It has been a while since we announced the OO/4mm version of our forthcoming Cartic-4 models – apologies for the delay, this has largely been due to some refinements to the CAD that took longer than we anticipated (unfortunately it isn’t as simple as pressing a button to go from one scale to another!).
We’re pleased to announce that the OO Cartic-4 CAD is complete and the model is now in tooling – as a result our order book is now open.
As a reminder, we’re offering the iconic Cartic-4 articulated car carrier in OO-gauge/4mm scale in the following versions (with 2 set numbers for each version – just select set A or B). The models will be offered in original form with top rails in Motorail, MAT and Silcock & Collings liveries.
In MAT and STVA liveries with mesh side screens.
And in the distinctive Silcock & Collings/Silcock Express versions with side screens and side screens with roofs.
All versions are now available to pre-order at the early bird price of £109.95 per quad set. The early bird discount will be available until 13 June 2023 after which the standard pre-order price will be £124.95. We expect the models to arrive in Q4 2023 – Q1 2024.
You can pre-order all versions from our shop by clicking on the button below.
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 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.
Warley is back! The UK’s largest model railway show returns to the NEC after a forced three-year hiatus and Revolution will be there on stand C15 – come and see us!
We will have two new brochures free to collect – one dedicated to our offerings in 00 gauge, and one to N gauge.
We will have all the latest samples to view including the first decorated sample of our OO/4mm FNA-D nuclear flask carriers (we will publish more images on our website next week) and the first EP sample of the N gauge version as well as many other samples.
OO gauge/4mm scale FNA-D livery sample
N gauge/2mm scale engineering prototype (EP) sample
If you would like to collect an order for OO/4mm IPA car carriers or Ecofret container flats (or any other in stock items) please send us an email by 7pm Thursday 24 November – we will confirm if it is possible or not.
The factory recently sent us decorated samples of our forthcoming HOA aggregate hoppers. 4 of the 5 liveries are shown below (editor: not sure what has happened to photos of the Ermewa Tarmac version!). We will have them on display at the Great Electric Trains Show in October and at Warley in November.
Cemex livery
EWS Construction livery
DB Schenker livery
VTG Mendip Rail livery
We have a few tweaks to make to improve the decoration but we’re largely very happy with them.
The twin packs are priced at £71.95 eachto pre-order from our website – just click on Shop – and the order book will close at the end of November (30 November) to allow production to begin with delivery scheduled for late Q1 2023 – early Q2 2023.
Our OO/4mm IPA car carriers and Ecofret/FWAs are both in transit from China to the UK and we expect them to land at Southampton over the next few days. Once the models have cleared customs and been delivered to us, we will check the models and start to send them out to customers whose orders are fully paid.
IPA car carriers
The IPAs will be sent out first so we’ve been generating balance invoices for IPA customers – all the balance invoices have now been generated. If you haven’t received your balance invoice(s) please check your spam box of your email or login to your account on our website where you should see any available balance invoices.
IPA car carriers in STVA red
IMPORTANT!
If you pay all your balance invoices then your deposit order will automatically mark itself as “Complete” and send you an email – please note the explanation at the bottom of these emails ie your order is not despatched until both halves of the order are marked as “Complete” – in this case this means that only when the balance orders are also marked as complete.
Secondly, if you have moved address please update your shipping address in your account. If you have updated your shipping address since 21 August 2022 please let us know (otherwise we can’t guarantee that we will have picked up the change!).
Ecofret FWAs
The Ecofret FWAs will follow shortly after the IPAs have been sent out and we will update this page with details of when balance invoices have been generated and Ecofrets are being sent out.
Ecofret FWAs (L to R): VTG green, DB red and GBRf blue with Ecofret branding
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.
The first locomotive of the new Class 93 tri-mode fleet being built for Rail Operations Group by Stadler has not been completed yet, and their entry into service is probably a year away, but despite this our designers have been making progress on CAD of the model in 00, and we thought modellers may be interested in seeing progress.
