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Countdown for the 59s…

The deadline for pre-orders for the Revolution Trains Class 59 diesel locomotive of midnight on Friday March 31st is fast approaching.

And now we can reveal an exciting update on the light and sound arrangements for the models. In association with ESU the Revolution Classs 59 will be the British launch model for a new DCC interface which supercedes the existing Next-18 and is set to be known as Next 28.

ESU LokSound V5 Nano E24 decoders in Revolution Trains Class 59 locomotives. The DCC socket can be easily accessed by simply removing the top access panel, which replicates the arrangement of the real thing!

Let there be (lots of) light!

The Next-28 interface – coded E24 by ESU themselves – was developed for the North American market where Next-18 does not offer the functionality required. (And no, we have no idea why E24 becomes Next-28.)

We made the tricky decision to change the decoder socket from Next 18 to the new and improved Next 28 (ESU E24) decoder socket so that we could offer our customers a fuller range of prototypical lighting functions.

It means the Revolution Trains Class 59s can replicate all the lighting functions of the prototypes including operational directional day and night time main lights, red tail lights when running light engine, two different shunt modes, park mode and cab interior lighting. All are outlined in this short video:

Lights on the Class 59/0s are significantly different to that of the later Class 59/1s and 59/2s.

59005 showing standard arrangement of both headlights and both marker lights lit. Photo: Train Photos/Creative Commons.

By the time the Class 59/1s and 59/2s were built, in the early 1990s, the railways had settled on the WIPAC-type light cluster.

59101 at Westbury showing lights in Daytime configuration with right headlight and left marker light illuminated.
Photo Dave58282/Creative Commons.

As the video explains, our models will enable DCC users to drive their locomotive with full lighting control and entirely prototypically, whether running a train on the mainline, light engine or shunting back and forth in the yard.

The decoders required for this interface are the ESU Loksound 5 Nano (Sound) and Lokpilot 5 Nano (Silent).

For DC users the DCC blanking plate will incorporate switches that allow the directional red tail lights and cab interior lights to be independently switched on or off.

DCC Sound

We have not overlooked sound, and all Revolution DCC Sound supplied models will feature a Legomanbiffo sound project which we recorded at Freightliner’s Merehead TMD last year.

We’d ike to thank Freightliner for giving us access to 59204 with a driver for comprehensive sound recording

Revolution Trains model features high levels of detailing and we have tooled five different bodyshell configurations allowing us to represent each of the three different subclasses at various stages in their service lives.

EWS 59204 and Hanson’s 59101 are two of the liveries on offer

These variations include:

  • Two different bogie designs
    • Left or Right side exhausts
  • Locomotives with our without NRN roof pods in sub-class specific rebates
  • Three different designs of roof access panel
  • Three different solebar fitment components
  • Single or twin-handled cab doors

In addition all models have a heavy diecast chassis with low friction, low geared drivetrain, numerous separately fitted and photo-etched parts and kinematic NEM couplers sockets with superdetailed bufferbeam at one end with alternate open air dam supplied for customers requiring working couplers at both ends.

59s as they are now: Aggregate Industries 59/0 and Freightliner G&W 59/2. The colour of the Freightliner loco is being amended for production.

The Prototype

The Class 59s were both the first privately-owned locomotives to operate on the British Rail network, and the first to be designed and built in North America. Based on EMD’s established SD-40-2, but adapted to fit a body shell designed for the British loading gauge, they heralded a new era of reliability and power on entering service, and were the predecessor’s the now ubiquitous Class 66.

59001 in original livery with PGA wagons at Bradford Junction in 1990. Photo Graham Roose.

Introduced in 1986, the first four locomotives are approaching their fortieth birthdays still doing the work they were designed for: hauling heavy stone trains on the gradients around the Mendip hills.

59201 at Westbury with JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons. Photo Jo Alder.

Though 59003, now in GBRf ownership, does have a more varied work pattern.

