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 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.
They’re here…well very nearly anyway! Rapido told us recently that production of our 4mm/OO TEA tanks was complete, so we took the decision to airfreight in the complete consignment of TEA tanks and the models should be with us later this week. As usual, customers who paid in full when they ordered are likely to receive their models first as there is less admin for us.
Delivery and invoicing arrangements:
Paid in full: if you have moved over the past couple of years please check that your shipping address (not the address on the order!) is correct on your account on our website. We will start sending out models paid in full over the weekend of 17/18 November.
As we pick and pack your order we will update it to the latest shipping address saved on your account. We will send out fully paid orders in order of when we received your order. Once your order has been despatched we will update it to “Completed” status and you should receive it from the Royal Mail a few days later.
Paid a deposit: generating all the balance invoices will take us some time (please remember we do this in our spare time!), however we know that some of wish to get your balance paid as quickly as possible so that you can get your hands on your models!
You have two choices:
Option 1 – wait for our invoice: please be patient and wait for us to generate your balance invoice(s). The balance invoices will be emailed to you and will include details of how to pay. Once your balance is paid then your order will be placed in our order queue for picking and posting.
Option 2 – I would like my order soonest!: if you would rather get your balance paid and your models as quickly as possible then we have a shortcut for you! It means more work/thought for you so if you are not in a hurry or if you are not sure then stick with option 1!
Go onto our website and login to your account – check that your shipping address is correct (and update if necessary). Open your order for your TEAs and you will see at the bottom of the deposit order a line saying “Future Payments” – this may or may not include VAT – if it says excludes VAT and you live in the UK or other part of the EU then you must add VAT to the Future Payment amount (ie multiply the future payment amount by 1.2). Go to our website here and enter your balance amount and follow the payment instructions. If you have multiple orders you are welcome to add all the balance together to make one payment.
No need to email us to say you have paid – we will match your payment against your order(s) and mark your order(s) as paid (“processing” on our system), then your order will go into our queue for picking and posting.
As a check your balance should equal your deposit less the amount of shipping you paid on the deposit. For example, if you paid a £20 deposit and £6 P&P then the balance should be £20. If you are not confident about calculating the correct balance amount then please stick with option 1.
Please do not:
email us asking where your order is – that just slows us down replying to you rather than packing orders; or
email us to confirm that your order is correct – we will contact you if it isn’t; or
email to confirm that you have paid the right amount – again we’ll tell you if you haven’t; or
email to change your shipping address – you can do that online on our website!
Sorry if this seems unfair, but this is really important as all of these individual emails take time out of us sending out your models! We’ll let everyone know once we’ve done the first pass through the order list – that is the point that we will ask you to send us emails if you haven’t received your order or balance invoice(s).
Collection at Warley: for those of you that wish to collect your models at Warley, this will be possible but only by prior arrangement! If you collect your order at Warley we will refund your P&P charge after the show. If you have a balance to pay then it will be possible to pay your balance at the show (your P&P charges will be deducted from your balance when you pay).
If you wish to collect your order at Warley please email us by the end of Monday 19 November, preferably with your order number(s). We will confirm by email by Thursday 22 November whether your order will be available for collection. If you haven’t received a confirmation from us by Thursday 22/11 there is no guarantee that we will have your order for collection!
Rapido Trains have sent some images showing progress on our forthcoming TEA tankers in 4mm/00 gauge.
These models are even more detailed than their 2mm counterparts, and painting, printing and assembly has taken one of their two factories several months.
The worker on the left is putting brass bearings in the bogie axle rebates for their colleague opposite to insert wheelsets.
Finished wheelsets, with couplers added too.
In some areas the larger 4mm models can have finer detail than is possible in N such as correctly bifurcated lifting brackets. These are painted and awaiting fitting to the EWS tanker bodies in the following image.
The factory seems to be almost full of blue trays containing tanker bodies ready for final assembly.
Once the factory has completed these models we understand they will immediately begin production of the KFA container flats in N. As a result we expect to be closing the order book for these soon.
