at home and work in lower paid agricultural jobs.
While everyone is doing their very best to return to pre-Covid levels of efficiency we anticipate that production will continue to take longer than normal for at least the next 8-12 months.
As ever, if there is a particular project you’re ‘wondering what the latest is on’ or ‘looking for an update on’ then please check our Projects page. There is a comprehensive table reporting progress on all products we have on the go and we are diligent about keeping it updated. We don’t hold back; if there’s no news there then there’s no news at all!
This in turn led to some headscratching and a slow down on some of our planned announcements, as we are acutely aware of the simple equation:
New Announcements + Lack of Delivery = Eye Rolling and Exasperated Sighs
For this reason we have tended to time our announcements in 2022 to coincide with the arrival of corresponding models; for example once the Class 320/321 units arrived we offered the Class 175/180 family, and with IWA vans and timber carriers here we were able to announce our FNA-D nuclear flask wagons.
PTA – British SteelModels announced this year: 175/180 N & 00, FNA-D N & 00, iron ore hopper N, Electrostar N, 120 N, Alcan alumina PCA 00, KSA 00, PTA N.
However, the good news is that while production of finished models has been slower than we would have liked, the development phase of newer models has become, if anything, faster.
Our FNA-D nuclear flask wagon and PCA alumina tank wagons went from announcement to sampling in a matter of months, and the FNA-Ds are expected to arrive early in 2023, with the PCAs likely in the summer. Similarly, other previously announced models have shown good progress and one stalled product – the 1938 tube stock – is now back on track (sorry!) after a research visit was finally made to the London Transport Museum depot at Acton once Covid restrictions there ended.
The eagle-eyed may spot the KSA mouldings and Cartic-4 CAD in 00 and these will be the subject of more detailed updates in the next week or so.
IN development or production: 59 N, 313/314 N, HOA 00, CBD-90 Class 18 00, KSA 00, Class 93 00, Cartic-4 N & 00, Borail/Mullet/Parr/Super Tench N & 00, Class A and B tanks and MTV/ZKV box wagons N, 1938 stock N.
Revolution on the road
During the year we have managed research trips to locations including Fort William, Kingmoor, the Vale of Rheidol, Acton, Whatley Quarry and Merehead, Eastleigh, Germany and Romania.
In partnership with a variety of friends in the rail industry these research trips, and others that are currently confidential, have enabled us to continue developing new models this year and have more exciting products to launch in 2023.
The Revolution will be… televised?
We’ve also started recorded videos to explain more about some of our most recent projects – you can find them on our You Tube Channel or watch them below. There’ll be more to come in 2023.
Class 19/CBD-90 locomotives
Alcan alumina PCAs at Fort William
Revolution at the Rails of Sheffield open day
It’s all fun and games until someone gets 3D scanned…
In March members of the Revolution Team were 3D scanned by Modelu with frankly terrifying results… and Ben made it into print with a monthly column in Model Rail magazine giving his take on aspects of the hobby which is continuing into 2023.
Finally – if you’ve made it this far – Revolution would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Prosperous 2023.
We have plenty of exciting plans and we look forward, with all our customers, to continuing to grow and enjoy this wonderful hobby.
Revolution Trains is offering another run of its popular MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons in OO gauge/1:76.2 scale in a host of new liveries.
Revolution MMA box wagon in DB red livery.
There are now more than a thousand of the type in operation now, with more to come, and since Revolution produced its first run of these models nearly four years ago further new versions have arrived in Britain.
These include the eye-catching Wascosa/Network Rail yellow, bright Cappagh blue and the dark red of Touax.
JNA in Wascosa livery. Photo Mark Saunders.
60046 with Cappagh JNA box wagons. Photo: Mark Few.
59104 with Touax and Mendip Rail JNA wagons at Kintbury. Photo: Foulger Rail – Creative Commons.
We will also offer the most popular of the original liveries including the original MMA in DB Red and the JNA in MRL. Other versions on offer will include the revised Ermewa/GBRf livery. The tooling will be modified to allow the accurate depiction of detail changes featured on some of the newest versions.
These models will be available to pre-order from Revolution Trains, but will also be available to purchase from our growing network of retailers. As with the previous versions, some variants will be offered with battery powered flashing tail lamps.