Deadline Day Approaching

This pre-order deadline for these models is midnight on Friday, March 31st 2023.

This is the last date customers can order models for the low locked-in price of just £124.95. After this the MSRP rises to £154.95, though for those who prefer not to pre-order we anticipate selected retailers will carry stocks.

As well as the 16 different locomotives in eight liveries being offered by Revolution Trains, there are four retailer commissions.

59003 in two versions of GBRf livery can be ordered from Rails of Sheffield.

Rainbow Railways have commissioned a ‘First and Last’ twin pack covering 59201, with its US-style bell at the No.1 end, and 59206 to commemorate the introduction of the Class 59/2 sub-class in the eye-catching National Power livery.

59002 in Mendip Rail and 59101 in Revised ARC livery can be ordered from Kernow Model Rail Centre.

Copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com Photography by Chris Nevard.
Copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com Photography by Chris Nevard.

You can order as many 59s as you like, but please don’t mix in wagons or other Revolution Trains products as they are likely to arrive at different times and this will increase admin for us and in turn delay processing of your models!

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Revolution at the palace…

Revolution Trains will again be attending the London Festival of Railway Modelling at Alexandra Palace this coming weekend, March 18th and 19th.

We will be on stand 7 towards the rear of the Great Hall, and we’re looking forward to chatting to our customers and supporters during the course of the weekend, and displaying some of the exciting samples we have of upcoming models in development.

For N gauge enthusiasts there’s a last chance to inspect the decorated samples of our Class 59 diesels. These are still available to pre-order for £124.95 DCC ready, but hurry because the book closes on March 31st. Other models on show will be the first decorated samples of the Class 313 units, Borail and YLA Mullet engineers wagons and EP 1 samples of the Southern Region General Manager’s Inspection Saloon 975025 ‘Caroline’ plus first mouldings of the Class 175 ‘Coradia’ and 180 ‘Adelante’ DMUs.

Revolution N gauge models in development

For 00 modellers there are the EP1 samples of the new Class 18 hybrid shunters in both Beacon and Tata steel versions, plus our KSA timber carriers and ‘Rover Cube’ vans, decorated samples of the Alcan PCA tanks and our FNA-D nuclear flask wagons.

Talking of FNA-D wagons, these are now in the final stages of assembly and production and we are expecting them to ship very soon. They are still available to purchase and if you order now your models will be sent to you as soon as they arrive. We are offering eight variants, each with prototypical differences in markings and warning labels, for just £32.95 each.

As usual there may be some surprises – including production samples of a forthcoming model that we are hoping will make it in time – and remember we are invariably much more indiscreet when chatting in person with our thoughts and plans for future items!

See you at the show!

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Revolution and Rails give bio-massive Drax charity boost!

Last week Revolution Trains and Rails travelled to the giant Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire to make a donation to Drax’s chosen charity, the Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Left to right: Brice Heppenstall (Drax Plant Director), Mike Hale, Ben Ando (Revolution Trains), Michelle Ford (regional fundraiser, Martin House Hospice), Mark Gibbens (Head of Logistics, Drax Power), Oliver Davies, Adam Davies, John Barbour (Rails of Sheffield), Jane Breach (Drax Power). Photo courtesy Ian Broadhead.

The money was raised through sales of N gauge models of Drax’s IIA-D biomass hoppers produced by Revolution and retailed exclusively by Rails.

A cheque for £2000 was handed over in a small ceremony and the team at Drax also explained the workings of the power station works and why biomass is an integral part of its operations.

Michelle Ford, North and East Yorkshire regional fundraiser for Martin House Children’s Hospice, said: “We very much value our relationship with Drax and appreciate all the support they’ve given us.  This donation will help us continue to provide free care and support for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.  In addition to the funds, we’d like to thank Revolution Trains and Rails of Sheffield for the model wagon pack which will be auctioned to raise even more.