The CAD has been produced from drawings and 3D files kindly provided by Stadler’s engineers to assist us in production of the model.
As can be seen there is plenty of detail, although the pantograph has not yet been added to the roof. On the finished models it will be positioned at the near end in the image above, and will be controllable under DCC.
The prototypes are designed to be a medium power ‘go anywhere’ locomotive designed to fulfil Rail Operations Group’s core business of moving new (or in service) trains around the network as well as powering new high-speed parcels and city-to-city light intermodal traffic.
The design of the cab draws on Stadler’s house style and is clearly influenced by the company’s very successful Euro Dual family of locomotives. Although Rail Operations Group released an artist’s representation of the finished locomotives when they announced their plans, there may yet be some adjustments to the final livery designs.
The underframe will feature a host of separately fitted details; much of the underframe shares a commonality with the Stadler-built Class 88s in operation with DRS, part of Nuclear Transportation Service, which is a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
The chassis design is still subject to possible change; this cutaway view shows the current arrangement with Plux-22 DCC interface below a panel at the ‘diesel’ end of the locomotive, and space left at the far end for the pantograph operating servo, as well as the fully detailed cab interiors.
The models will be highly specified with a full suite of working lights, DC silent and DCC Sound options and along with a working pantograph. The image above shows the cooler group with one of the photo-etched grilles removed to show the fan detail.
Other details include numerous separate parts on the bogies and representation of the Dellner coupler carried by the locomotives to enable them to couple to many of the numerous classes of unit they will have to move, as well as modern coaching stock such as the Mk5As in service with TPE.
While this represents an excellent start there remains plenty to do to complete the design work, and once the first of the prototype locomotives are nearing completion Revolution expects to visit Stadler’s manufacturing plant in Valencia to photograph and measure the fine details, and check for changes made to the design plans during construction. Tooling will not begin until we are sure testing is completed and no visible alterations are required.
We won’t know the final cost of the model until the CAD work is complete and all specifications fully locked in therefore we do not expect to open the order book for these models until early 2023, however we will keep our supporters updated on this exciting project as we pass through each stage of development.
CAD work is complete for the forthcoming Class 18 CBD-90 Clayton hybrid shunters in 00 gauge. Versions are being offered in both Tata steel, Beacon and Sellafield versions.
Beacon CBD-90
The Tata and Beacon locomotives are battery powered, and usually charged overnight, however each carries a small ancillary diesel engine to allow them to recharge the batteries if operational needs do not permit adequate mains recharging time.
Beacon CBD-90
CBD-80 as operated at Sellafield
Beacon Class 18 shunter under test at the Chasewater Railway in Staffordshire
The models will feature a powerful Bo-bo chassis, with twin flywheels, operational directional lights and factory fitted speakers. Plux-22 DCC decoders will also be featured. The models will be supplied with decorated blanking plates for added realism if the NEM-compatible tension lock coupler is not required.
These models are available to pre-order exclusively from Rails of Sheffield.
For more information about the real things why not watch our introductory video:
Revolution Trains is offering the Class 180 ‘Adelante’ and Class 175 ‘Coradia’ units as its next multiple unit models in both 00 and N.
Grand Central Class 180 ‘Adelante’ – photo courtesy Hugh Llewelyn under Creative Commons
Arriva Trains Class 175 ‘Coradia’
Both families of units were buit by Alstom in Birmingham and share numerous similarities in design, meaning that many parts can be shared between the models to make them both viable.
CAD work on the N gauge models is almost complete; the 00 version will follow soon afterwards.
Class 180 with lower fairing cover removed
Class 175/0 two car unit
Prototype history
The Class 175 and Class 180 are both members of the Alstom Coradia family of units and share many common features and parts.
27 Class 175 units, in a mix of two and three car configurations, were ordered by First North Western in 1997 with the first delivered in 1999. They were used on services between Birmingham, Holyhead, Llandudno, Manchester and Barrow.
