Category: Wagons

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March forward with new arrivals

We have a considerable quantity of models expected over the next couple of months with many already at sea (and one due to come by air)!

OO gauge/4mm

Borail/Mullet/Parr/Super Tench 60′ engineers wagons have shipped and are expected to arrive in the UK in early March. Update – 19/1/26: all balance invoices generated.

Cartic-4 car carriers have also shipped and are expected shortly after the Borails/Mullets/Parrs/Super Tench in early-mid March. Update – 17/2/26: all balance invoices generated.

KSA ‘Rover Cube” vans and timber carriers – the remade KSAs are largely complete. The timber carrier versions have shipped and are due early March (with the Borails). The vans are in the final stage of production and checking and will ship separately soon.

N gauge/2mm

1938 stock – the much anticipated 38 stock are largely complete with final instructions and packing to be completed before the models are shipped. The 38 stock will be air-freighted so we’re still expecting delivery to the UK in the next few weeks.

Balances: if you paid in full then you don’t need to do anything – we will send out your order(s) when the models arrive. If you paid a deposit we will send you balance invoices for your models starting this week. All the models featured in this update will be invoiced. Please note that sending out all the balance invoices will take some time – please do not chase balance invoices until we have said that they have all been generated. We will update this page with progress of balance invoice generation.

If you are expecting a balance invoice(s) for a model and we state that all invoices have been generated then please check your account on our website if you haven’t received it by email – if you can’t find the balance invoice(s) in your account then please contact us in case we’ve missed it.

We would be grateful if you could pay your balance invoice(s) before the models arrive so that we can get your orders out as quickly as possible.

Please note when you pay a balance invoice the website automatically updates the deposit part of your order to “Complete” and sends you an email saying your order has been despatched – this is an automatic software bug that we can’t change. Your order is actually despatched when we mark the balance part of the order as “Complete” ie despatched.

If you need to change your delivery address please update the shipping address in your account.

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Goods inward: OO/4mm KSA ‘Rover cubes’ and IHA steel carriers plus N/2mm Cartic-4s

Updated: 7 April 2025.

We have a variety of models on the high seas at the moment which are due in close proximity to each other during February and March 2025. To enable us to get orders out to you as quickly as possible we’re going to start sending out balance invoices over the next week for the following models (ie the order that they are due to be delivered):

  • N/2mm Cartic-4 car carriers – delivered to Revolution 18/2/25 – Balance invoices all generated 23/1/25. Paid orders up to 10/03/25 posted.
  • OO/4mm IHA steel carriers – delivered to Revolution mid-March 2025 (balance invoices all generated 24/1/25). Paid orders up to 10/03/25 posted.
  • OO/4mm KSA ‘Rover cube’ vans and timber conversions – delayed due to unsatisfactory models: see news item.
N/2mm Cartic-4 car carriers
OO/4mm IHA steel carriers
OO/4mm KSA ‘Rover cube’ and timber conversions

Paid in full: if you paid in full you don’t need to do anything other than relax, your model will be shipped first in order of when we received your order(s) (and your order status will be updated)!

Paid a deposit: if you paid a deposit then we are starting to send out balance invoices over the next week or two but that will take a while to process all the balance invoices for all the models. Please note when you pay a balance invoice the website automatically updates the deposit part of your order to “Complete” and sends you an email saying your order has been despatched – this is an automatic software bug that we can’t change. Your order is actually despatched when we mark the balance part of the order as “Complete” ie despatched. Please don’t chase your order until both parts of the order (ie balance as well as deposit) has been marked as despatched, particularly before the models have even arrived!

If you need to change your delivery address please update the shipping address in your account but also please send us an email if you changed it since 17 January (otherwise your order might not get updated in time). Thanks!

Collection at shows: it may be possible to collect orders at either Model Rail Scotland (Cartic-4s) or Alexandra Palace (IHA steel carriers and KSA ‘Rover cubes’/timber conversions) but at this stage we can’t guarantee that. If show collection becomes feasible we will update customers accordingly. No need to contact us in advance.

We will update this page with progress of arrivals, sending out balance invoices and orders in due course, obviously if you haven’t received your order when we have sent out all the orders then please let us know!

