December 31st marks a keys order or earlybird deadline for several Revolution models, so we have put them all here as a reminder so no one needs to miss out on our low pre-production prices.
Final order deadline: 00 IWA Sfins2 van in Norsk Hydro, Cargowaggon and unbranded liveries
Update 02/12/2020: we underestimated the demand for our NEM screwlink couplers and the initial batch sold out in less than 12 hours! We’ll be able to source a few more packs, but we will investigate placing a much larger order.
Since offering our IPA car carriers (and before that the IZA Cargowaggons) we’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve been asked to supply the realistic, fixed couplers supplied with the models as accessories.
So we’ve listened – and here they are!
The couplers are designed to represent the screwlinks used by nearly all British freight rolling stock, and some passenger vehicles. They are being offered in two lengths – short (14mm length overall) and medium (19mm length overall) and have NEM tongues at either end.
19mm coupler (left) and 14mm coupler
They are one-piece mouldings and cannot be coupled and uncoupled; they are designed to offer a more realistic and discreet appearance than the traditional N gauge coupler on fixed rakes of wagons.
Medium couplers on Revolution Trains TEA tankers
The shorter couplers are those supplied with the IZAs and IPAs and are suitable for vehicles with no buffers, or where kinematic coupler mounts allow vehicles to “open up” on tight, trainset curves of less than around 381mm (15″) radius. The longer ones are intended for vehicles with buffers, or without kinematic coupler mounts.
Medium couplers fitted to Dapol HIA hoppers.
Although Revolution’s fixed couplers are designed to fit any model with NEM coupler pockets, we have not been able to test them on every model available and due to huge variations in coupler position, buffer lengths, wheelbase, and whether the sockets are kinematic, body or bogie mounted some trial and error may be required.
The couplers are being offered in packs of 10 priced at £4.95 and three variants s are on offer: 10 x short, 10 x medium, and a mixed bag of 5 of each short and medium.
Revolution Trains is offering the huge Drax Power IIA biomass hoppers as its next N gauge wagon. These wagons were introduced from 2013 and are used across northern England to ferry biomass from east and west coats sea ports to Drax Power station in North Yorkshire.
60076 on 6E09 Liverpool Docks – Drax at Brighouse in October 2019. Photo courtesy Neil Harvey
CAD has now been completed and the models are in tooling. They feature NEM couplers and lots of separately fitted details including door opening actuators, brake equipment, discharge doors and wire pipes and rails.
Drax, near Selby in North Yorkshire, is the world’s largest biomass-fuelled power station and generates 15% of the UK’s renewable electricity. To do this requires 25,000 tonnes of biomass each day.
Drax Power Station, North Yorkshire. Image courtesy Drax Power
The biomass from Europe and North America arrives by sea at the ports of Liverpool, Tyne, Immingham and Hull and is transported to Drax by rail. To sustain its needs, Drax operates around 17 trains every day.
IIA-D wagons preparing to unload at Drax. Photo courtesy Drax Power.
The wagons are loaded through full length roof doors, and at Drax they automatically dump the biomass via underframe chutes onto conveyor belts leading two four huge storage domes, where the biomass is kept dry and in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere to avoid the risk of fire.
Drax biomass storage domes. Photo courtesy Drax Power
Originally, redundant coal wagons were used, but because biomass is lighter than coal the wagons were completely full before their maximum tonnage was reached, reducing efficiency. To address this, Drax ordered an entirely new design of wagon, specifically for biomass, with hoppers in the centre and outside each bogie, and with a body profile at the limits of the UK loading gauge.
Photo courtesy Dave Kirwin
225 of these wagons – coded IIA-D under TOPS and with the UIC designation Tafoos – were built for by WH Davis between 2013 and 2015, and each carries enough biomass to generate a full year’s supply of electricity for 32 homes.
66706 with Drax hoppers on Gauxholme viaduct. Imagine recreating this in N! Photo courtesy Neil Harvey
The wagons were first outshopped in vinyls carrying a stylish Drax livery of grey, black, blue and green; odd-numbered wagons receiving an A version, even-numbered wagons receiving a B version with the pattern designed to “run on” across adjacent wagons. In 2018, a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ branded version of the livery was introduced, and last year some wagons were also revinyled into a blue scheme with large photos and the message ‘Renewable Pioneers.’