We recently received from Rapido Trains of Canada painted samples of the 00 TEA tanker barrels for final colour approval, so we took a short break from packing Pendolinos to look them over.
Cross checked with the well-received N gauge models already produced (and voted RM Web and Model Rail models of the year) we feel that once again Rapido have nailed the colours, and the finesse and quality of the mouldings is self evident.
These models are now in the final painting stages, and when we receive further notifications or any images we will share them.
If you missed out several retailers are taking supplies – see the retailers list page for more details.
It was great to see so many of our friends and supporters at the Warley National Model Railway exhibtion at the NEC last weekend.
This was our stand on Friday – before the show opened – and the only time it was quiet until the show ended on Sunday evening!
Revolution Pendolino
The big news is that our stunning Class 390 Pendolino model – made by our friends (and show neighbours) Rapido Trains of Canada – should be leaving the factory within the next 7-10 days. Allowing 4-6 weeks for shipping, and some extra time for customs clearance, the models should be here by Jan/Feb.
Rapido did bring three models to the show – airfreighted to Canada a few days beforehand – and two were loaned to the layouts Kinlet Wharf and Horseley Fields.
Pendolino gliding through Kinlet Wharf…
…and hurrying through Horseley Fields. Apologies for shaky camera!
The third – in Alstom livery – spent the weekend on our display layout and can be seen whizzing behind the packaging which was also on show and follows the style we created with the TEA tankers last year.
The 9- and 11-car versions will be in book-case style packs with two trays with opening lids surrounded by a card sheath. The top tray contains shaped apertures for the two power cars, the two pantograph cars and the named car, with the remaining four or six cars in the lower tray.
The 5-car pack will simply comprise the top tray in a thinner card sheath.
For those who missed out Rapido have advised us that a small number of surplus models are available and these will be put up for sale via our website once we have an indication of liveries and numbers.
Class B tankers
The Class B tankers are now in production with our alternate factory and are sheduled to be leaving the factory before Chinese New Year in February, with delivery to customers likely in March/April depending on shipping and customs times.
For those who missed out several retailers have taken an allocation – the list can be found elsewhere on our website.
00 tankers
These are also in production by Rapido now, and timings are likely to be similar as the Class B tankers. As with the Class B tankers, some of our partner retailers have pre-ordered an allocation so those who missed the deadline can still obtain models.
Class 92 locomotive
This model is also being produced by Rapido and we are expecting the next sample with finalised motor/drivetrain, PCB and lighting. Once this is approved we will be ready to check liveries and close the order book ready for production. It’s likely this will be in late Spring 2018.
For the show we assembled one of the earlier samples Rapido had sent, and this was put on Kinlet Wharf with their superb – and appropriate – Caledonian Sleeper rake.
92018 carries slumbering passengers south as a narrow boat passes below the line on Kinlet Wharf
Please note this model was handpainted and is not factory-finished. It also lacks some of the metal parts such as the cab door handrails and photo-etched pantograph heads.
In our next post we will update the latest news on our other projects, including first samples of our exciting new IZA Cargowaggon twin vans, the KFA container flat, HOA hopper wagons and Class 321 EMU.
The order deadline for the 00 TEA tankers is now less than seven days away, on Friday March 31st.
6S36 Dalston-Grangemouth approaches Garnqueen N Junction between Coatbridge and Cumbernauld on Saturday March 25th 2017. Photo courtesy Tom Smith.
As ever, we will only be producing enough models to satisfy pre-orders, however a small number of retailers will be stocking these models for anyone who misses out or prefers to see before committing to a purchase.
Once again we would like to thank all those who supported this project and enabled it to happen.
The order deadline for the upcoming TEA tankers in 00 is midnight on March 31st.
Rapido will put the models into production soon after we communicate the final order quantity. We are dispensing with the usual painted sample approval stage because they will use the same artwork (albeit scaled up!) as our award winning models of the same wagons in N.
The liveries available are: VTG red, VTG plain blue, VTG grey, EWS grey and Freightliner green, VTG “Greenergy” triple pack and VTG “Enviro message” blue. See our order pages for which models are available singly or in triple packs.