If you missed out on ordering direct then you should be able to place an order with one of our retailers.

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N gauge new arrivals: SR inspection saloon/Caroline and Borails/Mullets/Parrs/Super Tench

Updated: 19/11/24 – please read below.

If you would like to collect an outstanding order for there SR inspection saloon and/or Borails/Mullets/Parrs/Super Tench at the NEC on 23/24 November 2024 please contact us in advance by Thursday 21 November so that we can arrange for the correct stock to be brought along – we will confirm if we receive your request (no confirmation = no guarantee that we will have your order!).

A pair of new models in N gauge have recently arrived at our storage facility: the Borail/Mullet/Parr/Super Tench wagons and our SR inspection saloon “Caroline”.

SR inspection saloon/Caroline: all balance invoices have been generated and all models paid in full in advance have been sent out. All orders paid in full by 11/11/24 have been despatched. 10% of balances to be received.

Borail/Mullet/Parr/Super Tench: all balance invoices have been generated. All orders paid in full in advance have been sent out. Orders with a deposit and balance payments will start to go out from 26 November 2024 (apologies the new Warners NEC show is this weekend which takes 3 days out of this week).

Paid in full: if you paid in full you don’t need to do anything other than relax, your model will be shipped first in order of when we received your order(s) (and your order status will be updated)!

Paid a deposit: if you paid a deposit then we are starting to send out balance invoices but that will take a few days to process all the balance invoices for both sets of models. Please note when you pay a balance invoice the website automatically updates the deposit part of your order to “Complete” and sends you an email saying your order has been despatched – this is an automatic software bug that we can’t change. Your order is actually despatched when we mark the balance part of the order as “Complete” ie despatched. If you are expecting a balance invoice(s) for a model and we state that all invoices have been generated then please check your account on our website if you haven’t received it by email – if you can’t find the balance invoice(s) in your account then please contact us in case we’ve missed it.

If you need to change your delivery address please update the shipping address in your account but also please send us an email if you changed it since 4 November (otherwise your order might not get updated in time). Thanks!

BR YLA Mullet and YQA parr

IMPORTANT! Please do not chase your balance invoices or delivery(s) – we understand how frustrating it is watching other people’s models arrive but chasing us just delays our ability to send out your models (as we end up dealing with your messages rather than sorting your order(s))! Obviously if you need to tell us something urgent then please still get in touch!

We will update this page with progress of sending out balance invoices and orders in due course, obviously if you haven’t received your order when we have sent out all the orders then please let us know!

If you missed out on ordering direct then you should be able to place an order with one of our retailers, who will be receiving their orders next week.

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Car carriers to star at Great Electric Train Show

Samples of Revolution’s upcoming OO gauge Cartic-4 and WIA car carriers will take centre stage on Revolution’s stand at the Great Electric Train Show in Milton Keynes on October 12th and 13th.

GETS is always a great show, with a friendly atmosphere, and this year is set to feature up to 30 layouts and more than 50 trade stands and demonstrations.

Revolution is on stand 14, close to the centre of the main Arena display area, and directly opposite the star attraction: Pete Waterman’s Making Tracks 4 which depicts sections of the southern West Coast Main Line in the present day and includes OO gauge depictions of Watford Junction Station and Bushey Viaduct in Hertfordshire and the well-known ‘birdcage’ cutting at Roade in Northamptonshire. 

Making Tracks 4. Photos Key Model World/Cavalex

The whole Revolution team will be present and we are looking forward to displaying, for the first time, decorated samples of our upcoming Cartic-4 car carriers and first Engineering Prototypes of the imposing WIA 5-unit covered sets.

In addition we will have the decorated samples of the OO IHA steel carriers on display for the first time; these arrived during the summer and while the N gauge models were displayed last month at The International N Gauge Show, until now there has been no opportunity to show off their upscaled cousins. The pre-order book for these in both scales closes immediately after the show so production can get underway.

N gauge modellers aren’t being left out, with 1938 stock trains in both London Underground and Isle of Wight versions, and first deco samples of the Class 180 and 175 diesel units available for inspection. In addition, first engineering prototypes of the Alcan PCA tanks in N will also be on display.