175006 passes Anglesey Aluminium while 60020 waits with a train of IWA vans. The vans are the type recently produced by Revolution in 00 and N and available from selected retailers. Photo courtesy Ken Minffordd.
Later they transferred to Arriva Trains Wales and were introduced on the Welsh Marches line to Cardiff, reaching Fishguard and the Pembroke Coast. Since 2018 they have been in the service of Transport for Wales and are now seen from south west Wales and Holyhead across to Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham International.
175002 in Transport for Wales livery at Abergavenny. Photo by Jeremy Segrott used under creative commons.
The Class 180 units are a 5-car 125mph high-speed express member Coradia family. 14 sets were ordered by First Great Western and given the brand name ‘Adelante’, which means ‘go ahead’ in Spanish and explains our terrible headline pun above. Intended for high speed express services to sout Wales, they were plagued by technical problems and later used for fast commuter trains from Oxford, Gloucester and Exeter to London.
180106 at Reading. Photo by Hugh Llewelyn used under creative commons.
Between 2008 and 2020 Hull Trains used four Class 180s, though these units have recently been transferred to East Midlands railway and are now in use between London St Pancras, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield.
180108 at Harringay. Photo by Hugh Llewelyn, used under creative commons.
In 2009 Grand Central introduced two units for its services between London Kings Cross, Sunderland and Bradford, and now has ten in operation in its striking black and orange livery.
Like the prototype, the Revolution Class 175 and 180 will share many common features, including full interiors, working and switchable headlights, tail lights and interior saloon lights as standard and kinematic power couplers allowing the entire train to be controlled by a single DCC decoder.
Class 175/1 three-car unit.
The models will be fitted with a low-profile chassis, allowing interiors to be depicted on all cars, and Next-18 (N) or Plux-22 (00) decoders. The decoder will accessed via an underfloor panel to make fitting or changing simple. In addition all models will be have factory-fitted speakers for simple sound upgrades.
DCC decoder socket and lighting control switches below the floor for easy access.
The Class 180s will have a similar specification to the 175s.
Revolution plans to offer a selection of versions, though the exact line up has not yet been confirmed.
175 – First North Western
175 – Arriva Trains Wales
175 – Transport for Wales
Class 180 – First Great Western launch livery.
Class 180 – Grand Central livery.
Class 180 – First Group ‘dynamic lines’ livery.
Class 180 – EMR ‘Intercity’ livery.
The order book will be opening very shortly in both scales, and as ever we will be offering a low EarlyBird price to reward those who step up and pre-order.
Revolution Trains would like to thank Alsom, Transport for Wales and Grand Central for their assistance in producing this model.
Revolution Trains is offering the BR Borail EB/EC ‘fishbelly’ flat wagons, and air-braked YLA Mullet, YQA Parr and YQA Super Tench derivatives, as its next wagon in both 00 and N gauges. These wagons were introduced at the end of the 1950s and many remain in use now, albeit rebuilt.
25140 with BR Borail wagons in mixed train at Loughborough. Photo courtesy John Dedman.
These wagons were built in batches between 1959 and 1961. The original Borails were either fitted with five bolsters (Borail EB, diag 1/483 ) or had plain decks (Borail EC, diag 1/482) and were used primarily for pre-stressed concrete beams, girders or lengths of rail. They were fitted with 8′ plate bogies and vacuum brakes, and in the 1970s coded BRV under TOPS.
Revolution BR Borail EB with bolsters, chain loops and plate bogies
BR Borail BRV at Workington. Photo courtesy Paul Bartlett.
In 1981-2 150 BRV wagons were fitted with air brakes, Y25 bogies and new decks on top of the original decking. The wagons were re-coded BRA for use carrying rail in the Speedlink network. The five stanchions were replaced by six of a slightly different design, and tensioning ratchets were added to each side. Within a short time they began to be transferred to the engineer’s fleet, and given the fishkind name Mullet.