Kernow Model Rail Centre has commissioned two exclusive Class 59 models from Revolution Trains.
They are 59002 ‘Alan J Day’ in the much-requested Mendip Rail livery, and 59101 ‘Village of Whatley’ in the eye-catching revised ARC livery. Each model retails at £159.99 DC Silent.
59002 in MRL Mendip Rail livery. Copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com Photography by Chris Nevard
59101 ‘Village of Whatley’ in revised ARC livery. Copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com Photography by Chris Nevard DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION
Graham Muspratt, Kernow Development Manager said: “Our range of N gauge KMRC Exclusives continues to grow, this time in partnership with Revolution Trains, with the addition of these two unique and distinctive Class 59 liveries.
Revolution’s Ben Ando said: “We are delighted to be working with Kernow on these two exclusive models, which complete another chapter in the story of these historic locomotives.”
The images show decorated samples which are subject to some minor revisions ahead of production, and the models are expected in Spring 2023.
Revolution Trains is offering the iconic Rover ‘cube’ wagons, and their timber carrier conversions, as its next wagon in OO gauge, 1:76.2 scale.
KSA ‘cube’ wagon.
KSA timber carrier conversion.
CAD has been completed and first samples are expected early in the New Year.
47188 takes a rake of Rover cube wagons through Small Heath. Photo courtesy Kevin Payne.
100 large vans were built for Rover Cars by Rautaruukki of Finland in 1995 to convey preformed car parts and completed sub-assemblies securely between plants.
Coded KSA-A under TOPS, and nicknamed ‘Cube’ or ‘Talgo’ wagons , they incorporated full-length sliding covers as well as floors that could be raised and lowered to simplify unloading while optimising use of the restrictive British loading gauge.
They were turned out in a smart maroon and grey livery, with black Y25 bogies and designed to UIC ferry standards to allow them to be operated on continental Europe.
They travelled to Britain from Finland via the Channel Tunnel and were used between Swindon, Longbridge and other Rover plants. At first they were hauled by pairs of RfD Class 47s; after privatisation EWS class 66s, and occasionally 56s and 60s, were used.
Direct Rail Services 37612 and 37609 near Greenhill on 15 May 2001 in charge of the 4M30 19:00 Grangemouth to Daventry service for Malcolm Logistics comprising 10 ‘Talgo’ high cube wagons and 2 Megafret intermodal wagons. Photo courtesy Gordon Edgar.
In 2001 WH Malcolm acquired several KSAs for secure transportation of Anglo-Scottish freight on the WCML and two were repainted into Malcolm’s Logistics livery. Traction for these trains was provided by DRS (Class 66 or pairs of Class 37s) and the KSA wagons were marshalled together, often immediately behind the locomotive. The rest of the train usually comprised Megafret container wagons.
The wagons have also been used in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and France for various commodities including bottled water.
KSA timber conversion. Photo courtesy Tom Smith.
In 2012 several redundant KSA wagons were acquired by the wagon leasing company NACCO and converted to timber carriers. The work involved removal of the sliding covers and the hydraulic floor mechanism, installation of 14 pairs of heavy duty stanchions and the removal of some end panels, and replacement with bars designed to stop logs sliding through.
KSA conversion being carried out at E G Steele, Hamilton.
The timber wagons are used with other van conversions including the IWA timber carrier wagons previously offered by Revolution Trains. They are used on trains to and from Chirk, most recently on a newly trialled traffic from Aberystwyth. You can see some sample consists of the Colas timber traffic with a mix of our IWA timber carriers and the forthcoming KSA timber carriers here.
70813 passes Cardiff with timber train comprising mix of IWA and KSA wagons. Photo Nicky Boogaard used under creative commons.
Colas Class 70 shunts KSA timber carriers at Baglan-Bay. Photo Steve-Knight under creative commons.
The Revolution models will feature our usual refinements including numerous separately fitted detail parts, and have been designed with 26mm axles to allow simple conversion to P4/EM standards using proprietory wheelsets.
The couplers are fitted in kinematic NEM sockets and the models also feature soft-sprung buffers.