“£2000 will help pay for a specialist bed that will allow a child to have a good night’s sleep when they stay at the hospice – thank you so much from all of us.”

Revolution and Rails would like to thank every customer who has purchased these models and therefore contributed to the donation.

66207 at Drax. Imported biomass arrives from Liverpool, Immingham, Hull and Tyne docks. Photo courtesy Jonathon Lawton.

Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics for Drax Power, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to reduce emissions at Drax, which is the UK’s largest single generator of renewable power, and our fleet of innovative wagons have played a significant part in this.

Drax wagons in original livery line up outside the unloading terminal. The biomass is stored in four giant domes before conveyor belts move it into the power station burners.
This short video shows how the biomass trains are unloaded at Drax, and how the biomass is used. Music: www.bensound.com.

“We think it’s great that the highly detailed Revolution Trains models, in their attractive box-set, give railway modellers a chance to depict these operations on their layouts.”

Drax Power Head of Logistics Mark Gibbens explains the unloading process. The wagon discharge doors are opened automatically by magnetic sensors as they pass through the unloading shed at 0.5 mph.

Ben Ando, co-director of Revolution Trains, said: “As an N gauge enthusiast myself I am thrilled that we have been able to do justice to these impressive and fascinating wagons, and being able to watch the unloading operations was a real privilege. And being able to help Martin House Hospice is the icing on the cake.”

Oliver Davies, Director of Rails of Sheffield, said: “These models have been very popular with N gauge enthusiasts and are selling fast.  Rails believes strongly in supporting the community and we were delighted to be able to join in making a donation to such a good cause.”

Revolution Trains IIA-D wagons in all four versions of new Drax ‘Renewable Pioneers’ liveries.

The Revolution Trains IIA-D Drax biomass hoppers in N gauge are fully licenced and are available in twin packs depicting the original, original ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and new Drax ‘Renewable Pioneers’ versions.   Limited stocks remain at Rails and can be purchased for £79.95 per pair.

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It’s TEA time – again!

Revolution Trains is offering a second run of its highly popular TEA tanker wagons in OO gauge 1:76.2 scale.

Verisons in VTG red and EWS are among those being offered

First proposed at Warley in 2015 (yes – eight years ago!!) and delivered in 2018 the ‘modern style’ 100t TEA tanker was Revolution’s first OO model and to some extent helped to set the standard for features Revolution has come to be known for: accuracy, numerous alternate running numbers and high levels of detail with a focus on subtle variations.

60010 at Kingsbury Fuel Terminal. Photo courtesy Tom Smith.

On our TEAs these differences include the style of ladder – with our without the anti-climb guards, discharge chutes – single or bifurcated, brake equipment and variations in tank vents and man-lids.

VTG grey, red and blue versions

The models will be available singly in improved packaging but with multiple running numbers of most versions, and we have carefully chosen liveries to include our most popular existing versions and complementary new variants.

The class of 2023…

All new versions will have different running numbers to those previously offered.

EWS livery: wagons 870203, 870247, 870272, 870309.
VTG red: wagons 88117, 88130, 88134, 88140.
VTG grey: wagons 88167, 88169, 88170, 88173
VTG plain blue: wagons 88144, 88156
Freightliner green 871002
VTG green (Freightliner rebranded) 871006
VTG dark blue with environmental message: 8370 7792 042-4 ‘Railfreight delivers…. with less congestion’
VTG dark blue with environmental message: 8370 7792 049-9 ‘……caring for the environment’
Greenergy green debranded: 8370 7792 026-7
Greenergy blue debranded: 8370 7792 003-6, 8370 7792 017-6

Please note these graphics are illustrative and are not to scale or fully colour corrected.

The new run of TEA tankers will be available from retailers or can be ordered direct from Revolution Trains. We have managed to keep the MSRP the same at £48.95 per wagon, even though it is more than five years since these wagons were last produced.

Which TEA is right for me?