66711 with short engineers train of 3 x OCA and 1 x YLA Mullet at Charlton in 2019. Photo courtest Adam Snow.
Revolution YLA Mullet with air brakes, tensioning ratchets and Y25 bogies
BR YLA mullet wagon – still in Railfreight red – at York. Photo courtesy Paul Bartlett.
Some of the air-braked conversions were rebuilt without bolsters but with two longitudinal timbers for carrying sleepers, and recoded YQA Parr. They also feature end flaps and small corner footsteps. Revolution is offering this variant too.
Revolution YQA Parr with Y25 bogies, longitudinal timber baulks and end plates.
33113 at Stratford with rake of YQA Parr sleeper carriers in 1990. Photo courtesy Michael Hart.
In 2010 several were rebuilt again; deck equipment was removed and ISO engineers’ modules with drop-down doors and mesh sides were fitted. These retained the YQA code but were redesignated Super Tench.
YQA Super Tench at Eastleigh in 2020. Photo courtesy Dave Kirwin.
Revolution YQA Super Tench with ISO modules on deck.
Due to their versatility, strength and usefulness numerous YLA Mullet, YQA Parr and YQA Super Tench wagons remain in use in 2021. They’re used for carrying almost anything the engineers may need to transport between depots or to and from possessions include rail, sleepers, equipment and waste.
YLA Mullet carrying crane lifting beam at Northampton in 2015. Photo courtesy Dan Adkins.
66703 with YQA Super Tench wagon and JNA Falcons at Eastleigh in 2020. Photo courtesy Dave Kirwin.
The Revolution Trains models will cover all variants and tooling allows for numerous detail differences and prototypical variations in buffers and brake wheels to enable specific wagons to be accurately represented.
Air brake equipment on YQA Parr model.
Research visit to the Dean Forest Railway
Revolution Trains would like to thank the Dean Forest Railway for allowing us access to examine and measure one of the YQA wagons in their fleet, and would recommend anyone looking for a good day out to book up and enjoy a trip in their beautifully maintained stock. You can book here.
GWR Small Prairie 5541, built 1928, at the Dean Forest Railway in April with mixed raike of BR Mk1 and Mk2 stock.
The models will feature our usual attention to accuracy and detail, and the order book will be opening soon – look out for our limited-period low EarlyBird price.
Revolution Trains has received decorated samples of its upcoming IPA twin and quad car carriers in 00 gauge 4mm scale.
4-car covered IPA units are available to pre-order in original STVA pale grey, STVA red and the latest Groupe CAT blue.
These wagons were originally built in the 1950s and 60s as double deck units for the Societe Nationalé des chemins de fer Francais (SNCF) in France.
In the 1990s, in anticipation of an increase in international car traffic via the Channel Tunnel, automotive logistics specialist STVA converted large numbers for use in Britain by removing the top deck to fit the British loading gauge, creating low deck flat twins. They were given STVA’s pale grey livery, subsequently repainted red. Both these variants are available from Revolution Trains
Revolution Pack 00-IPA-101A
Revolution Pack 00-IPA-111A/B
Soon after introduction, in an experiment to counter damage to vehicles caused by stones either thrown up from the ballast or by lineside miscreants, stakes were added to the sides of some wagons to allow canvas sheeting to be stretched across them. Though the experiment was not widely adopted the stakes remain on the converted wagons, even when they were repainted into the updated red STVA livery.
Revolution Pack 00-IPA-121A
Revolution Pack 00-IPA-131A/B
In the early 2000s, to permit the wagons to be used for larger SUVs and high value cars, side panels and roofs were permanently fitted, and while a small number remained in use as twins the majority were remarshalled into quad sets. These wagons were initially in pale grey, then red, and earlier this year the first set emerged from Arlington Works in new Groupe CAT blue livery. Again, all variations are available from Revolution.
Left to right: 00-IPA-471A Groupe CAT blue, 00-IPA-461A/B STVA red, 00-IPA-451A STVA pale grey.
