Category: 2mm

Revolution Trains has opened the order book for its forthcoming Class 128 Parcels unit, with a low Earlybird price of £120 available until midnight on 16th July 2021.

Revolution is offering six versions, covering the entire lives of these units from their introduction in 1960 to their final withdrawal in 1990, and in both Midland Region centre headcode and Western Region gangwayed versions.

CAD has been approved and tooling is underway. We are anticipating that EP1 samples will be here in 6-8 weeks.

As well as the gangway/non-gangway variation, the tooling has been designed to allow variations including round, oval or clipped buffers, sandbox variations, differences in exhausts and plated headcode boxes.

For those modelling the BR Green/transition era, two models are on offer: M55987 in green with speed whiskers, and W55994 in BR green with speed whiskers.

BR Blue era enthusiasts have M55990 in Parcels Service livery with domino headcode displays – as carried from the mid-1970s until its withdrawal, and W55991 also in all-over blue with plated headcodes, representing this unit from 1981 onwards.

Finally we are offering two units in the eye-catching 1980s-90s Royal Mail red livery; one has plated-over headcode boxes but retains the gangway, the other has the last end variation: fully flush with the gangways removed.

Note: CAD images show approved designs. Some details (eg buffers, exhausts) may vary on production models following further research. Livery diagrams are basic graphic images for illustrative purposes only.

N-128-55987A – M55987 in BR green with speed whiskers

N-128-55994A – W55994 in BR green livery with single speed whiskers

N-128-55990A – M55990 in BR blue with yellow ends and domino headcode display

N-128-55991A – W55991 in BR blue with yellow ends and plated over headcodes with marker lights

N-128-55992A – 55992 in Royal Mail red with gangway and plated over headcodes with marker lights

N-128-55993A – M55993 in Royal Mail red with plated gangway and plated headcodes

CAD has been finalised on the forthcoming Revolution Trains Class 313 and 314 ‘PEP’ electric multiple units.

Versions with the original and revised headlights are being offered, and with the CAD almost signed off tooling will begin shortly.

Once the models are delivered we anticipate that some models will be available from retailers, but at a higher MSRP to include their margins.

The launch liveries are:

In addition to the variants offered above, there are interesting specials and one offs. These will not be part of Revolution’s own production, but we are hopeful of producing one or more as a retailer exclusive.

Revolution is also offering the very similar Class 314 units that operated in Scotland from the late 1970s. There are some minor differences with the 313s and these will be depicted where possible. Please note there are some configurations with the CAD that need tweaking, such as the shoegear which is not present on the 314.

The Class 314s have carried four liveries; Revolution is initially offering those covering the period from 1983, when the first blue grey unit received the striking Strathclyde PTE orange and black, until 2019 when the last 314s were withdrawn.

Once the tooling begins we will be opening the order book – it will likely be a couple of months time. As ever there will be a discounted Earlybird price for the first couple of months or so, after which it’ll go up to the standard pre-order price.

Revolution Trains has confirmed the liveries and unit numbers it is offering of the Class 128 diesel parcels unit.

Midland Region versions (55987-990)

M55987 green with single whiskers and centre head code boxes and M55990 BR blue with full yellow ends, centre domino head code boxes

Western Region versions (55991-996)

W55994 green with single speed whiskers and split head code boxes and W55991 Blue FYE with marker lights and corridor

55992 RM red with corridor and 55993 RM red no corridor.

The factory is currently making the final CAD changes and once complete we will open the order book. Obviously CAD has taken longer than we anticipated – for which we apologise – we wanted to be sure that the CAD covered all the many variants of 128s (a surprising number for a class of 10!).

Revolution Trains is to produce the all-new Class 93 tri-mode locomotive being built for Rail Operations Group by Stadler as its first powered model in 00/4mm scale.

Rail Operations Group has ordered ten of the new Class 93 locomotives, with options on a further 20, and the first is to be delivered in early 2023.

The Class 93 is designed to operate on 25kv overhead power supply, with an inboard diesel engine, or using heavy duty batteries; allowing it to be almost silent while in stations or other built up areas while optmizing efficiency across the network and maximizing low carbon benefits. The Class 93 will be able to run at speeds of up to 110mph and the diesel power unit is specified to be powerful enough for prolonged mainline running, not just ‘last mile’ operation.