While the useage has remained largely the same since we first prepared our TEA route map, the main difference is that the debranded Greenergy wagons are now used largely from Puma’s refinery at Milford Haven to the west of England and the Midlands. The EWS liveried wagons also seem to be more widely used.

60040 works 6B33 Theale-Margam past Shrivenham. Photo courtest Foulger Rail Photos/Creative Commons.

The green ex-Freightliner batch are seen largely with the grey and blue VTG types on trains from Humberside to the Midlands, while the Dalston train from Ineos Grangemouth to Dalston in Cumbria is mainly operated by a mix of red and grey VTG tanks, with the occasional blue mixed in.

60059 with Humber-Kingsbury train. Photo courtesy Rob Reedman/Creative Commons.
60056 with the Dalston-Grangemouth empties. In the background can be seen the conical Gateside ‘Bings’ (former colliery spoil heaps) that are being incorporated into a land art project known as The Crawick Multiverse by American artist Charles Jencks. Photo courtesy Dave McAlone.

As can be seen above, the Dalston train usually comprises 18 wagons between Grangemouth and Carlisle, but because the unloading siding at Dalston can only accommodate six bogie tanks, the train is tripped in shorter consists from Kingmoor yard to the terminal, making for a very modellable train.

A fascinating video explaining the full sequence can be enjoyed here, with thanks to ‘Northumberland Snapper’ for documenting these manoeuvres:

Freightliner has also used these wagons, in VTG grey or green, to supply its locomotive fuelling point in Ipswich, often in short consists of 2 or 3 wagons, again offering modellable potential for those with smaller layouts or tighter budgets.

If you’re keen to learn more searching on Flickr for still photographs, or YouTube for videos, of your preferred route will give a good indication of what the consists are.

These models are going into production next month and are expected to arrive in the summer, however China is subject to ongoing Covid issues so this date is an estimate, not a guarantee!

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Revolution in Scotland – again!

Revolution Trains is heading north next week again to attend Model Rail Scotland 2023 this February 24th, 25th and 26th.

Come and find us on stand A21, near the front of the hall, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.

We’ll have plenty to show, including a first outing for our decorated BR Blue Grey Class 313 units in N, 00 KSA EP1 samples, FNA-D nuclear flask carriers in 00 and N and latest news and samples of a host of existing and new projects in N and 00.

There will be free catalogues for all listing all our current projects, and with some good fortune and a fair wind there could be a couple of surprises too!

It’s always a thrill to pass Carlsle and see the Saltire!

See you there!

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Tanks and Zander inbound plus other delivery updates

No sooner was the Christmas holiday period over and we’re now heading rapidly towards Chinese New Year. Many of you may be aware that Chinese New Year is a holiday period in China [where the majority of models are produced] and the factories tend to shut temporarily for the holiday. That seems an appropriate point to update you on where we’ve reached with various models in production. If the model you’re looking for an update on isn’t featured below then please head over to our Project overview page which has the latest information on all our models.

Class A and B tanks with the NGS’s Hunslet shunter – a nice small layout in the making?

OO/4mm IPA car carriers and Ecofret container flats – we’ve spent a lot of time recently sending out IPA car carriers and FWA Ecofret container flats. All paid for orders should have been sent out now – please let us know if you are missing either your order or your balance invoice, the exception to that are international orders where we have been struggling to get models sent out due to various issues with Royal Mail. We’re investigating alternatives for international orders and will be in contact with affected customers where necessary.

N/2mm Class A/B tanks and Zander aggregate wagons – production is complete and we’ve approved production samples. The models are in transit from the factory and we expect them to arrive in the next week or so. If you pre-ordered Class A tanks or Zander aggregate box wagons from us we will be sending out any balance invoices over the next few days – prompt payment allows us to get your order out more quickly. The Class B tanks will be going out to retailers around the same time – we’ve also made them slightly lighter following customer feedback from the first run of Class B tanks.

