Category: 2mm

Revolution Trains has received painted samples of its forthcoming twin pack of MoD KUA quad-bogie nuclear flask carriers.

These giant wagons are used to transport spent nuclear submarine fuel from HM dockyards at Rosyth, on the Firth of Forth in Scotland, and Devonport in south west England.

They are also used, on occasion, to transport material from the nuclear research facility at Dounreay on the far north coast of Scotland, via an interchange at Georgemas Junction.

Often used in pairs, they are, if loaded, invariably accompanied by escort coaches carrying security personnel.

Revolution is offering both wagons in a twin pack enabling modellers and collectors to own the “complete fleet” and comprising virtually a complete train in a box.

Revolution would like to thank DRS for all their assistance with these models. Allowing us to properly research these secretive wagons enables us hopefully to do them justice.

Although both wagons in service are virtually physically each has noticeably different markings and Revolution has been at great pains to accurately represent this. Note the different anchor icons, TOPS markings and data panels.

And to make these models extra-special, Revolution is even incorporating the axle numbers and wheel profile markings on the bogies – the first time we’ve been crazy enough to try this!

These photographs are cruelly enlarged – the wheelbase lettering, though legible, is barely 0.2mm tall!

Another key difference is that 95771 has a clearly visible ripped label patch at one end of the hood – as can be seen in the photographs above by Paul Berry – and this too is being represented.

Once these decorated samples have been approved we will be ready to close the order book. It is unlikely these models will be repeated so we’d urge anyone interested to order now to avoid missing out.

Revolution Trains can reveal EP1 samples of its forthcoming KUA nuclear flask wagons.

These have been now been assessed and feedback sent to the designers in China.

Under test they were checked against R1 curves and despite their size the running is smooth and assured.

We have spotted some issues: the handrails were a little distorted on the samples but this may be down to damage during hand-fitting or in transit and experience shows that for the production run the factory will use jigs to assist with fitting. And the production models will be packed in protective vac-formed plastic blisters, and not sent in bubble wrap like the samples!

There are two of these huge wagons in service and they are used to transport spent fuel from Royal Navy nuclear submarines from Devonport and Rosyth to Sellafield. They have also been used to convey radioactive material from the former nuclear research centre at Dounreay.

When loaded they always run with support coaches crewed by elite protection squads.

Some adjustments will be made to the moulds and the final rivet and texture details added. Livery diagrams have been completed and this will enable decorated samples to be prepared for checking.

The wagons are being sold as a pair – MODA95770 and MODA95771 – so you can “own the complete fleet” for £139.95.

Due to the coronavirus the return after Chinese New Year has been delayed by the Chinese authorities, so there is likely to be a small delay before we need to close the order book, however we suggest you order soon to take advantage of our great pre-order price.

These models are being produced in a limited number and experience suggests the prices will rise for any models available after production.

Order your set here

Revolution Trains is offering the giant Ministry of Defence owned 150t KUA nuclear flask wagons as its next N gauge models.

Two of these behemoths are in service and they are used primarily to ferry spent nuclear fuel from submarines at Devonport and Rosyth to Sellafield for reprocessing or disposal. Revolution is proposing to offer both wagons so modellers can own “the complete fleet.”

Numbered MODA 95770 and 95771, they carry the UIC code Uaafis. They are among the heaviest wagons to operate on British mainlines.

Work on this model has been underway for some time, with CAD fully complete and the model now in tooling. First samples are expected in the next six weeks. This model is funded and we anticipate that production numbers will be limited.

Revolution was granted permission to produce the model – and given full access to drawings and other materials – following extensive negotiations with the MoD and we would like to thank them and DRS for their cooperation in producing the model.

The two wagons in service are often used together, and when loaded are operated with two locomotives (in case of failure) and accompanied by support coaches carrying security personnel, often from the SBS, SAS or Royal Marines.

These coaches are available in N, as are many of the locomotives used, meaning that with our KUA models these fascinating and mysterious trains can be accurately depicted.

The wagons were built in the late 1990s by Bombardier, and originally operated by EWS for the Royal Navy. DRS took over operations in 2006.

They’re used primarily to carry submarine fuel from HMNB Devonport, in Plymouth, and HMNB Rosyth, in Fife, to Sellafield. They are also sent on occasion to Georgemas Junction on the far north line to collect radioactive material from the nuclear research station at Dounreay. As well as this, they can be seen on maintenance trips to and from Wabtec in Kilmarnock and Arlington at Eastleigh. They are also sent to the MoD depot at Bicester for training.

Although operations using these wagons are often clouded in secrecy, especially when they are loaded, sample consists can be observed in photographs.

The Revolution Trains model will feature highly detailed injection moulded body and covers, numerous separately fitted detail parts including ferry loops, wire handles, photo-etched and moulded brake parts and NEM coupler sockets.

The order book is open and we are offering both wagons as a twin pack with accurate differences in labelling.