Revolution Trains is delighted to have been chosen by ROG and Stadler to produce the Class 93 tri-mode locomotive, which is arguably the most exciting and innovative development on the real railway for many years.

Neil Bennett, Executive Chairman of Rail Operations Group, said: “Along with our well-established rolling-stock movement business, we have very exciting plans for the Class 93 including low-carbon logistics services operating at speeds of up to 110mph.  I am delighted to be working with Revolution Trains on reproducing the locomotive in model form.”

This will be Revolution’s first powered model aimed at 00 gauge/4mm scale modellers, but Revolution has already delivered, or is developing, six 00 wagons: TEA tankers, MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons, IZA Cargowaggon twins (a Kernow exclusive), IWA ‘Sfins2’ vans, IWA ‘Rfnoos’ timber carriers and FWA ‘Ecofret’ container flats.

The model will be to 4mm:1ft scale, 1:76.2 with RP25-110 wheels with space for EM/P4 fitting. They will feature our usual high levels of detailing including photo-etched and separate parts where appropriate, prototypical lighting arrangements, 21-pin DCC socket, and heavy metal chassis with full provision for DCC Sound. DCC Sound-fitted models will also be available.

We will offer multiple numbers, factory-fitted buffer-beam details at one end (though a spare NEM coupler will also be included for customers who wish to couple the loco at both ends) and we will investigate the provision of a DCC operated pantograph mechanism.

The full specicifation is subject to revision during the design phase, but will be confirmed by the time we open the order book.

Rail Operations Group has exciting plans for the Class 93, and while initially they are likely to be used mainly to service ROG’s existing and well-established rolling stock movement business, the company also sees the locomotives being used as part of its proposed ‘Orion’ high speed centre-to-centre low carbon logistics trains as well as 110mph intermodal services. For more information see here.

ROG is planning to begin trials of its first converted Class 319 units in April 2021. The images below show the first unit being unveiled last month.

The Class 93 models will be offered in ROG’s stylish green and black launch livery, and it is understood that they are to be named after Roman Gods.

The terms of the licence – which covers both 00 and N gauge models – mean that ROG and Stadler will work closely with Revolution, sharing important technical specifications, 3D data and design drawings, to ensure the models are as accurate as possible and that any changes made during construction are incorporated.

Class 93 Initial Specification

• Heavy diecast chassis with smooth electric motor and flywheels and provision for DCC and Sound
• 4mm-ft/1:76.2 scale 00 (16.5mm) gauge, with provision for simple conversion to EM/P4
• Separately applied etched metal or fine plastic details
• NEM coupler sockets with fully detailed, factory-fitted bufferbeam at one end (second coupler in accessory pack)
• DCC provision: 21 pin decoder socket
• Prototypical lighting arrangements, switchable for DC users where necessary
• Twin speakers on sound-fitted models
• RP25 (110) wheels with provision for simple conversion to EM/P4
• We will investigate options for a DCC operated pantograph mechanism, though the pantograph itself will be cosmetic

It is intended that the models will be delivered as soon as possbile after the prototypes enter service.

As a final surprise, we are delighted to reveal that three extra Class 92s are being made available.

These were produced by Rapido in response to the high number of requests received from those who missed out after the deadline passed while the models were in production. These are 92008 ‘Jules Verne’ in BR Railfreight livery, 92023 in Caledonian Sleeper teal, and 92043 in GB Railfreight livery.

These models are DC only, and are available from retailers and from Revolution directly (where stocks are available – we have none of the 92023 Caledonian Sleeper models however retailers will have stock), priced at £175 each. Retailers will start to receive their stock later this week.

92s make it in 2020 – just!

On Christmas Eve the long-awaited N gauge Class 92 locomotives arrived from Rapido, and while this meant delivery before Christmas was not possible, we worked hard over the break to ensure deliveries of the first hundred or so orders did take place before the end of the year.

We are anticipating that by Friday January 15th all paid for models will have been despatched – please keep an eye on our Projects page for progress if you are still waiting for your model (all parts of your order (in your account) will also be marked as “Complete” when your order has been despatched). If you still have a balance to pay then you should have received an email from us – please log in to your account where you can pay any balance due. If you sent us a query or reply regarding your balance payment we will deal with that over the next few days.

Retailers who’ve pre-ordered the models will be receiving their stocks later this week once the last of the pre-orders has been sent. Also available, exclusively from Kernow Model Rail Centre, will be 92017 ‘Eddie the Engine’ in its distinctive Stobart livery.