Models are being offered in original Rover livery as a van and NACCO red livery for the timber conversions, in a variety of different numbers, to allow convincing rakes to be modelled. All models will be supplied as twin packs with an early-bird pre-order price of £99.95 per twin pack from our website (our standard pre-order price will be £104.95 from 20 December 2022).
KSA-A – Rover livery.
KSA in NACCO timber carrier form.
In addition, we are also offering exclusively through our growing retail network a twin pack of the attractive Malcolm Group KSA wagons. These wagons will only be available from our retailers and not direct from Revolution Trains and will have an MSRP of £124.95 for the twin pack – please contact your preferred Revolution Trains retailer to reserve/pre-order your Malcolm KSAs.
KSA-A – Malcolm Logistics livery.
These models are in development now and first samples are expected early in the New Year, with the finished models expected to ship in Q3-4 2023.
Revolution Trains has started supplying our MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons in N gauge to pre-order customers who collected at TINGS, and remaining pre-orders will begin to be sent out this week.
Visitors to this weekend’s International N Gauge Show at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre will also have seen that in addition to the previously offered versions, Revolution has limited stocks of an all-new variant in Network Rail/Wascosa yellow.
JNA in Network Rail/Wascosa livery. Photo: Tom Everett.
The first of these wagons arrived in the UK in 2020 and are now in widespread use.
66795 with a rake of JNA wagons at Shawford. Photo CA850 used under Creative Commons
Four differently numbered versions are available, including one with a flashing tail lamp, and can be ordered only direct from Revolution Trains via our shop.
Four versions of the Network Rail/Wascosa JNA are available
Pre-order customers who could not make it to TINGS will also start to receive their models from later this week, however it will probably take us a few packing and posting sessions to get through all the deliveries, so please bear with us.
IMPORTANT NOTE RE MODELS WITH FLASHING TAIL LAMPS
We have discovered an error in the instruction sheets applicable to models with the flashing tail lamps. This is applicable to all versions with the suffix L on the product code, which you will find on the label on the end and underside of the packaging.
To power the flashing tail lamp unit, 2 x CR927 3V button cells are required, and not the LR44 types specified in the instruction sheet.
You can download a corrected version of the instruction sheet here to print out if you wish:
Having delivered our modern style MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons, Revolution has not forgotten those modelling the 70s to the present day, and is delighted to confirm that we will now be offering the Redpath-Dorman-Long built PTA box wagons, and some of their steel carrying derivatives, as our next bogie wagon in N.
The PTAs were first introduced in 1972 to transport imported iron ore to steel works. Several batches were built to serve Redcar – Consett, Ravenscraig and Port Talbot – Llanwern carrying both iron ore and later limestone.
The wagons were built to be unloaded by ‘tippling’; that is, rotating them fully in a secure circular drum to empty them by gravity. To avoid the need for time-consuming, and therefore costly, uncoupling and coupling, the wagons were built with rotating couplings at one end. In early liveries this was designated by panels painted orange at the rotating end. The tippling process can be observed in this video albeit not in the UK.
56040 Oystermouth and 56044 at Cardiff Central, 1982. Photo John Grey Turner used under Creative Commons.
66026 with tippler wagons at Newport in 2001. Photo Steve Jones used under Creative Commons.
Use on aggregates started in 1981 when the Consett batch were purchased by Procor and hired to ARC and Yeoman. Later in life wagon leasor VTG repainted some PTAs (now coded JUA) in light grey for a variety of aggregates which were eventually withdrawn in 2015.
59002 with Yeoman PTA wagons. Photo Richard-Szwejkowski used under Creative Commons.
59101 with ARC liveried PTA tipplers. Photo:
PTA – British SteelPTA – ARC SouthernSome of the PTA liveries seen during their lifetimes
PTA – Foster Yeoman
In the early 1990s some redundant PTAs were converted to covered steel carriers and coded as JSAs.
Briitsh steel conversion JSA BSSP 4029. Photo Newton Abbot Railways used under Creative Commons.
When first converted the telescopic covers were made of plain sheet steel, however this was heavy and caused excessive wear on the sliding runners, giving them a tendency to jam.