One version of the Renewable Pioneers livery.
These models will be available exclusively from Rails of Sheffield, and are being sold in twin packs – one with each version of the livery – for £79.95. Versions will be available in original, Northern Powerhouse and Renewable Pioneer liveries.
We are expecting EP1 samples early in the New Year and the for the finished models to be shipped in the summer of 2021, however these timeframes are indicative and subject to possible Covid disruption.
Revolution Trains has received samples of its forthcoming PFA container wagons with open-top coal or half-height nuclear fuel containers.
The models feature a diecast chassis to give enough weight, even when running empty, and lots of separately fitted details.
The wagons were built in 1986 to carry containerised coal from collieries in the UK to Ireland, with the coal tranported in bright yellow “Cawoods” liveried open-top containers. In the mid-1990s the operation was taken on by British Fuels, and the containers repainted red.
56132 with Cawoods containers in 1989. Photo courtesy Mick Page
66208 with British Fuels and CPL containers in 2002. Photo courtesy Neil Harvey
In the 2000s several of the wagons were acquired by DRS and used to convey low level waste or as runners for other flask wagons. The coal containers had been designed for the wagons, and had cut-outs on the underside to clear the wheel flanges, however because the DRS containers did not have these the wagons were fitted with ISO-compatible frames to ensure the containers were clear of the wheels. Our models will replicate this feature with a removable photo-etched part.
DRS PFA seen in 2013 in use as a barrier wagon between the locomotive and a FNA flask carrier. Photo courtesy Ray Forster.
Once these models have been tested then decorated approval samples will be prepared, and the models will go into production. We are expecting to close the order book early in 2021, with the models likely to be shipped in summer 2021. Order now to take advantage of our low pre-production price.
Following our recent expressions of interest exercise, Revolution Trains is opening the order book for a second run of the award-winning Class 390 Pendolino model in N by Rapido Trains.
390045 “Virgin Pride” in Flowing Silk rainbow livery. Photo courtesy Lewis Hurley
We are offering only those models that came close enough to justify production; if orders are healthy we will look to increase the variety available. The options we are offering are:
390049 “Virgin Express” – Virgin original livery (striped doors), 9-car.
390152 “Virgin Knight” – Virgin original livery (grey doors), 11-car.
390156 “Pride and Prosperity” – Avanti livery, 11-car
390047 – Avanti part-branded livery, 9-car
390001 “Bee Together” – DfT Ghost livery, 9-car.
If orders for a particular version exceed expectations then we may add additional number sets. Delivery of the models is expected in Q3-4 2021, though this may change due to circumstances beyond Revolution and Rapido’s control. Early bird prices are available until 31 December 2020 with the order book likely to close end January – mid-February 2021 with production starting immediately after Chinese New Year 2021.
The Revolution Trains/Rapido Trains Class 390 Pendolino was the first fully crowdfunded complete model train to reach the UK Marketplace. It features power cars at both ends, pin-point pick ups on every wheel with power transfer throughout the train via electrically conductive couplings, and working table lamps in first as standard.
The new versions will be updated with Next-18 DCC interface and as before all power cars will have factory fitted speakers, to make converting to DCC or DCC Sound a snap.
In a poll carried out by Model Rail magazine the Revolution/Rapido Class 390 Pendolino was voted N gauge Model of the Decade.
390119 “Unknown Soldier” in DfT ‘ghost’ livery at Lune Gorge. Photo courtesy Cameron Walker.
390104 “Alstom Pendolino” in Avanti part-branded livery at Beattock. Photo courtesy Arran Aird.
390005 passes Dordon with 1A3 Manchester Piccadilly – London Euston in 2018.
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.
MMA box wagon as operated by DB Cargo
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.’
Line up of 00 models: VTG blue, Ermewa grey, DB red.
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.
VTG version with longer air tank, 11 bodyside ribs and bogie-mounted parking brakes.
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.
Touax JNA with appropriate body style and brake equipment.
Touax JNA ‘Ealnos’ at Westbury. Photo courtesy Jo Alder.
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.
Like London buses our models are never just one arrival at once – both our N gauge IPA car carriers and KUA nuclear flask carriers are on their way to us and should clear customs for delivery to us in the next 7-10 days.