As ever we will only produce enough models to satisfy pre-orders so please don’t miss out, however as with the tankers in N we anticipate that a small number of select traders will be stocking them.
Revolution Trains is proud and honoured that our TEA tanker wagon has been voted “Model of the Year” in the N Gauge Rolling Stock category in the 2016 British Railway Modelling/RM Web annual poll.
We would like to thank all the readers and supporters who voted for us, and acknowledge the enormous amount of skill, dedication and hard work that our partners at Rapido Trains showed to earn this award.
We would also like to thank VTG, and Paul Lugg in particular, for their support and encouragement, and of course we are hugely grateful to all our fellow modellers who stepped up and enabled us to make this, the first of what we hope will be many new models, happen.
Revolution Trains was also surprised and thrilled to have come second in the prestigious “Manufacturer of the Year” category, which seems quite remarkable for such a new company.
The winners in this category were Graham Farish, and we would like to offer our warmest congratulations to all those at Bachmann for their well-deserved success.
The Revolution/Rapido TEA tanker wagon has been nominated in the 2016 BRM/RM Web and the Model Rail magazine awards in the N Gauge Rolling stock categories.
We are delighted and very proud, and would like to thank all our supporters who helped us reach this point, especially with the very first model we delivered.
We’d also like to thank Rapido Trains for producing such a fine model.
It is up against other excellent products, but if you feel it deserves to win and haven’t yet voted feel free to do so!
2016 has been a landmark year for Revolution, and as it draws to a close it seemed appropriate to look back and thank everyone who has suppported us.
Quarter 1
In February, at Model Rail Scotland, we unveiled the first working sample of our Class 390 in N. The model had been handpainted – partly for marketing purposes, but mainly to confirm that the laser-scanned body-shape was correct as all the colours “sit” correctly.
However we did find that in their efforts to make them as unobtrusive as possible Rapido’s engineers had made the inter-car couplers too flimsy, and we asked for a redesign.
In March, to assist with our proposed Class 321 EMU, we were invited by Eversholt and Wabtec to their workshops at Doncaster where the prototypes are being rebuilt under Project Renatus.
This enabled us to compile a detailed collection of photographs and measurements of the many underframe components; though in turn this has created quite a headache for Rapido as it means the drawings of this model have proved to be significantly more complex than originally expected – and Rapido are renowned sticklers for underframe detailing!
Quarter 2
At Easter at the York Model Railway Show we announced plans for a KFA container flat in N. This wagon represents one of the “missing links” in N, and with a good quality model already available in OO from Hornby there seemed little prospect of it appearing from Farish or Dapol.
Like the well-received TEA tankers our model is being produced by Rapido and will feature a plastic deck with metal longitudinals to maximise weight and ensure good running, even when unloaded.
Going one further than the 4mm model, we are offering both build types – with the VNH-1 bogies and Gloucester GPS types. These wagons will be useful for anyone depicting the late 80s to the present day.
With months the CAD designs were approved, the model sent for tooling and we have just been sent images of the first moulded shots – see news item immediately preceding this one.
In June we heard from Rapido that the TEA tanker was going into production. However, the models took significantly longer to actually produce than expected – because the many markings on the tanker barrel could not be tampo printed in a single pass, due to the its curved shape.
In the end, and depending on the livery, each barrel took at least three passes per colour per side – for some model that made a total of more than a dozen separate applications. Add to that the many different detail parts – up to 70, for some configurations – and it is not surprising that the factory later informed us that these models were among the most intricate they had ever been tasked to produce.
Quarter 3
By the DEMU Showcase exhibition in July we had received a second Pendolino sample with modified couplers. This was immediately tested and while the robustness of the new couplers was immediately apparent, there were still some issues with the performance on tight “train set” curves. After a couple of weeks of ongoing testing to establish where corrections were needed, the another redesign began.
The first sample of the OO TEA – announced after many requests from 4mm modellers – were also on show for the first time. These models are now being rest run and we are expecting production in the New Year.