Wagon lessor VTG acquired the fleet and replaced the steel covers with those made of a composite material that was lighter. This material was left unpainted, resulting in a changed appearance.
PTA converted to JSA steel carrier in VTG use at Long Marston.
Revolution is expecting to offer models in both liveries.
JSA original conversion in British Steel livery
VTG liveried JSA steel carrier.
In 2018 a number of the JSAs had their hoods removed to work as open coil carriers. Our model will cover all these variants.
Revolution is offering the 1950s- built HJO/HJV family of iron ore hoppers as its next transition era model in N.
HJV B439716 at Temple Mills. Photo courtesy Paul James.
Between 1955 and 1959, British Railways built more than 2,000 hopper type wagons to carry iron ore between ports, quarries and steelworks across the network.
The wagons we are offering are those to diagrams 1/163, 1/165, 1/166 and 1/168 and while used primarily for iron ore they also saw service on limestone, sand and salt traffic and these variants may be offered too.
Under the TOPS system introduced in the early 1970s unfitted wagons were designated HJO and HIO while those with vacuum brakes were given codes HJV and HKV.
24054 with a short rake of HJO and HJV hoppers at Cockshute in 1975. Photo courtesy Cliff Beeton.
These wagons were particularly associated with BR standard 8F and 9F locomotives, often mixed with other hopper types, and later with BR diesel classes 24, 25, 37 and 40.
HJO in unfitted BR grey. Image for illustrative purposes, not based on CAD.
As ever, Revolution Trains is planning to offer prototypical variety and as well as variations in brake equipment we are planning versions with prototypical variations in axle box and buffer types.
Class 120 C504 at Hereford in 1975. Photo Hugh Llewellyn used under Creative Commons
Revolution Trains is offering the Swindon-built Class 120 cross-country units as its next powered model aimed at transition era enthusiasts.
This model builds on the development carried out for our Class 128 Diesel Parcels Unit, and will use the same tried and tested chassis to speed development and allow us to keep costs as low as possible while retaining the performance, specification and detailing expected of Revolution models.
Two-car Class 120 unit at Newport in 1966. Photo courtesy Hugh Llewellyn used under Creative Commons.
The units were built in 3 batches for the Western Region and Scottish Region and were introduced starting in 1958 with the final units being withdrawn in 1989. The units were in several variations of green before being repainted into BR’s new corporate colours – initially all blue followed by BR blue.
The fleet totalled 194 cars and these were built in three batches: 49 sets in 1958 for the Western Region; 7 sets in 1959 for the Scottish Region and an additional 9 sets in 1961 for the Western Region.
Three-car Class 120 in blue-grey at Birmingham New Street in 1985. Photo Steve Jones, used under Creative Commons.
The trains operated in formations comprising Driving Motor Standard Lavatory, Trailer Second Buffet Lavatory and Driving Motor Brake Composite.
The Revolution models will be offered in two-car and three-car sets in liveries reflecting the working lives of these stalwart workhorses; a selection of possible liveries is shown and they are expected to be available to pre-order from early next year. Please note these graphics are illustrative and not based on actual CAD design, which has not been completed yet.
BR green livery with whiskers. Approx 1958-64.
BR green livery with small yellow panel. Approx 1964-68.
BR early blue lviery with small yellow panel. Approx 1964-69.
BR blue. Approx 1968-1976.
BR Blue-Grey. Approx 1970-1989.
Unfortunately, no complete Class 120 units survived into preservation; the only remaining vehicle from the entire fleet is TSLRB 59276 at the Great Central railway in Leicestershire.
However, several vehicles – including a complete set – of the similar Swindon-built Class 126 units are preserved at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, and Revolution visited earlier this year as part of our preliminary research, however we are aware there are numerous differences between these and the Class 120s.
Revolution’s Mike Buick taking dimensions at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway.
The Revolution Class 120 is in CAD design and once the prices and livery selections are finalised we will open up the order book, with the models expected late next year or early in 2024.
377105 passes Battersea. Photo Michael Garnett used under Creative Commons.
Revolution is proposing the Bombardier/Alstom ‘Electrostar’ family of trains as its next modern multiple unit in N gauge. The Electrostars cover a variety of prototypes from TOPS Classes 357, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379 and 387, though it is unlikely every variation can be offered.