As a result we’ve started to send out balance invoices for the IPA car carriers and we will shortly be starting to send out balance invoices for KUAs. As ever our deposit software can only generate separate balance invoices for each line of your original order(s), and unfortunately it isn’t possible to combine the invoices (trust us it creates a lot more work for us).
If you haven’t received any (or all) of your expected balance invoices please login to your account and check if there are any new invoices available for payment – sometimes the email system doesn’t send off all the notifications.
If you need to change your address, as usual, please update the shipping address in your account – it won’t feed through to your existing orders but we check the account address when we generate the shipping labels.
Revolution Trains is happy to confirm that proposed models of the Class 320 in Strathclyde PTE orange and Silverlink blue/green will be going ahead, after enough pre-orders were received before the deadline.
Strathclyde PTE Class 320 DTSO Sample bodyshell shown with undecorated air dam, glazing, chassis and interior.
Silverlink County Class 321 DTSO Sample bodyshell shown with undecorated air dam, glazing, chassis and interior.
Although these models have not been as popular as our other versions – Network South East, London Midland and Scotrail – we are able to make them happen thanks to a wave of orders just ahead of the deadline and our manufacturing partners in China agreeing to reduce the minimum order number.
The final deadline for the Class 321 units is September 20th, and until then latecomers can still order the Strathclyde Class 320 or Silverlink Class 321 as well as our previously confirmed Network SouthEast and London Midland class 321s and Scotrail Saltire Class 320s. For each of these models two different running numbers are available.
After an enthusiastic response from modellers Revolution is delighted to confirm that we are offering the amazingly versatile former Southern Region General Manager’s Saloon 975025 “Caroline” in N gauge as well as 00.
37421 with Caroline at Lichfield Trent Valley in July 2020. Photo courtesy Simon Cartlidge-Swain.
Caroline was converted from the buffet car of a former Hastings unit in the late 1960s, as a saloon for the General Manager of the Southern Region of BR to entertain VIP guests, but was also used by the engineers for line inspections and assessments. Originally numbered TDB975025 and with a kitchen and catering on board, it rapidly became known as the “gin palace” and an invitation on board became something of a golden ticket.
975025 with a group of County Council officials during the 1980s. Photo Courtesy Gordon Pettit, former Southern Region General Manager.
The secret of the saloon’s success is its versatility; being derived from Hastings line stock – which was built to a tighter loading gauge than most BR vehicles due to clearance issues on that line – it can travel on virtually any part of the network, and with driving controls can be both loco hauled and propelled and – almost uniquely – allows invited guests to see the railway from a driver’s point of view.
975025 at Clapham Junction in Network Southeast livery. Photo courtesy Arran Aird.
In the late 1990s, after the end of BR and the demise of Network Southeast, TDB975025 was purchased by Belmond Pullman but little used, until being acquired by Serco and refurbished, given the name “Caroline” and repainted into dark green with yellow ends. Since then Caroline has been largely associated with DRS traction.
Caroline in present day livery being propelled by DRS’s 37409 in heritage large-logo livery. Photo courtesy Steve Poole.
Caroline now resides at Derby with LORAM/Network Rail and is widely used for track inspections, line repair assessments and still, occasionally, to entertain VIPs. The saloon is about to be fitted with toilet retention tanks, suggesting her future on the mainline is assured for some years to come. Caroline has also been earmarked for the national collection once her service life is over.
Revolution research trip to Derby
Revolution’s N gauge model of Caroline will offer similar specifications as the 00 model, with lots of separate parts, power pick ups, kinematic couplers, directional headlights, search lights and tail lights (or illuminated headcode boxes depending on the era) and interior detailing with working saloon lights. CAD for the 00 model is almost complete and we anticipate CAD for the N version will be shown very soon.
Caroline 00 CAD – still under development
Initially we are offering the same three variants as in 00: BR Blue grey with headcode boxes and 3rd rail power pick-ups, BR Network South East with headcode boxes and 3rd rail power pick ups, and Network Rail green with LED light clusters and high intensity headlight. Please note the graphics below are purely indicative of the livery, and not based on the model CAD designs.
Caroline offers a complete train-in-a-box, and can be both hauled and propelled.