66172 with mixed rake of flats, flats with stakes and covered IPAs on a Dagenham-Mossend train. Photo courtesy Colin Brooks.
The wagons feature diecast metal decks, for weight, and numerous separately applied plastic and metal detailing parts.
Wire locking bars, handrails and photo etched metal footsteps.
Photo-etched linking plate with representation of checker plate finish.
Vehicle-specific plastic and metal brake details, kinematic couplers, realistic inter-car couplers and underfloor labelling to simplify assembly on the track.
Both the open and covered versions are ideal for use with 1:76 vehicles such as the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Evoque by Oxford Diecast, seen on the show layout at Trains4U in Peterborough.
The wagons are still available to pre-order now for£60 (twin sets) and £120 (quad sets) however the order book will close at midnight on July 31st 2021 and then the models will go into production, with shipping expected in the Autumn.
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.
Class 93 image courtesy ROG/Stadler
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’s core business is moving rolling stock around the network.
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.
We’ve got a number of order deadlines coming up that we thought it would be helpful to summarise our latest thinking. We’re conscious that many customers have been going through difficult times with the impact of COVID-19 and/or just the proximity to Christmas just passed so we try to give as much time and notice as possible, plus we offer the choice to pay a deposit rather than the full amount.
N gauge:
Pendolino (second run) – we had indicated that the order deadline was likely to be end-January to mid-February but in response to customer feedback we will give people more time to place orders. We’re just confirming the production schedule with the factory but we anticipate that the order deadline will be extended to either the end of February or end of March 2021. We don’t want to delay production too much so it is a balance between being fair to those who have already ordered and those who would like a bit more time. We will confirm the order deadline within the next 7-10 days.
Pendolino livery diagrams taking shape. With five 9-car and three 11-car options on offer, that’s a total of 78 drawings!
IWA holdall vans and timber carriers – we are ready to start production of the N gauge models of these wagons and had previously set a deadline of 31 January 2021, with Chinese New Year (12 February) coming up we will delay the deadline accordingly to Sunday 14 February 2021.
00 IWA vans and timber carriers shown – deco samples of the N gauge versions are expected soon.
OO gauge:
Ecofret FWA twin and triple containers sets – the deadline for the Ecofrets was due to be 31 January but due to production schedules we have had to delay production slightly so we will announce a new order deadline after Chinese New Year.
00 FWA ‘Ecofret’ deco samples – three wagons in one pack!
For those of you looking for delivery updates on particular models we update the Projects summary with the latest information that we have as soon as we can – if there is no estimated delivery date on there it is because we don’t have one yet. Please note that until models physically arrive with us they are estimates (as delays can and do happen at various stages even during shipping!).
The order book for our forthcoming N gauge model of the modern JNA/MMA EALNOS bogie box aggregate wagon is now open. Our early bird price offers a discount of £2.50 per wagon and is available until 31 March 2021.
66119 with DB MMA hoppers at Peak Forest in September 2018.
Tooling on this model is now complete and we have just received first samples. We will be showing these off in greater detail once they have been checked for accuracy.
Sizing up!
We are offering a lot of different versions so hopefully there is a livery for everyone! (Please note that we are offering different variations of each livery/variant according to predicted sales – not all versions have the same number of number variations or light-fitted versions).
DB red MMA
Ermewa grey and Ermewa with Tarmac branding JNAs
VTG silver JNA
VTG “original” dark blue JNA
VTG / Mendip Rail JNA
GBRf and GBRf / Ermewa blue JNAs
Cappagh / VTG mid-royal blue JNAs
Touax maroon JNA
Each version has the correct prototypical variations in: number of ribs (9 or 11); with or without side access doors; accurate underframe and brake details.
In a relatively short period of time the EALNOS wagons have spread far and wide across the network. You can read more about the prototype wagons here. We’ve put together some sample consists and route maps to help customers looking to replicate particular flows – though there are many more than we had space for!