375707 at Wandsworth Road. Photo John Ray used under Creative Commons.
The Electrostar family was manufactured at Derby from 1999 until 2017 with over 650 sets now in service for a variety of operators including: Southern; South Eastern; c2c; London Overground; GWR; Heathrow Express; Gatwick Express; and Great Northern as well as a number of historic train operating companies.
We have not yet finalised the liveries/variations we are offering, and as ever we are wary of over-promising while at the same time wanting to provide as much variety as possible. Among the versions we are scoping are:
Class 377 in Southern livery
Class 377 in SouthEastern livery
Class 377 in First Capital Connect livery
Class 387 GWR livery
Class 387 Gatwick Express livery
Class 387 Heathrow Express livery
Class 387 Great Northern livery
Once we have finalised pricing the models will go on sale for our usual low pre-order price, and while schedules are difficult to judge at the moment we would anticipate a 2024 delivery.
Once again Revolution Trains will be at The International N Gauge Show at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, on our usual stand 18 on the nearside right as you enter the show.
We always enjoy attending exhibitions as it’s a great chance to talk to our customers, supporters and friends and to let everyone see what we have got planned for the next 12 months or so.
Paul, Gareth and Mike on the Revolution stand at TINGS 2021. We’ve refreshed the stand for this year!
We will have copies of our free new catalogue for visitors to take away which for this show will be exclusively N gauge. Included are TWO new powered models and TWO new wagons aimed at those modelling the transition era right through to the present day.
There will also be plenty to see for those following our progress over the last 12 months.
Class 128 Diesel Parcels Units – Decorated Samples on show – order book closing immediately after the show.
Class 59 diesel locomotives – all versions on show. Order book closing soon.
Southern General Manager’s Inspection Saloon TDB975025 ‘Caroline’ – EP1 sample.
Class 313/4 PEP unit. EP1 sample.
Cartic-4 car carriers. EP samples.
We will also have available to purchase at the show a previously unannounced new model – this will be available to buy from Saturday morning.
We had a great time at the Rails Open Day yesterday; for those that couldn’t make it we’ve prepared a quick one-minute watch showing the highlights including our N gauge Class 59s, 00 gauge HOA decorated samples and first EP of the 00 Alcan PCA tank.
We were asked plenty of questions about all our models at the show and hopefully we answered them all. Face-to-face we are usually far more indiscreet about our plans than we are online – as long as Chatham House Rules apply!
The most common question we were asked was: “How long before your Mk5 coaches/Drax hoppers/Caroline saloons/any other product will be here?”
The answer is that even for models currently in production it is very difficult to know. This is because, although things are improving all the time, the lingering effects of Covid are still making precise scheduling almost impossible.
Issues including, but not limited to, sudden power cuts or power rationing, staff shortages, revised working arrangements to allow for social distancing and supplier issues (caused by the same problems) are having a regular but completely unpredictable impact on production times.
There is little we can do about that, so once models are tagged as in production asking us when they are ‘due’ or ‘expected’ is unlikely to get a definite answer – we put a summary of all the information we have on our Projects page. Once we know the models are shipped we update the project overview and will start sending out balance invoices, so that’s a big clue that they’re imminent!
Revolution unveiled an early sample of its N gauge model of the Southern Region General Manager’s Inspection saloon TDB975025 ‘Caroline’ in N gauge at the Rails Open Day today.
Caroline – ‘kitchen’ side.
The model received represents the saloon as it operates currently in green with new light clusters, rectangular step lights, no third rail pick-ups and the recently fitted CET equipment, as it appeared on the Revolution’s recent ‘Sweet Caroline’ railtour.
Photo courtesy Dan Foster/Aviation Photos.
Image showing the interior from the ‘kitchen’ side.
Inside, the model has the correct present day armchairs and driver cab arrangement. Other versions, in original BR blue grey and Network SouthEast, will have era specific details and we will be unveiling models of these versions in due course.
Once decorated samples are prepared these will be shown and then the model will go into tooling. You can pre-order ‘Caroline’ at the lower pre-production price of £130.
