We were recently asked the length over couplers of the TEA model on a forum by a customer fabricating a stock box for the models.
It seemed this information might be useful to others, so here are the CAD drawings with the length over couplers and over buffers indicated.
Tooling has commenced on the Revolution Trains TEA tanker now that all CAD drawings have been approved and signed off.
Working with Rapido Trains, we believe these models will bring a new level of sophistication and authenticity to the British market.
Although the TEA tankers look similar, there are subtle differences between batches and many of these are being reproduced, leading to five different configurations:
Type 1a:
This represents the first wagons built by Greenbrier in the number series VTG88115-42. These are in VTG red livery.
On this type, as with most of the rest of the builds, there are two top hatches with a three part vent in the centre of the wagon:
It also has the shorter type of air tank and single discharge nozzles each side:
The second type (1b) represents the wagons in VTG blue (VTG 88143-56) and VTG grey (VTG 88157-74)
These have the same air tank arrangement and discharge equipment as type 1a but only one central hatch, the triple vent at one end and a blanking plate at the other:
The next type represents the wagons originally built for EWS, now DB Schenker, (870200-344) and Freightliner (871001-6). 151 of this type were built, making it so far the most numerous variant.
These had the original arrangement of twin top hatches and central triple vent but differed below the barrel with bifurcated discharge nozzles and a longer air tank:
The last wagons built (so far) for VTG incorporate the larger air tank, but the single discharge nozzles. they also feature the twin hatches and central vent on the top of the barrel:
Some of this final batch were delivered in Greenergy livery and are dedicated to this company’s traffic between northern England, the Humber refineries, the midlands and south Wales. These have an additional outflow relief (coloured blue on the CAD) adjacent to one of the discharge pipes at one end:
For all types the walkways will be photo etched, and the models feature NEM couplers in pivoting close-coupler sockets and separate wire brake pipes and actuator rods.
The tooling should take around 6-8 weeks and we are hoping to have first shots during November.
This week saw the train carrying domestic fuel from Grangemouth in Scotland to Riccarton fuel terminal in Ayrshire.
The train comprised 10 tanks, of which 7 were of the new design and three were of the older types, built in the 1960s and 70s.
The consist was recorded as:
Loco 66023, then wagons 88118 (VTG red), 88134 (VTG red), 88093 (VTG grey), 87585 (BP grey), 88133 (VTG red), 87564 (BP green), 88035 (VTG gey), 88121 (VTG red), 88117 (VTG red), 87260 (BP green).
But of course this train is a perfect model train – short and with an attractive and interesting wagons, both in terms of colour and design.
Once the Revolution Trains models become availbale, this train can be easily modelled using our products and the older style TEA models from Farish.
Thanks to photographer Tom Smith for permission to use this image.
Revolution have approved the CAD drawings for the TEA tanker and the model will now be sent for tooling.
The final version features body-mounted NEM couplers, etched walkways and numerous separately fitted details.
The early build VTG versions feature short air tanks and appropriate brake piping.
There are variations in hatch configurations – our tooling allows for this. Some VTG versions comprise (from the ladder end) blanking panel – manlid – triple vent; as shown above, others have two manlids and are configured manlid – triple vent- manlid.
The EWS (Now DB Schenker) and Freightliner versions have twin discharge chutes and yaw dampers at each outer end next to the bogie frame.
Close up showing the distinctive “twin” discharge nozzles on these versions, and the strengthening rib detail of the rear face of the headstock and the buffers that will feature on all models.
We will shortly be adding these variants to our shopping pages to allow customers to start confirming their orders, and hope to have samples to show at the N Gauge International Show at Leamington in September.
The distinctive red VTG tanks moved to Scotland from South Wales appear to have started work. Photographer Tom Smith sent us these shots of the red VTG tanks passing through Coatbridge Central on a Grangemouth train with the more usual older style BP green tanks.
We’ve received the first CAD files of our 2mm/N TEA wagons (please click on the images for larger images):
Some details:
You can still express your interest in these tank wagons here.
23 of VTG’s red tankers have been moved to Scotland for use on Grangemouth traffic.
The wagons involved are VTG88115-37. These were formerly used for Murco traffic from South Wales, and are in all-over red livery with blue VTG lettering. The wagons were built in 2006 and are of the same type being offered by Revolution.
This is believed to be the first time the red VTG tankers have been seen north of the border.
They were moved north on Friday June 11th 2015. 60011 took the train as far as Carlisle, where 66170 took over.
Photo courtsey Tom Smith.
Revolution Trains – the new company that uses crowd-funding principles to produce niche train models – is to produce an all-new model of the latest generation of petroleum tankers in N gauge.
The model to be produced by Revolution represents the TOPS-coded TEA wagons introduced from 2006, of which there are now several hundred running across the network.
The model will be produced by Rapido Trains of Canada, who are currently working on Revolution’s N-gauge Class 390 Pendolino model.
Ben Ando, of Revolution Trains, said: “These wagons have been in service for nearly a decade, are in a variety of attractive liveries and operate over large parts of the network. They’re an obvious choice.”
Mike Hale, of Revolution Trains, said: “We are hoping to appeal not just to those customers who ordered a Pendolino, but also modern image N Gauge enthusiasts who model other parts of the country. A high-quality model of such an important type of wagon is long overdue.”
The model will feature an injection moulded body with photo-etched catwalks and separately fitted brake gear and discharge chutes, allowing small but significant prototypical differences between wagons to be depicted.
The largest single operator of these wagons is the well-known leasing firm VTG, and the model is being produced with their full assistance and co-operation.
Paul Lugg, VTG’s Fleet Sales Manager, said: “We operate these wagons for several customers on the real railway, and they offer significant operational and environmental benefits over older designs. We are delighted that a high quality model of these important vehicles is going to be available.”
The models can be ordered via Revolution’s website singly or in packs of three, with different running numbers on each wagon. They will be available in three VTG liveries – red, blue and grey – along with EWS grey and Freightliner green, subject to company approval.
A triple pack will also be available in the stylish green-and-white and blue-and-white colours of Greenergy, the UK’s newest bulk fuel rail operator. The operating efficiencies of rail travel were a significant factor in Greenergy’s decision to operate its own fleet of wagons. We will be working with Greenergy’s designers to make sure the livery is as accurate as possible.
Andrew Owens, Greenergy Chief Executive, said: “We’ve recently regenerated rail infrastructure allowing us to transport over two million litres of fuel (the equivalent to over 50 road tankers) with each train load. Our branded wagons have really caught people’s attention, and I am looking forward to seeing them in miniature!”
In use, the wagons operate from Grangemouth refinery to destinations in Scotland and Northern England, from refineries or storage terminals on Teeside and Humberside to the Midlands and the South West, and from South Wales to central England. Furthermore, new flows are expected in the next 12 months.
Revolution Trains aims to produce models that are considered too niche – or risky – for the mainstream manufacturers. Revolution Trains offers an alternative – a crowd-funding community where members can support proposals, nominate new ones and watch as these pet projects reach the point of being funded and produced.
You can see further details of the proposed models on the project page and you can register your interest in models/liveries here.