The early-bird price of £115 is available until October 31st, at which time the price will go up to the standard pre-order price of £130. In addition, anyone ordering before September 11th will join our existing 00 customers in being entered into a prize draw to win a place on our ‘Sweet Caroline’ railtour next year (which will be drawn and announced the weekend of 12/13 September)
The model is expected to be ready to ship in early 2021, though as ever delivery schedules can alter due to circumstances outside Revolution’s control.
Revolution Trains and Rapido Trains are seeking expressions of interest in another run of Class 390 Pendolino models.
390005 in Virgin ‘Flowing Silk’ livery. Photo courtesy John Whiting.
Since the launch of the original model – which became the UK’s first fully crowdfunded model train and won ‘Model of the Decade’ in the recent poll by Model Rail magazine – the fleet has undergone several livery changes.
When the fleet came up for repainting in 2018 the DfT – in case of franchise change – required that the trains received the now-standard predominantly pale grey livery.
To comply, but add their own flourish, Virgin created the ‘flowing silk’ livery, and one Pendolino, 390045, was given a rainbow version of the livery and named Virgin Pride.
390045 Virgin Pride. Photo courtesy Lewis Hurley.
When Virgin lost the franchise, the vinyls were removed, leaving the entire fleet in the DfT plain pale grey ‘ghost’ livery.
390119 “Unknown Soldier” in the Lune Gorge. Photo courtesy Cameron Walker.
The new franchisee, Avanti West Coast, unveiled two Pendolinos in its own stylish colours in December 2019, however since the advent of lockdown, and ongoing uncertainty about the future of the franchising system, full reprints have been deferred and only power cars are being revinyled, with intermediate cars unchanged.
390154 in part-Avanti livery at Rugely Trent Valley. Photo courtesy curly42.
Revolution and Rapido are both very keen to produce another run of Pendolino models, and Rapido have already test-printed the difficult flowing silk design, but because it is difficult to assess demand for the various different options we are beginning the process by seeking expressions of interest.
Test print of flowing silk markings. Please note the rest of the model is not fully painted.
If the models go into production the pre-order price is expected to be £330 for 9-car sets and £370 for 11-car sets, with the later MSRP significantly higher.
The deadline is September 30th 2020 but as we are not asking for any deposit or financial commitment please do not delay if you are interested.
The possible options are (liveries will only be produced if there is sufficient interest – if there is sufficient interest in particular liveries we will look at producing multiple numbers):
9-car 390010 ‘Cumbrian Spirit” flowing silk livery, no window stripe.
11-car 390130 “City of Edinburgh” flowing silk livery, window stripe.
9-car 390045 “Virgin Pride” rainbow silk livery.
9-car 390001 “Bee Together” DfT ghost livery.9-car 390050 “Virgin Invader” original Virgin livery with sriped doors.
11-car 390119 “Unknown Soldier” DfT ghost livery.
11-car 390156 “Pride and Prosperity” early Avanti livery*.
11-car 390153 revised Avanti livery*.
11-car 390152 “Virgin Knight” original Virgin livery with grey doors.
As ever the models will only reach production if there is adequate interest, and all versions will be packaged in attractive book sets of complete trains, with power couplers and working table lights in First Class as standard.
For those requiring them, aftermarket drop-in light bars will also be available to purchase.
We are not proposing any 5-car sets at this time, as there was very low demand for these in the first production run, possibly because the price differential between a shortened 5-car set and the full and accurate 9-car set is relatively small.
Revolution Trains has received decorated samples of its forthcoming Class 320 and 321 electric multiple units in N.
Class 320 in Scotrail Saltire livery – production models will have blackened wheels!
Some amendments are needed but these are relatively minor and we are now ready to set deadlines for ordering so the models can enter production.
The models feature high levels of detailing, full interiors, low profile motors that do not obscure the windows and switchable head and tail lights and interior saloon lighting as standard.
The pre-order price is just £195 for the 3-car Class 320 and £220 for the 4-car Class 321.
In addition, it is nearly time to finalise the totals, and this means some options that have not reached minimum order thresholds will be culled.
We are expecting production of the models to begin in October, with delivery expected in Q1 2021.
To manage this process we are setting TWO deadlines:
DEADLINE 1 – August 30th 2020. Last chance to order models on the ‘at risk’ list. After this we will assess order numbers and decide whether these models are proceeding or not. If not, anyone who has ordered will have the option of switching to another livery or receiving a full refund.