Revolution has received EP1 samples of its forthcoming 00 gauge, 1:76.2 scale Alcan PCA alumina tanks. These models represent the fleet of wagons diagram PC020A which have been in use since the late 1980s transporting alumina, which is used to make aluminium, from Blyth in Northumberland to the UK’s only remaining aluminium smelter at Lochaber at the base of Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands.
Alumina PCA sample in as-built form with ladders.
Alumina PCA without ladders as currently operated.
When built the wagons had ladders, however these were removed in the early 2000s. They entered service with Alcan, were subsequently taken on by Rio Tinto and are now operated by Alvance.
Revolution research trip to Lochaber Smelter.
The models feature a wealth of separately fitted details to the underside and fine, photo-etched catwalks.
Close up showing photo-etched catwalk and array of underframe detailing.
The wagons operate through some of the most beautiful scenery in the British Isles. In BR days they were usually hauled by Class 37 locomotives; then after privatisation EWS brought in Class 66s.
37413 “Loch Eil Outward Bound” leads the North Blyth – Fort William Alcan tanks over the River Fillan at Crianlarich. Photo courtesy Alan Mitchell.
Nowadays GBRf operates the trains. Standard traction remains the Class 66, though in 2011 GBRf hired in Class 55 Deltic 55022 due to traction shortages.
Photo courtesy: Arran Aird.
Revolution is offering the models in packs of four differently numbered wagons in all the liveries they’ve carried during their long lives.
If you want to find out more about the fascinating operations at Lochaber smelter, in the stunning highlands of Scotland, or are interested in the operations of these iconic wagons, see our video here:
These samples will be on show at the Rails Open Day on Saturday August 27th. The next step is to generate the livery drawings so decorated samples can be prepared for approval, and then the models will go into production with delivery expected next year.
Revolution Trains has received decorated samples of its forthcoming Class 59 diesel locomotives. These models are now in the final stage of development before going into production.
59001 in 1986 original Foster Yeoman livery and 59101 in original 1990 ARC Southern livery
All the samples will be on display at the upcoming International N Gauge Show at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre on September 10th-11th.
The first 59/0 locomotives were delivered with the exhaust port on the left side and single dampers on the outer bogie axles. With experience, this arrangement was changed. Foster Yeoman were presented with an American-style locomotive bell by EMD and this was fitted to the No. 1 end of 59001 as can be seen above.
Appropriately, the Class 59 locomotives themselves revolutionised the expectations of the UK railfreight industry in terms of both haulage and reliability when they entered service in 1986.
59003, Merehead 1986. Photo: Nigel Menzies, used under creative commons.
They were the first mainline diesel built for the UK market in the United States, and the first privately owned locomotives that British Rail permitted.
59001 + 59101 showing the differences between exhaust port location and bogie dampers.
Class 59/2 locomotives in original National Power livery.
The original four Foster Yeoman 59/0 locomotives arrived in 1986, the second batch of four ARC locomotives in 1990 (along with an addional loco for Foster Yeoman) and then in 1994-5 six more Class 59s entered service with National Power. These were designated 59/2 and again featured extensive differences to the earlier versions, with prominent fire suppression systems, buckeye couplers and altered end details and revised roof latches and radio pods.
The Class 59/2 locomotives in National Power livery are available to pre-order as a twin set of 59201 (with commemorative bell) and 59206 exclusively from Rainbow Railways here.
In the late 1990s the Class 59/0 locomotives received a revised Foster Yeoman livery. ARC was taken over by Hanson the Class 59/1s were repainted and the Class 59/2 locomotives passed into the ownership of EWS and were similarly reliveried.
59004 in revised Foster Yeoman livery.
59204 in EWS maroon and 59101 in Hanson livery.
In due course the Class 59/2 locomotives joined their sisters on Mendip stone traffic, and as repaints became due the Class 59/0 locomotives went into Aggregate Industries colours while the 59/2s received DB red.
59005 in Aggregate Industries livery. 59005 was built later than the other 59/0 locomotives and has a unique combination of details, which have been faithfully replicated.
59201 in DB red. The roof grille will be corrected to grey on production models!
In 2019 the contract to move stone from the Mendip quarries was won by Freightliner. While the 59/0s and 59/1s remain in their AI or Hanson liveries, Freightliner is progressively repainting the 59/2s into its own orange Genessee and Wyoming livery.