Looking for a present for a loved one or something for yourself? Our stock system doesn’t easily allow people to see what we have physically available for immediate despatch versus projects that are open for pre-orders as both use the “In Stock” status to allow orders to be placed (NB we indicate in the product descriptions if something is a pre-order for a model awaiting production), so we thought it might be useful to give a quick summary of models we have in stock for immediate dispatch.
We realise that it has been an unusual and tough year for many and we’d like to spread a bit of Christmas cheer, so in the spirit of Christmas we’re offering a 5% discount for orders over £100 between now and 17 December on in stock items (please note that this discount is only applicable for in stock items and won’t work for orders for future products). To get the discount place your order as normal and in the discount code box use the code: 5XMAS2020. The code will only apply to in stock items listed below and we reserve the right to refund any orders mixing in stock and future orders – all orders for models in development should continue to be placed as separate orders per product range.
The last date we can guarantee delivery before Christmas is if we receive your order by 17 December 2020 (for UK orders only, for international orders some of the last guaranteed posting dates have already passed so we can’t guarantee that non-UK orders will be delivered before Christmas but we will do our best).
In stock items (available for immediate dispatch):
N gauge
30′ bulktainers
40′ ‘reefer’ refrigerated containers
VEA vans
Ideal stocking fillers! We have reasonable stocks of the containers and the VEA vans available in all liveries except for the Railfreight red/grey VEAs which are low in stock.
HOA, HOA, HOA stone hoppers!
IZA cargowaggon twins
HOA stone hoppers: Ermewa/Tarmac and Mendip Rail versions reasonable stocks, all other versions low stock or sold out. IZA cargowaggon twins: very low stock of triple packs (5 or less).
KFA with GPS bogies (and reefer)
KFA with VNH1 bogies (and bulktainers)
KFA container flats: triple packs of VNH1 bogied versions reasonable stocks, all other versions low stocks.
Sturgeons
35t Class B tanks
Sturgeon engineers wagons: low stock of all remaining versions (some versions sold out). 35T Class B tanks: very limited stock (discovered in recent stock count!) NB the discount code won’t work for the Class B tanks but we will refund the equivalent amount on your order.IPA car carriers: limited remaining stock now on sale!
OO gauge
JNA/MMA EALNOS aggregate box wagons: 5 or less of any remaining versions
Please remember the discount code only applies to the items listed on this page and please don’t mix with orders for future projects – thanks!
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
Decorated samples of Revolution Trains’ latest models aimed at 4mm/00 modellers are being assessed, ahead of the order book closing and production getting underway.
These wagons were originally built as vans for trainferry services during the mid-1980s. They are exceptionally versatile as the complete sides and roof at either end are single parts which can be raised and slid over each other, using the characteristic paired handwheels, enabling them to be loaded from the side or above. They are coded IWA under TOPS, and known as Sfins2 under the international RIV labelling system.
When introduced the wagons were used by Norsk Hyrdo for fertiliser services across Britain, and by Cargowaggon for various traffics including metals, bagged clay, newsprint and mineral water. Most carried the user’s logo, but some were unbranded. Revolution are offering all three original versions.
00 IWA Sfins2 in Norsk Hydro livery
00 IWA Sfins2 in Cargowaggon livery
00 IWA Sfins2 unbranded
In the mid 2000s some were converted to timber carriers. The retained their IWA TOPS code but received a new RIV classification of Rfnoos. The conversion involved removal of the sliding roofs and associated mechanism and addition of eight large side stakes. Later, more side stakes of a different design were added and these are being included with the models for customers to fit as required. Both types can be seen on the sample. The timber carriers are now in operation with Touax.
00 IWA Rfnoos Touax livery
After some minor tweaks to the tooling we will be ready for decorated samples. The lower pre-order price will be available until the models go into production.
We are also offering these wagons in N gauge, and samples in the smaller scale are expected soon.