For those of you looking for support information we’ve added some notes for owners and information on DCC in our support section (we will also add the manual and DCC settings shortly).

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response, and would like to say a big ‘thank-you’ to those who’ve uploaded images or videos, or sent them to us, of the models in action.

There are too many to acknowledge individually, but as a taster here are two 92s running on Simon Fenton’s awesome ‘Dallam’ layout; one on a long rake of Farish FIA intermodal twins, the other with Dapol silver bullets Kaolin carriers:

So far the response to the models has been very encouraging, and we would like to register our thanks to everyone at Rapido in Canada and China for all the hard work they’ve put in to help us bring these models to market. As ever with our crowdfunded models, it would never have happened without the support of those who pre-ordered and put their trust in us.

The models feature a myriad of details, and several firsts for mass-produced British N gauge models, including a detailed bufferbeam at one end and a representation of the cab driver’s window blind – a distinctive and visible feature on the prototype due to the large windscreens.

So what can I run behind my new 92?

To help those interested in running accurate trains, we’ve prepared a handy guide to the kind of trains that Class 92s have operated.

They are true mixed traffic locomotives, designed originally for heavy cross-channel freight and ‘Nightstar’ international sleeper trains. They are also equipped with both pantographs for 25kV AC overhead supply and collector shoes for 3rd rail DC power; making them exceptionally versatile. They are also the only class of locomotive currently equipped and cleared for use on HS1, enabling continental-gauge swap-body containers to reach London by rail for the first time.

Caledonian Sleeper

The 92s are now the principle traction for Anglo-Scottish sleeper services between London and Glasgow/Edinburgh, though smaller diesels are used on non-electrified lines parts of the journey to Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen.

The forthcoming Revolution Trains Mk5 sleeper coaches should be in production later this year, and will enable full, accurate rakes to be produced.

However, if you don’t have room for the full 16-coach rake don’t despair – as you can see from the table below, Covid has led to shorter rakes becoming authentic!

IWA bogie and IZA 4-wheel twin vans

Class 92s are also long-associated with international van traffic – primarily mineral water from central and southern France and aluminium between the UK and Germany.

Again, both these traffics can be recreated thanks to Revolution Trains, with either our IZA Cargowaggon twins (some may still be available at retailers, and Revolution has a tiny number in stock) or with our forthcoming IWA vans in Cargowaggon or unbranded versions.

Automotive traffic has also been a staple for the 92s for many years, and the Revolution IPA car carriers can help in recreating these on your layout.

Here is a diagram showing just some of the huge variety of trains worked by Class 92s since 2005.

The wait is nearly over for our Class 92s. The models left the factory mid last week and are currently at Heathrow awaiting delivery to us (updated: 23/12/20). If the models are delivered to us before Christmas (we’ll update this page once we know) then we will start to send out orders as soon as we get the models – that means the earliest deliveries are likely to be just after Christmas.

If your order(s) are fully paid then you don’t need to do anything other than check that your delivery address is up to date on your account (we check all orders against the latest shipping address on your account and update as necessary).

Outstanding payments

Payments by instalment plan: (deposits placed before 1 Jan 2019) if you paid a small deposit then there should be 3 payments in total for each 92 ( the initial deposit and 2 further payments). If any of the instalments for your order(s) are showing as Partially Paid or Pending Deposit Payment then it means one or more of the invoices is yet to be paid – please pay as quickly as you can so that we can send out your model(s).

50% deposit payments: (deposits placed after 1 Jan 2019) if you paid a 50% deposit then your balance invoice will not have been generated yet but we will generate it over the next few days.

Delivery updates

We realise that it can be frustrating waiting for orders, but please bear with us – there are hundreds of orders to send out and we send them out in order of when they were paid. We regularly update progress of where we have got to on our Projects page in the Notes section. Please don’t message us asking for an update on your order until all parts of your order have been marked as “Complete” – that means your order has been despatched – or until we have said that all orders have been sent and please bear in mind that there are still ongoing delays with the postal system.

Unfortunately there was a last minute delay affecting some of the DCC Sound fitted models so these models will follow in a separate delivery scheduled for just after New Year – if you ordered a mix of DC and DCC Sound models we will ship the DC models first if we reach your order before the remaining Sound-fitted models arrive.