59203 in Freightliner G&W livery.
The present day – Aggregate Industries and Freightliner liveries.
The last chapter in the Class 59 story involves the single loco 59003. It was sent on long term hire to Germany in the late 1990s, and for this it was fitted with a UIC standard light above the cab windscreen and other modifications were made.
Then, in 2015, it was acquired by GB Railfreight and returned to the UK. Originally painted in GBRf’s Europorte scheme, it was later repainted into more standard GBRf colours. Both of these versions can be reserved exclusively from Rails of Sheffield here.
The Revolution Class 59 will have a full suite of lights, factory-fitted speakers in every model (and DCC Sound versions of all our variants available) and the DCC socket is accessed by a removable centre section – which replicates the arrangement of the prototype.
The switches that enable DC users to deactivate the red tail lights when running with a train can also be seen.
These decorated samples will be assessed and some small amendments to colours will be adjusted, and customers should also note that these were assembled and painted by hand using components from the first test mouldings, and as ever some small adjustments will also be made to improve fit and finish, especially of the etched parts.
Other than the exclusives you can pre-order any Revolution Trains Class 59 from our shop page here:
We are looking forward to showing these models off as the show season gets into full swing, and would be interested in any feedback. We expect the order book to close during the autumn, though we have not yet set a date.
The Clayton CBD-80 and CBD-90 models in development by Revolution Trains recently featured on an episode of the TV show ‘Train Truckers’ on the Yesterday Channel. Yesterday is one of the family of channels broadcast by UKTV, which is part of the BBC.
In the programme specialist haulage form Allelys are tasked with transporting one of the Sellafield CBD-80 variants from Clayton’s plant in Burton to the Chasewater Railway for testing.
Previously Allelys had also moved a CBD-90 locomotive on behalf of steelmaker Tata, who operate a fleet.
Photo: Allelys.
Photo: Allelys.
The programme also features the similar, but heavier, CBD-90 locomotives being built by Beacon Rail and now in service with GBRf at Whitemoor depot. These featured in our own video to introduce the models.
The models are now in tooling and EP1 samples are expected in the next 6-8 weeks, following approval of the CAD diagrams some weeks ago.
Revolution Trains is offering the distinctive Alcan PCA alumina tanks, used between Blyth and Lochaber Aluminium Smelter near Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands, as its next OO wagon model and we’ve prepared a short video to launch the model which is currently in tooling.
With Ben More dominating the background 66739 The Bluebell Railway eases the Alcan empties across the Fillan Viaduct at Crianlarich. Photo: Terry Callaghan.
Built in 1988, the Alcan PCA tanks have been in frontline service for more than three decades and despite their relatively limited route they pass through some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK.
66740 with the Alcan tanks at Whifflet. Photo: Tom Smith.
In addition they have been hauled by a wide variety of traction including Classes 26, 37, 47, 56, 60, 66 and perhaps most remarkably, Class 55 Deltic 55022 in 2011.
26036 with Alcan tanks bringing up the rear at Beattock in 1990. Photo: Dave McAlone.
To assist with research Revolution recently visited the Lochaber smelter.
Prototype History
43 wagons numbered BAHS55531-55573 were built in 1988 by Powell Duffryn to design code PC020A for British Alcan Aluminium. Unusually the wagons have twin-link suspension with parabolic leaf springs, due to restrictions on the West Highland line.
BAHS55555 at Blyth. Photo: Henry Pattinson.
Introduced in a plain grey livery with blue ‘Alcan’ branding, by the mid 2000s the Alcan logos had faded and resembled dusty grey triangles, and the end ladders were removed.
37413 “Loch Eil Outward Bound” with Alcan tanks at Crianlarich in 1991. Photo: Alan Mitchell.
In 2008 Alcan was amalgamated into Rio Tinto Alcan, and while the basic livery remained the same new red branding was introduced.
BAHS55559 at Stirling’s Yard in Rio Tinto Alcan livery. Photo: Tom Smith
Following the purchase of the Lochaber aluminium smelter in 2016 by GFG Alliance the wagons were progressively relabelled in Lochaber Power/Liberty and more recently with Alvance branding.