N/2mm IIA-D Drax biomass hoppers – the majority of the production is complete and is also in transit to the UK and expected in the next week or so. These wagons are available exclusively from Rails of Sheffield.

OO/4mm Caroline – we had a slight delay with PCBs for the lighting circuits on Caroline which has now been resolved and the models are in the final stages of production. As soon as we have an updated expected delivery date we will update our website.

OO/4mm TUAs – production of the TUAs exclusively for Rainbow Railways is complete, however during our final checks of production samples we discovered some slight problems with some of the tampo printing (around colour density of some of the printing). Rather than send out a not quite right model we’ve agreed with the factory that they will re-work the liveries on the affected models – this will add a bit of a delay while the models are corrected and we now expect to receive the tanks around April – May (depending on how long the corrections take).

N/2mm Mk 5 Caledonian Sleeper and TPE coaches – the Mk 5s are in the final stages of production and we expect the models to leave the factory in March/April (which would have them arrive in the UK during April-May).

N/2mm Pendolino second run – the Virgin liveried Pendolinos are ready to leave the factory but might not make it out of the door before Chinese New Year. If they don’t make it out then they might arrive all versions together – we’ll let you know as soon as we hear from our friends at Rapido.

N/2mm Class 59 – we’ve agreed a production slot with the factory for the 59s so our order book will close on 31 March 2023.

After the resumption of the factories in February we expect a lot of progress on various models so keep an eye out on future updates!

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2022 – the Revolution Round Up

As 2022 draws to an end, and we look ahead to 2023, there is time to take stock of the year and reflect on the ups and downs.

The Revolution grows…

January saw a new face join the Revolution as Mike Buick became a full-time member of the team alongside founders Mike and Ben. Paul and Gareth have also continued to be an enormous help both at exhibitions and with their expertise in model railway electronics and in knowledge about the real thing!

The train now arriving… is delayed.

New models delivered in 2022 included the hotly-awaited Class 320 and Class 321 multiple units in N (and much requested in 00), IWA ‘Sfins2’ vans and ‘Rfnoos’ timber carriers in 00 and N, JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons in N, IPA car carriers in 00 and FWA Ecofrets in 00 and N.

But ongoing difficulties in China with the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic and power issues caused significant delays and some (though not all) of these projects arrived later than we’d expected when we began development.

But it’s not all doom and gloom – just after Christmas, we received final production samples of the N gauge Drax biomass hoppers that are exclusively available from Rails of Sheffield. Subject to final checks these models will be shipped early in the New Year and should be here by the end of February.

So near and yet, not…

Unfortunately some models that we had expected to arrive this year – the N gauge Mk5 coaches, second run Class 390 ‘Pendolinos’ and PFA 4-wheel container flats plus 00 gauge TUA chemical tankers (for Rainbow Railways) and 975025 ‘Caroline’ saloon have failed to materialise.

China Crisis

Delays are obviously as frustrating for us as they are for you but the reality is that there is little we can do.

So what has been happening? We thought it might be helpful to give a little more depth to the standard ‘blame it on Covid’ line.

The Chinese zero-Covid policy meant that often industrial zones were closed with almost no notice if a case was identified in the area.

Factories could be told to shut immediately, and not permitted reopen for weeks or more. Lockdowns have been sudden, extensive and vigorously enforced.

Strict travel and quarantine regulations curtailed travel between areas for designers and engineers.

Restarting a complex production line after a sudden enforced shutdown is not trivial and in addition power outages exacerbated these problems. Factories in some areas were only allowed power for, say, two days a week – and those days were not necessarily consecutive! This made time critical operations such as painting and printing very difficult.

Even now, with regulations relaxed, as the Chinese New Year break approaches many factories are closing early and their owners are struggling to recruit amid concerns that rural workers who normally travel in their millions to the cities to boost their earnings may prefer to remain at home and work in lower paid agricultural jobs.

While everyone is doing their very best to return to pre-Covid levels of efficiency we anticipate that production will continue to take longer than normal for at least the next 8-12 months.

