The response to our HOA wagons has been tremendous so a big thank-you to anyone who has backed this project so far. The sooner we get to our “minimum order” requirement the sooner we can begin work.
We know our route maps and sample consists are popular, but providing these for the HOAs has been something of a marathon as they are so widespread. Also, with the introduction of the very latest batch for VTG/Mendip Rail they are reaching new destinations – particularly in the South East of England – almost every week.
This map is an attempt to show the main quarries and corresponding terminals served by these vehicles. We are continually revising it in the light of information received and do not claim it to be exhaustive. It is likely to need ongoing updates as the VTG/Mendip rail HOAs are being introduced into new flows all the time. Equally, some of the traffic shown, such as the sand train between Middleton Towers and Ayr, appears to have lasted for a relatively short period.
The sample consists show that in use, these wagons are often operated in mixed trains with some of the many other hopper designs in service, and one of the reasons we selected this wagon is that it complements existing models such as the Farish RMC JGA, the N Gauge Society JGA kit (a slightly different version) and the older Farish PGA in Lafarge or Arc colours although while the original painted colour remains the branding is usually painted out.
The full example consists PDF can be downloaded here: hoa-sample-consists
Where appropriate the sample consist document lists both the type of hopper and shows whether an appropriate model is available.
Thanks again to all who have supported this project, and as soon as we reach the minimum level of orders required to move to the next phase of production we will let everyone know.