IMPORTANT – CANCELLED LIVERIES: the following liveries have been cancelled due to lack of orders: First Capital Connect (FCC), Plain White and Northern.
If you ordered one of these and specified a second choice livery that’s already confirmed, or still in the running, you need DO NOTHING NOW.
If you did not specify a second choice livery (or ordered a First Capital Connect Class 321) then TELL US WHAT YOU WANT clicking on the livery change form button below. If we do not hear from you by 30th August 2020 you will receive a refund.
When completing the livery change form please include all the details requested and complete a separate form for each cancelled order.
Note there is no Class 320 livery choice form, since anyone ordering a Strathclyde PTE model has already registered a second choice.
Of course, if you ordered any of the confirmed liveries you don’t need to do anything other than relax and wait for your model to arrive!
Class 321 to 600? It’s a breeze!
Class 600 ‘Breeze’
Incidentally, as we near production Alstom and Eversholt have revealed that the Class 321 units are themselves about to enjoy a rebirth as hydrogen powered trains – the very first of the all new Class 600 series classification on TOPS.
For more information about this exciting development see here.
Revolution Trains is pleased to show the latest CAD images for our forthcoming N gauge Class 128 Parcels unit. We’ve submitted our corrections to the factory and once those are ironed out we will announce the price, versions and open the order book.
The main “spotting” notes between the versions are that the 4 Midland Region 128s were built without a corridor connection and had a centre headcode box, whereas the Western Region 128s were all built with corridors (though many were later removed) and split headcode boxes. Other variations were plated or removed headcode boxes, marker lights, sandboxes on bogies, 3 different types of buffer (clipped, oval or round) and a variety of exhaust types.
WR 128 with corridor connection, split headcode boxes and sandboxes.MR 128 (55987-990) with no corridor and centre headcode boxWR 128 with plated over corridor and marker light in the headcode boxFormer WR 128 with plated corridor and removed/plated headcode boxes replaced with marker lights
Once the factory have made the CAD corrections we will finalise the versions we are offering and open the order book (not all variants are shown above eg 55991/2 kept their corridor connections to withdrawal in late 1990 but lost their split headcode boxes) .
Revolution Trains has received preliminary CAD drawings of our forthcoming PFA container flats from Accurascale.
PFA with coal container
The models are available to order loaded with either Cawoods yellow containers, British Fuels red, BNFL half-height low-level waste containers or in DRS black but unloaded for use as runners. Note that the placard on the container shown in the CAD will be removed, as it is not correct for the Cawoods type, being added for those containers in use with CPL distribution which at this time we are not producing and the “pips” on the top corners of the containers will also be taken off.
Because many modellers will want to run their wagons unloaded, the entire deck component (white in the CAD) will be in diecast metal to ensure there is enough low-down weight in the model for good running.
Beneath the wagon is all the detail you’ve come to expect from Revolution Trains, and the couplers are in pivoting NEM pockets, however the low deck and axle positions mean there is not enough room for a kinematic mechanism.
56132 on Blyth-Ellesmere Port Cawoods containers in 1989. Photo courtesy Mick Page.
68002 and 68004 with single nuclear flask wagon and three empty PFA runner wagons in 2019. Photo courtesy Andy Parkinson.
We have requested a few very minor tweaks to the CAD images, and we are still waiting for the diagram of the low level nuclear waste container, but once this is all signed off we will be ready to ask Accurascale to proceed to tooling.
Revolution Trains has received painted samples of its forthcoming twin pack of MoD KUA quad-bogie nuclear flask carriers.
MODA95770 & MODA95771
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.
MODA95770
MODA95771
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.
KUA MODA95770 at Dawlish. Photo courtesy Anthony Christie.
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.
37688 with KUA MODA 95771 at Bristol in 2013. Photo courtesy Antony Christie.
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.”
Revolution KUA nuclear flask wagon CAD
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.
Research visit earlier this year
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.
37423 with both wagons on a positioning move in 2014. Photo courtesy Tom Walters.
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.
20312 with MODA95771 and escort coach in 2012. Photo courtesy Antony Christie.
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.