As ever, if there is a particular project you’re ‘wondering what the latest is on’ or ‘looking for an update on’ then please check our Projects page. There is a comprehensive table reporting progress on all products we have on the go and we are diligent about keeping it updated. We don’t hold back; if there’s no news there then there’s no news at all!

To blurt or not to blurt?

This in turn led to some headscratching and a slow down on some of our planned announcements, as we are acutely aware of the simple equation:

New Announcements + Lack of Delivery = Eye Rolling and Exasperated Sighs

For this reason we have tended to time our announcements in 2022 to coincide with the arrival of corresponding models; for example once the Class 320/321 units arrived we offered the Class 175/180 family, and with IWA vans and timber carriers here we were able to announce our FNA-D nuclear flask wagons.

However, the good news is that while production of finished models has been slower than we would have liked, the development phase of newer models has become, if anything, faster.

Our FNA-D nuclear flask wagon and PCA alumina tank wagons went from announcement to sampling in a matter of months, and the FNA-Ds are expected to arrive early in 2023, with the PCAs likely in the summer. Similarly, other previously announced models have shown good progress and one stalled product – the 1938 tube stock – is now back on track (sorry!) after a research visit was finally made to the London Transport Museum depot at Acton once Covid restrictions there ended.

The eagle-eyed may spot the KSA mouldings and Cartic-4 CAD in 00 and these will be the subject of more detailed updates in the next week or so.

Revolution on the road

During the year we have managed research trips to locations including Fort William, Kingmoor, the Vale of Rheidol, Acton, Whatley Quarry and Merehead, Eastleigh, Germany and Romania.

In partnership with a variety of friends in the rail industry these research trips, and others that are currently confidential, have enabled us to continue developing new models this year and have more exciting products to launch in 2023.

The Revolution will be… televised?

We’ve also started recorded videos to explain more about some of our most recent projects – you can find them on our You Tube Channel or watch them below. There’ll be more to come in 2023.

Class 19/CBD-90 locomotives
Alcan alumina PCAs at Fort William
Revolution at the Rails of Sheffield open day

It’s all fun and games until someone gets 3D scanned…

In March members of the Revolution Team were 3D scanned by Modelu with frankly terrifying results… and Ben made it into print with a monthly column in Model Rail magazine giving his take on aspects of the hobby which is continuing into 2023.

Finally – if you’ve made it this far – Revolution would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Prosperous 2023.

We have plenty of exciting plans and we look forward, with all our customers, to continuing to grow and enjoy this wonderful hobby.

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New boxes from Revolution!

Revolution Trains is offering another run of its popular MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons in OO gauge/1:76.2 scale in a host of new liveries.

Revolution MMA box wagon in DB red livery.

There are now more than a thousand of the type in operation now, with more to come, and since Revolution produced its first run of these models nearly four years ago further new versions have arrived in Britain.

These include the eye-catching Wascosa/Network Rail yellow, bright Cappagh blue and the dark red of Touax.

JNA in Wascosa livery. Photo Mark Saunders.
60046 with Cappagh JNA box wagons. Photo: Mark Few.
59104 with Touax and Mendip Rail JNA wagons at Kintbury. Photo: Foulger Rail – Creative Commons.

We will also offer the most popular of the original liveries including the original MMA in DB Red and the JNA in MRL. Other versions on offer will include the revised Ermewa/GBRf livery. The tooling will be modified to allow the accurate depiction of detail changes featured on some of the newest versions.

These models will be available to pre-order from Revolution Trains, but will also be available to purchase from our growing network of retailers. As with the previous versions, some variants will be offered with battery powered flashing tail lamps.

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Welcome back Warley!

Warley is back! The UK’s largest model railway show returns to the NEC after a forced three-year hiatus and Revolution will be there on stand C15 – come and see us!

