Samples of the forthcoming 00 gauge/4mm scale Revolution Trains IWA holdall van and timber carrier have been received and assessed.
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.
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.
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.