Revolution 00 TEA tankers under test on Guy Molyneux’s “Whatley” layout
At TINGS in September we unveiled plans for another 1960s era model – the Class B tanker. We had tried to offer a model previously to enthusiasts favouring this era but the Class 21/29 did not earn adequate support to proceed. Following a well argued campaign from enthusiasts on the web we decided to offer the Class B tanker.
These distinctive wagons were seen across the network from the late 1950s to the 1990s in both block trains and cut into mixed freights in smaller numbers. Many modellers will remember them with nostalgia as the subject of the popular Airfix 4mm kit.
We have already had CAD drawings produced in an effort to encourage interest, however so far the response has been disappointing. We will give this model until February 2017 to gather enough support, otherwise it will be cancelled.
We also announced 40’hi-cube containers – the world’s most numerous type – in N in conjunction with C-Rail and first samples were unveiled before Christmas. Six liveries will be available – Maersk, MSC, Hamburg Sud, Hanjin, Evergreen, and UASC.
Quarter 4
Shortly after TINGS – in October – we received word from Rapido that the production TEA tankers had landed, and so it was that we spent three weekend packing and dispatching Britain’s first ever crowdfunded RTR models – to universal acclaim.
One magazine wrote that the models were a “benchmark for quality, fidelity and value” while another reviewer felt that they were “exquisite, in terms of prototype fidelity, decoration and performance.”
Photo: Andy York
Included with the TEA tankers were a flyer announcing our next powered model in N – the Class 92 electric.
These much-requested locomotives fit in well with our West Coast theme, and we have secured the full co-operation of Brush Traction, enabling a research visit to be arranged shortly after.
The response to this model has been excellent, and with the assistance of Brush engineers and others progress has been rapid, with CADs now complete with tooling expected to begin in January.
Our last major date in 2016 was the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition at the NEC in late November, where once again we were able to meet many of our supporters – and others – and announce another new model: the HOA hopper.
Original EWS Construction is one of five liveries on offer
Response to this model has been exceptionally good and already the design work has begun, with 3D CADs expected early in 2017.
So as 2016 draws to a close we look back on a year in which we have delivered our first model, tooled two more, completed or continued design work on three more and announced a fourth and fifth.
Next year – with the continued help of all our supporters – we look forward to delivering more models and offering more choices.
To sum up, we would like to thank everyone who has ordered from us, the model railway press, RM Web and the N Gauge Forum and exhibition organisers for enabling us to communicate with and meet our supporters, and our Rapido Trains colleagues in Canada and China who have delivered such fabulous models.
Or, in the words of one respected magazine assessing our TEA tankers: “Revolution has definitely delivered a quality product and there is much more to come…”
On the morning of the Warley National Model Railway Exhibtion at the NEC we received direct from China the first factory samples of the forthcoming TEA tankers in 4mm scale/00 gauge.
Like their smaller N gauge counterparts that are now with customers the models feature photo etched catwalks, numerously separately fitted parts and many details that are type specific.
There are some areas where the larger size of these models permits greater fidelity; the ladders are correctly modelled with or without anto-climb guards, and the lifting lugs under the barrel are correctly formed of twin leaves.
Details below the tanker – clearly visible from most angles – have not been forgotten. This image shows the distinctive larger air tank and bifurcated discharge nozzles unique to the EWS and Freightliner versions.
In this view of the undersides the longer EWS version (bottom) can be compared to the smaller airtank of the original VTG owned wagons.
Visitors to our stand at Warley who picked the models up commented on their weight. They are to NMRA guidelines which tend to be heavier than the British market is used to but ensures good track holding and smooth running, especially in long rakes. For this reason the bogies are fitted with brass axle bearings as can be seen in the image above. The bogies have been designed to be wide enough for drop-in conversion to EM or P4 standards.
Once the models have been thoroughly tested to ensure they run as they should we will approve them for production. Paint sampling should not take long as they will be in the same liveries as the well-received N gauge versions.
As ever we will send out a newsletter informing subscribers when the deadline is set order and only produce enough models to satisfy pre-orders.
In N we have seen a significant amount of “non-buyers regret” since models were delivered and we are hoping 00 modellers interested in these vehicles will not miss out!