And other than items on display, we will be happy to answer questions about our recently annoucned Class 99 bi-mode locomotives, and anything else you might want to ask us about. We are always more indiscreet in person!

In addition we will have a second Revolution Raffle, with proceeds going to the Railway Children charity, and this year we have been generously supported by Cavalex who have donated several models to the prize pot. Last year, thanks to the generosity of show goers, we were able to raise nearly £4000, and anything raised this year will be in addition to the £18,000 raised whilst we were taking part in the Beacon/GBRf industry-wide 5-a-side football tournament last month.

And finally we will have limited stocks of some hard-to-find models that may be sold out at retailers. These are items we are clearing from our own stores, or from cancelled or returned orders. If there is anything in particular you’d like please let us know and if possible we will bring it!

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Take Five! Revolution offers articulated Arbel car carriers

Revolution Trains is offering the imposing 5-piece articulated WIA ‘Sefoorss’ car carriers as its next wagon in OO and N.

Photo: Foulger Rail used under Creative Commons

CAD work on the model is complete, and the order book is opening imminently, with our usual great value pre-order price available to encourage early orders.

OO WIA CAD image

The Prototype

60 five-unit sets were ordered by BR’s Railfreight Distribution sector ahead of the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994.

They were designed to offer complete protection and, being fully enclosed, meant that new cars could be shipped between the UK and continental Europe without needing to be waxed, saving time and money.

Brand new WIA units lined up at Tonbridge. Photo: Paul Wade.

Initially they were operated by Auto Care Europe, a partnership comprising RfD, SNCB and Cobelfret. Some outer wagons were adorned with the ACE logo and car maker markings too. On privatisation ownership passed to EWS and from around 2007 the DB Schenker (now DB) logo was added to the intermediate cars of some sets.

Photo: Mark Saunders
Photo: CA850 used under Creative Commons.

Though it is not immediately apparent from the outside, the wagons are double-decked and the entire roof canopy can be raised or lowered as one unit to aid loading and unloading.

In railfreight terms cars are light, but high volume, so the wagons are designed to maximise the use of space and completely fill the loading gauge, hence the angled contours of the roofs. Articulation is chosen as it both reduces costs, but cutting the number of bogies required, but also simplifies loading and unloading as cars can easily be driven the full length of the train.

Photo: Foulger Rail Photos-Creative Commons

The Model

The model features our usual refinements including separately fitted brake parts and articulation units designed to allow operation down to curves of radius 2. We’d like to thanks DB for their assistance and support in researching the model.

The OO CAD is complete and the N gauge CAD is under development.

The articulation units have been designed to allow the model to comfortably negotiate R2 curves, and for added realism the customer will have the option, for the tail end car, of replacing the tension-lock coupler with a cosmetic air pipe, in either the loose or stowed position, and a control box moulding that clips into the NEM pocket to recreate the look of the real thing.

L-R: Cosmetic air pipes, end with tension lock coupler, tail end with customer fit control box and air pipes.

We expect to open the order book soon, and livery options are from top: original RfD blue, ACE blue, DB Schenker, fully debranded plain blue and DB.

Tooling is expected to start shortly with the models estimated to be ready to ship in Q2-3 2025.

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September 30th – N gauge deadline day!

It’s another Revolution Trains deadline day – this time for a slew of upcoming N gauge models: the class 313 and 314 Electric Multiple Units, BR Borail, BR YLA Mullet, YQA Parr and YQA Super Tench plus FNA-D modern nuclear flask carrier.

Once the order books close these models will go into production. They will become available in due course from retailers but at a price that includes their margin.

If you are ordering more than one product type please make separate orders as the models are likely to arrive at different times and we can more easily ensure you get the models you want as soon as we have them if they are ordered separately.

Purchase at low pre-production price
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Mullets can look good…

Revolution Trains has received decorated samples of its forthcoming 00 gauge BR Borail EB/EC and MB wagons, BRV and BRA steel carriers and YLA Mullet, YQA Super Tench engineering flats.

BORAIL MB (front) and BRV rear. Please note all the samples shown have accommodation wheels. Production models will have wheelsets of the correct scale diameter.