We will have two new brochures free to collect – one dedicated to our offerings in 00 gauge, and one to N gauge.

We will have all the latest samples to view including the first decorated sample of our OO/4mm FNA-D nuclear flask carriers (we will publish more images on our website next week) and the first EP sample of the N gauge version as well as many other samples.

OO gauge/4mm scale FNA-D livery sample
N gauge/2mm scale engineering prototype (EP) sample

If you would like to collect an order for OO/4mm IPA car carriers or Ecofret container flats (or any other in stock items) please send us an email by 7pm Thursday 24 November – we will confirm if it is possible or not.

Each

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Kernow Class 59 exclusives!

Kernow Model Rail Centre has commissioned two exclusive Class 59 models from Revolution Trains.

They are 59002 ‘Alan J Day’ in the much-requested Mendip Rail livery, and 59101 ‘Village of Whatley’ in the eye-catching revised ARC livery. Each model retails at £159.99 DC Silent.

59002 in MRL Mendip Rail livery. Copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com Photography by Chris Nevard
59101 ‘Village of Whatley’ in revised ARC livery. Copyright Kernow Model Rail Centre www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com Photography by Chris Nevard DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Graham Muspratt, Kernow Development Manager said: “Our range of N gauge KMRC Exclusives continues to grow, this time in partnership with Revolution Trains, with the addition of these two unique and distinctive Class 59 liveries.

Revolution’s Ben Ando said: “We are delighted to be working with Kernow on these two exclusive models, which complete another chapter in the story of these historic locomotives.”

The images show decorated samples which are subject to some minor revisions ahead of production, and the models are expected in Spring 2023.

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Nuclear flask carriers (FNA-D) on sale and first sample!

When we announced the FNA-Ds in February we never anticipated that it would take this long to get the first samples, but we’re pleased to announce that the factory has finished the EP samples of the OO version and that we’ve opened our order book – you can order direct from us or from any of our retailers all at the same excellent price of £32.95 per wagon (sold in singles). Our model has been produced under licence from DRS/NTS and we’re very grateful for all their help on this model (along with that of WH Davis who built the wagons).

The FNA-D nuclear flask carriers were built by WH Davis from 2014 to replace older nuclear flask wagons.  The FNA-D nuclear flask carriers are used across the network to transport spent fuel from nuclear power stations to Sellafield. The FNA-D nuclear flask wagons typically run in rakes of 1-4 wagons mostly with two locos either double-headed or top-and-tailed.

The models feature a wealth of accurately-applied detail to replicate the real thing! Check out the under frame detailing below including the prototypical see-through area where the flask sits!

Accurately-rendered under frame details!

The models feature our usual high levels of detail and features:

  • Produced under licence from DRS
  • Highly accurate OO gauge model, 1:76.2 scale on 16.5mm track
  • All models share the same livery with 8 different running numbers available
  • Accurate underframe detailing
  • Minimum Radius 438mm (2nd Radius)
  • Bogies include separate brake shoes in line with wheels
  • RP25-110 profile OO gauge wheels on 26mm length, 2mm diameter axles (to make conversion to EM/P4 easy)
  • Sprung buffers
  • Kinetic NEM coupler sockets mounted on the body with mini-tension-lock couplers

We’ve also been working on which models to offer and we’re pleased to offer 8 different running numbers, all in the attractive teal livery.

The N gauge version is in tooling at the moment and we will have some news of this over the next few weeks.

You can place your pre-orders now either direct with us (using our deposit system if you prefer) or with any of our retailers – all at the same excellent value price of £32.95 per wagon!

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It’s a Rover-lution!

Revolution Trains is offering the iconic Rover ‘cube’ wagons, and their timber carrier conversions, as its next wagon in OO gauge, 1:76.2 scale.

KSA ‘cube’ wagon.
KSA timber carrier conversion.

CAD has been completed and first samples are expected early in the New Year.

47188 takes a rake of Rover cube wagons through Small Heath. Photo courtesy Kevin Payne.

