Revolution Trains has approved the CAD designs for its planned MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ wagons in N gauge. The models follow their well-received 00 counterparts, and use much of the same research with detail differences between those operated by DB and VTG accurately reflected, but in addition we have added the latest versions introduced by Touax.
The DB operated wagons – in their distinctive red livery – are primarily associated with stone traffic from quarries in the Peak District and the Midlands to locations across the network. They have 9 bodyside ribs and underframe mounted parking brake wheels and associated equipment.
Built by Astra Rail and introduced in 2016, there are now well over 500 of these box wagons on the network. Those in use with DB are coded MMA under TOPS; the remainder are coded JNA. In UIC nomenclature all are referred to as ‘Ealnos.’
The wagons operated by VTG have different brake equipment. Some are dedicated for Mendip Rail traffic and carry a branded or unbranded silver livery; others are available for spot hire and in a dark steel blue.
Others are in service with Ermewa/Tarmac and feature further variations of bodystyle and braking. Earlier this year, several more batches of Ealnos arrived in the UK and entered service with VTG, Cappagh and Touax. The Touax wagons, in their eye-catching dark red livery, have 11 bodyside ribs with no door and combine the longer air tank of the VTG versions with the body-mounted parking brakes of the DB MMAs.
Like their 00 counterparts, and Revolution’s IZA Cargowaggon twin vans in N, these models are being offered with a factory fitted flashing tail lamp. Because this has to be fitted inside the box body, all the models will also be supplied with a false moulded ‘load’ to disguise the mechanism. The load can easily be removed to replace the batteries, and of course can be omitted from non-light fitted versions for those who wish to run their wagons empty.
Although the CAD is now complete we will not open the order book to begin tooling until some of our other N gauge models – including FWA ‘Ecofret’ container flats, IWA ‘Sfins2’ vans and IWA ‘Rfnoos’ timber carriers – are in production. We recognise that the current economic difficulties are putting pressure on modelling budgets, and we want to give all our supporters the opportunity to budget for these useful wagons.