The Borails were built in the late 1950s and early 1960s as EB and MB variants (with five bolsters) and EC (no bolsters) for the Eastern and Midland regions to convey pre-stressed concrete beams and other long, heavy items. They had 8′ plate bogies, five-spoke handbrake wheels and twelve chain loops on each side.

Chain loops on each side are separate fittings. On production models the deck will be a slightly lighter shade.

Under TOPS in the 1970s they were coded BRV, then in the early 1980s 150 were fitted with air brakes, six bolsters, recoded BRA and used for steel traffic, particularly rails, primarily from British Steel Workington. These wagons were painted railfreight red during the rebuild.

The shade of Railfreight red will be corrected on this version, and the bolsters will be correclty configured.

Later the fleet was transferred to the engineers and given the fishkind name Mullet. Most received CE ‘Dutch’ livery. On some wagons the bolsters were removed and replaced with longitudinal baulks for carrying concrete sleepers; these were given the fishkind name Parr, while post privatisation some were designated Super Tench, having their upper body replaced with modular ISO standard mesh-sided cages.

Livery variations included variations in CE Dutch – with some wagons receiving Railfreight grey underframes; all-over mainline blue, and EWS maroon. Versions of these are all available to pre-order in packs with two wagons that complement each other.

These are a selection of the twin packs available; full details of the complete range and wagon identies are on the order page. Please note N gauge graphics are shown; however the 00 versions are the same.

Detail features on these models include fine photo etched mesh sides, separate wire and plastic details, NEM couplers in kinematic pockets and four different designs of brakewheel.

Once the decorated samples are assessed feedback will be sent, and then the models will be ready to go into production. The order book will close in due course.

For those who prefer not to pre-order, these twin packs are expected to be available from retailers, albeit at a higher price.

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Cartic-4mm (OO) order book opens!

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.

Purchase OO gauge Cartic-4 car carriers
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Mullets with style – in 00 and N!

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.

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MMMMA…… tasty!

Revolution Trains has received first egineering samples of our forthcoming MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons in N.

MMA/JNA – 9 rib versions

Introduced on the network five years ago, and there are more than 900 of these wagons in service or on order. The first were coded MMA and are in operation with DB; subsequent versions carry the TOPS designation JNA and carry variously VTG, Ermewa, Tarmac, GBRf, Cappagh and Touax brandings.

There are two main versions – either with 9 or 11 bodyside ribs, and within these there are examples both with and without bodyside doors that enable the wagons to be more easily swept out. Revolution is offering all types, and as well as the alternate body styles the variations in brake arrangements have also been faithfully depicted.

JNA 11 rib versions

As is customary with models from Revolution Trains, the models feature a wealth of detail on the body and underside, including plenty of separately fitted brake components and wire pipes and end footsteps. The first 9-rib wagons, for DB and Ermewa/Tarmac, feature the parking brakes and cylinders on the underframe, whereas the 11-rib variants for VTG incorporate such equipment mounted on the bogies. The parking brake wheels are absent on the samples; this will be corrected for the production models.

9-rib MMA (left) and 11-rib JNA underframes

As with the 00 versions of these models, and our popular IZA Cargowaggon vans, versions are being offered with factory-fitted, battery powered flashing tail lamps.

Because the light unit has to be positioned inside the wagon body, we have tooled a moulded ‘load’ to hide it – the load is being supplied as an option with all the models, which are also supplied with a flat floor to run as empty. The first prototypes are smooth; the finished items will be engraved to represent stone.

These prototypes are primarily to test the quality of the components, their dimensions and fit. These checks are now almost completed and feedback on some minor areas has been given.

Sizing up!

The Chinese New Year festivities mean that factories will be closing down for the next 2-3 weeks, but once they resume toward the end of February we will expect decorated samples of the models to follow.

Which versions do I need?

We have created a helpful diagram showing a variety of authentic trains operated by these wagons, along with a route map, that can be found further down the page. We are aiming to offer in this production run as many of the variants as possible.

These images show each of the different versions in more detail. The suffix -L denotes a version with the flashing tail lamp – but for production reasons only the most widespread and popular liveries will be available with the tail lamp fitted. However, we are investigating the possibility of making the tail lamp unit available as a spare.

