Revolution Trains has received decorated samples of its upcoming IPA twin and quad car carriers in 00 gauge 4mm scale.
These wagons were originally built in the 1950s and 60s as double deck units for the Societe Nationalé des chemins de fer Francais (SNCF) in France.
In the 1990s, in anticipation of an increase in international car traffic via the Channel Tunnel, automotive logistics specialist STVA converted large numbers for use in Britain by removing the top deck to fit the British loading gauge, creating low deck flat twins. They were given STVA’s pale grey livery, subsequently repainted red. Both these variants are available from Revolution Trains
Soon after introduction, in an experiment to counter damage to vehicles caused by stones either thrown up from the ballast or by lineside miscreants, stakes were added to the sides of some wagons to allow canvas sheeting to be stretched across them. Though the experiment was not widely adopted the stakes remain on the converted wagons, even when they were repainted into the updated red STVA livery.
In the early 2000s, to permit the wagons to be used for larger SUVs and high value cars, side panels and roofs were permanently fitted, and while a small number remained in use as twins the majority were remarshalled into quad sets. These wagons were initially in pale grey, then red, and earlier this year the first set emerged from Arlington Works in new Groupe CAT blue livery. Again, all variations are available from Revolution.
The wagons feature diecast metal decks, for weight, and numerous separately applied plastic and metal detailing parts.
The wagons are still available to pre-order now for£60 (twin sets) and £120 (quad sets) however the order book will close at midnight on July 31st 2021 and then the models will go into production, with shipping expected in the Autumn.
As ever with Revolution Trains models, they may be available from stockists afterwards but at a higher price.