Res Class 47 with both KUAs and two EWS inspection saloons in 1998. Photo courtesy Tom Smith.
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.
KUA flask wagons – sample consists
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.
Double-headed is the norm nowadays for these trains. Photo courtesy Paul J Berry.
The order book is open and we are offering both wagons as a twin pack with accurate differences in labelling.
Revolution is offering the PFA 4-wheel container flat to accompany the forthcoming KUA bogie flask wagon and further develop its successful relationship with Accurascale.
PFA DRSL92798 at Carlisle. Photo courtesy Ray Forster.
The wagons were built by Standard Wagon Co. in 1987 to carry containerised coal traffic for Cawoods Ltd from collieries across Britain to dockside terminals for onward shipping to Ireland.
56132 on Blyth-Ellesmere Port Cawoods containers in 1989. Photo courtesy Mick Page.
Open coal containers were also used by British Fuels and CPL, with the wagons, and some were also pressed into service on trains for British Gypsum, carrying their distinctive blue containers.
66208 and 56056 at Burton Salmon with British Fuels and CPL containers in 2002. Photo courtesy Neil Harvey.
60041 with gypsum containers at Hellifield in 2006. Photo courtesy Ian Tunstall.
PFA with blue gypsum container
In the early part of this century a batch were acquired by DRS who still use them as runner wagons and for the transportation of containerised nuclear waste, particularly in distinctive half-height 20′ containers.
68002 and 68004 on 6K73 Sellafield – Crewe in 2019. Photo courtesy Andy Parkinson.
The Revolution model will feature our usual refinements and we are expecting to open the order book in 2020.
We are also exploring the possibility of offering the wagons with coal, gypsum and nuclear containers and also offering these items as separate accessories.
Revolution Trains will have our newly arrived N-gauge KFA container flats – including a previously unannounced version – plus a small number of our previously supplied, and largely sold out, models in 00 and N available to buy at the NEC.
Revolution Trains is on stand C41 (for a map see further down the news page) but we should be easy to find – just look for Rapido’s full sized bus!
These are a combination of cancellations/returns we have had and stock found by Rapido in their warehouse.
Our long-awaited KFA container flats will be available for pre-order customers to collect – if you let us know by 12pm on 22/11 before the show – plus a limited number will be available to buy in the latest Touax-branded version of the livery.
These repaints only started after the project started, which is why they were not offered in the original selection.
Revolution Touax KFA
In N gauge we will have a small number of Pendolinos (nearly all DC but a couple with DCC Sound), IZA Cargowaggon vans, KFA container flats, Sonic VEA vans, 40′ hi-cubes in ONE pink and Hapag Lloyd orange, and our new 30′ bulk-tainers produced with C-Rail.
00 modellers who missed out on our award-winning TEA tankers may get lucky – we have a very small number of each livery available including EWS – as well as our recent MMA/JNA wagons in DB Red, Ermewa grey, Ermewa Tarmac grey and VTG steel blue.
Revolution Trains was recently invited by the 5637 Steam Loco Group to the East Somerset Railway so the forthcoming Sonic Models N-gauge 56xx could be introduced to one of the surviving prototypes.
5637 SLG Treasurer Duncan Thom with Revolution’s Ben Ando
5637 is 94-years-old, and keeping her going involves a combination of hard work, skill, and TLC. But members of the group were keen to see how well the Sonic Models 56xx captures the look of the real thing…
Can you spot the N-gauge model…?Now maybe…?1:148 scale – a miniature masterpiece!
Sonic Models’ 56xx captures every detail of the locomotive as she is now, even down to the tiny plate commemorating the life of Brian Hankins, one of the group’s founder members.
Driver Chris and fireman… Chris.
Once the model had passed muster, Revolution’s Ben was given the opportunity to fulfil a long held ambition and drive the locomotive… at times reaching the giddy speed of 15mph…
Partial steam ahead!
The Sonic Models 5637 includes a small premium on the price which will be donated to the 5637 SLG to help them fund a major overhaul of the locomotive which is due by 2021.
As well as 5637 in BR lined green with late crest, the models are available to pre-order in BR Black with early crest, BR plain green, GW green with GWR lettering and GW green with Great Western lettering. You can pre-order from Revolution here for an earlybird price saving approximately £20 on the sale price once the models are delivered.