BAHS55568 in Alvance branding, BAHS 55566 wih Lochaber/Liberty branding. Photo: Tom Smith.
The Model
The Alcan PCA tanks feature four top loading hatches, a full length catwalk and access ladders on each side. The ladders were removed around 2005-2007 and versions with and without ladders, with appropriate liveries, will be offered.
PCA original version with ladders
PCA revised with ladders removed
In addition some wagons have had the plate on the discharge chute removed, and this will be supplied as a customer fit part to allow both options.
The models feature NEM pockets and are designed for straightforward conversion to EM or P4. Tooling is almost complete and first samples are expected next month.
Revolution is proposing versions in a wide selection of the liveries carried by these tanks to allow every era of these interesting wagons to be depicted.
Operations
Lochaber smelter is just outside Fort William in the West Highlands of Scotland and was opened in 1929. The enormous power requirements of alumium smelting require that plants are located close to suitable power supply. It would take the average family 20 years to use the electricity needed to produce just one tonne of aluminium!
Lochaber smelter generates the power it need using hydro-electric turbines spun by vast quantities of water piped from Loch Treig via a tunnel through the base of Ben Nevis and down five huge pipes into the plant.
Five enormous pipes feed water to power Lochaber’s hydro-electric turbines. Photo: James Dean Shepherd.
Aluminium is produced in a two-stage process. Aluminium ore (Bauxite) is first converted into alumina, then smelted into aluminium ingots.
Molten aluminium being poured into casting moulds at Lochaber. Photo: GFG Alliance.
The alumina used at Lochaber is processed at Aughinish in County Limerick, Ireland – the largest such plant in Europe – then shipped to the Port of Blyth, where it is unloaded into three large silos before being sent by rail to Fort William.
Bulk carrier Arklow Willow is unloaded at Blyth, prior to the alumina being railed to Lochaber. Photo: Chris Phillips, used under Creative Commons.
When introduced the wagons were also used, on occasion, to supply alumina to the Lynemouth smelter, around 7 miles north of Blyth, however these trains ceased when it was mothballed in 2012.
At the present time the trains, running under the headcodes 6S45 (loaded) and 6E45 (empties) run north on the East Coast main line via Dunbar and Millerhill to Mossend, then across via Helensburgh Upper onto the West Highland line to Fort William.
66737 with diverted Alcan tanks at Denton Mill. Photo: Dave McAlone.
Diversionary routes can include north of Mossend via Gartcosh or avoiding the ECML using the Tyne Valley line via Hexham to Carlisle and then the northern West Coast main line.
Sample consists
The models are in tooling now with samples expected very soon, and the order book is open now – just click on Shop in the website menu.
Revolution Trains is preparing for a busy show season, and will be at the first of four upcoming exhibitions next weekend at DEMU Showcase at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall next weekend, July 23rd/24th.
Come and see us on Stand 5 in the Auditorium where we will have our usual display showing decorated and EP samples of upcoming models including the N gauge Class 128 parcels units, Class 59 locomotive, Class 313 unit and Borail, Mullet, Parr and Super Tench flat and Cartic-4 wagons and 00 gauge HOA hoppers, TUA tankers (exclusively with Rainbow Railways), Borail, Mullet, Parr and Super Tench flat wagons.
We will also be unveiling an all new 00 model, and for those who cannot attend the show this will also be announced here on our website at 1000 on Saturday July 23rd.
DEMU is the society for those modelling diesel and electric outlines, and following its cancellation due to Covid in 2020 and 2021, and the loss of its long-time former location in Burton-on-Trent, this is the first Showcase in Sutton Coldfield and Revolution is delighted to be able to continue our long-standing support of DEMU and its annual Showcase event.
Entry is free or DEMU members, while for non-members ticket prices are Adults £11, U16 £8, Famlies (2 adults + unlimited children U16) £27.
Revolution models on display at the Bath and West of England Showground in April 2022.
If you can’t make it to Sutton Coldfield we will also be attending The International N Gauge Show at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre on September 10th-11th, the Great Electric Train Show at Milton Keynes on October 8th-9th and the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition at the NEC on November 26th and 27th.