9-pillar with door

This version is suitable for DB Cargo MMA versions N-EAL-101A/B/C/D/L

66119 with DB MMA hoppers at Peak Forest in September 2018.

9-pillar without door

This version is suitable for Ermewa and Ermewa/Tarmac versions N-EAL-101A/B/L/C/D

66711 at Irchester with mixed rake of Ermewa and VTG spot hire JNA. Photo courtesy Steve Madden.

11-pillar with door

This version is suitable for GBRf and Ermewa/GBRf versions N-EAL-106A/L/B/C

66028 with GBRF JNAs on the Cumbrian Coast. Photo courtesy Aidan Fort.

11-pillar without door

This version is suitable for VTG and Cappagh versions N-EAL-103A/B, N-EAL-104A/B/L, N-EAL-105A/B/L, N-EAL-107A, N-EAL-117A/C/L

11-pillar without door and body-mounted brakes

This version is suitable for the Touax versions N-EAL-108A/B/C

59206 at Acton in 2020 with Touax and VTG/Mendip Rail JNAs. Photo courtesy Dave Kirwin.
Purchase MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagon in N gauge

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Fantas-car-tic Four – from Revolution!

British Rail’s iconic and revolutionary Cartic-4 car carriers are the next 1960s era model to be offered by Revolution Trains.

Each four-unit articulated Cartic-4 set could carry 34 (1960s-sized) cars at up to 75mph. In total 538 Cartic-4s were constructed between 1966 and 1972, and they lasted in service until the mid 2000s.

40078 with empty Cartic-4s at Peterborough. Photo courtesy Paul James.

The Cartic-4 was developed jointly by BR and Ford following after the Beeching report of 1963 urged British Railways to focus on efficient block trains for freight and adopt fast, air-braked bogie wagons to replace its fleet of ageing and slow four-wheeled stock.

The design was radical at the time for freight stock – comprising a permanently coupled four-part vehicle in which the inner cars were linked via shared bogies on articulated joints – and two prototypes were constructed and trialled on traffic from Ford’s giant Dagenham plant in September 1964.

The production units differed slightly from the two prototypes, and the majority were built for private vehicle transporters MAT, Silcock & Collings and Tolemans, however some were also built by BR and used to launch its Motorail brand in 1966. This offered motorists the opportunity to take their car on holiday with them, with an extensive network of services between cities including London, Birmingham and Sheffield and Scotland, the South West and North Wales.

A new terminal was opened at Kensington Olympia in London, and ramps allowed both decks to be loaded simultaneously. This is featured in the wonderfully evocative British Pathé film “Car And You By Train” – which you can see here.

Stills from the British Pathe film “Car And You By Train.”

Out of holiday season, the Motorail-branded vehicles were often used alongside the rest of the fleet for new car deliveries. We will be offering as-built Cartic-4s in BR Motorail, MAT-Transauto and Silcock and Collings liveries.

In the 1984, following increasing incidents of vehicles becoming damaged in transit by stones, Silcock and Collings decided to add screens to the sides of the wagons. Some were also given corrugated roofs to protect vehicles from items dropped from overbridges; the roofs were hinged and could be raised to allow loading and unloading. Both these variants are being offered, and they often ran together in the same train.

85005 at Stratford in 1988. Photo courtesy Phil Richards.

This was a success, and within two years MAT had decided on similar measures, using Expamet mesh for its screens. The MAT fleet was inherited by STVA when it took over, and the Cartic-4s, by now coded PJA under TOPS, were refurbished and repainted into its pale grey livery.

47309, also at Stratford, with MAT mesh-sided car carriers in 1991. Photo courtesy Michael Hart.

A very small number of the MAT sets received roofs, however they were to a different design and are not being included.

STVA also decided to remove the top decks from three sets, and run them as single deck units primarily for light commercial vehicles; these lasted in use until 2013 however they are not being offered as they also featured some strengthening additions which would not be practical to tool.

BR drawings have been sourced and CAD work is underway. The models will feature our usual high levels of detailing, with the brake gear on the underside, accurate representations of the deck tread arrangement and separate parts including plastic and photo etched ladders, screens and roofs.

Preliminary CAD work has started following the Chinese New Year holiday

Once CAD is complete the models will be available to pre-order.