Rapido have sent an image of the first hand-assembled test model of the forthcoming 4mm/OO gauge TEA tanker.
The model has accommodation wheelsets and the catwalk has been hand-fettled; on the production models it will be as straight as on the production N-gauge models.
Nonetheless this sample gives a good indication of the progress being made. This model represents the EWS/Freightliner variant with the bifurcated discharge chutes and revised brake gear. Other details worth noting are the brake changeover sensor on the bogie at the ladder end, the split tied down fillets and that this model will feature both plain and anti-climb guard fitted ladders.
We would like to thank all those who have supported this project so far; this model can still be purchased but once development has concluded we will close the order book and move to production.
First test shots for the main components of the forthcoming TEA tanker in 4mm have been received by Rapido.
The ends, main barrel and buffer-beam fairings are among the components sent for checking, though numerous parts including the parts such as the ladders, hatches, brake details, bogies and buffers are still to be received. As well as many separate plastic parts the model will feature fine wire brake piping and etched catwalks.
Despite the many missing parts, these mouldings offer us a good indication of the progress being made, and of course can immediately be checked for tooling blemishes, size and fit.
These models – in seven different liveries and several different numbers – can still be ordered at the EarlyBird rate, though prices go up at the end of June.
Tooling is now well underway on the TEA tanker in OO, our first crowd-funded model in 4mm scale.
The photo below sent by the factory shows the main tool for the tank barrel. The detail slides shown here are, confusingly, the bottom (top) and the top (bottom.) Or you could think of it as uppermost is the lower section, while the top section is below!!
This photo shows the same tool, but this time with the bottom at the bottom and the side slide above.
The barrel end caps are different to each other, as one has the ladder mounting plugs and the other does not. The top shows the inner part of the tool, with the large holes in the centre for the ejector plugs, while the lower photograph shows the outer face.
Sadly we won’t be getting test mouldings in time for the DEMU Showcase on the weekend of June 4th/5th, but we do expect something fairly soon afterward and will post images here as soon as we receive the components. Don’t forget the EarlyBird price deadline of June 30th.
TEA 2 – N
Away from the toolroom, the N Gauge models are now at the painting and lettering stage. Many of the parts are painted before assembly, as can be seen here with the Greenergy green barrels, the first pass of lettering on the EWS version, and some ends ready for final assembly of the VTG red models.
The multitude of different logos, warning panels and numbers on these wagons mean each needs numerous passes through the tampo print machine, and each pass has to be aligned to within fractions of a millimetre.
We are hoping that, while there is clearly work still to do, these models will be ready for shipping within the next few weeks.
Following an overwhelmingly positive response to our questionnaire we have started the CAD drawings for our TEA tanker in 4mm scale.
As with the N gauge model there will be 5 variants, each with subtle detail differences. Due to the larger size some of the inevitable tooling limitations of N are avoided, making for an even finer and more accurate model.
As before we will be producing these models in association with VTG, DB Cargo and Greenergy.
We will be opening the order book shortly. The models can only be obtained via our website and we will be producing only enough to fulfil orders received by our production deadline. There will be an early-bird discount for a limited time period. The standard price is likely to be around £40.
Type 1a – VTG grey and red liveries:
The catwalk will be photo-etched and the manlids are separate fittings.
The images below (with black outlines removed for clarity) show the different arrangement of the manlids and vents between prototype batches that will be replicated on the model:
Brake gear will feature separate mouldings and wire pipe runs, and again differs prototypically between batches.
The bogies have been designed to allow for straightforward conversion to 18.83mm gauge wheelsets, and the couplers are in NEM mountings to allow for simple conversion to Kadee should the modeller require.
The EWS/Freightliner versions have the correct bifurcated discharge chutes and longer air tank frames.
In OO the twin lashing fillets can be correctly depicted. This was not possible on our smaller N Gauge model.
The liveries cover all the main flows for these wagons and are as the N Gauge versions.
There will be VTG red, grey and blue, along with the newer VTG blue with environmental messages, VTG/Greenergy green/white and blue/white, EWS grey and Freightliner green.