100 large vans were built for Rover Cars by Rautaruukki of Finland in 1995 to convey preformed car parts and completed sub-assemblies securely between plants.

Coded KSA-A under TOPS, and nicknamed ‘Cube’ or ‘Talgo’ wagons , they incorporated full-length sliding covers as well as floors that could be raised and lowered to simplify unloading while optimising use of the restrictive British loading gauge.

They were turned out in a smart maroon and grey livery, with black Y25 bogies and designed to UIC ferry standards to allow them to be operated on continental Europe.

They travelled to Britain from Finland via the Channel Tunnel and were used between Swindon, Longbridge and other Rover plants. At first they were hauled by pairs of RfD Class 47s; after privatisation EWS class 66s, and occasionally 56s and 60s, were used.

Direct Rail Services 37612 and 37609 near Greenhill on 15 May 2001 in charge of the 4M30 19:00 Grangemouth to Daventry service for Malcolm Logistics comprising 10 ‘Talgo’ high cube wagons and 2 Megafret intermodal wagons. Photo courtesy Gordon Edgar.

In 2001 WH Malcolm acquired several KSAs for secure transportation of Anglo-Scottish freight on the WCML and two were repainted into Malcolm’s Logistics livery. Traction for these trains was provided by DRS (Class 66 or pairs of Class 37s) and the KSA wagons were marshalled together, often immediately behind the locomotive. The rest of the train usually comprised Megafret container wagons.

The wagons have also been used in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and France for various commodities including bottled water.

KSA timber conversion. Photo courtesy Tom Smith.

In 2012 several redundant KSA wagons were acquired by the wagon leasing company NACCO and converted to timber carriers. The work involved removal of the sliding covers and the hydraulic floor mechanism, installation of 14 pairs of heavy duty stanchions and the removal of some end panels, and replacement with bars designed to stop logs sliding through.

KSA conversion being carried out at E G Steele, Hamilton.

The timber wagons are used with other van conversions including the IWA timber carrier wagons previously offered by Revolution Trains. They are used on trains to and from Chirk, most recently on a newly trialled traffic from Aberystwyth. You can see some sample consists of the Colas timber traffic with a mix of our IWA timber carriers and the forthcoming KSA timber carriers here.

70813 passes Cardiff with timber train comprising mix of IWA and KSA wagons. Photo Nicky Boogaard used under creative commons.
Colas Class 70 shunts KSA timber carriers at Baglan-Bay. Photo Steve-Knight under creative commons.

The Revolution models will feature our usual refinements including numerous separately fitted detail parts, and have been designed with 26mm axles to allow simple conversion to P4/EM standards using proprietory wheelsets.

The couplers are fitted in kinematic NEM sockets and the models also feature soft-sprung buffers.

Models are being offered in original Rover livery as a van and NACCO red livery for the timber conversions, in a variety of different numbers, to allow convincing rakes to be modelled. All models will be supplied as twin packs with an early-bird pre-order price of £99.95 per twin pack from our website (our standard pre-order price will be £104.95 from 20 December 2022).

KSA-A – Rover livery.
KSA in NACCO timber carrier form.

In addition, we are also offering exclusively through our growing retail network a twin pack of the attractive Malcolm Group KSA wagons. These wagons will only be available from our retailers and not direct from Revolution Trains and will have an MSRP of £124.95 for the twin pack – please contact your preferred Revolution Trains retailer to reserve/pre-order your Malcolm KSAs.

KSA-A – Malcolm Logistics livery.

These models are in development now and first samples are expected early in the New Year, with the finished models expected to ship in Q3-4 2023.

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Retail exclusive Class 128 in Express Parcels!

Since we announced the class 128 liveries there has been a glaring gap in the versions offered – that of the attractive two-tone blue Express Parcels units. We are pleased to announce that 55994 in Express Parcels livery will be available exclusively from any of our retailers.

Livery sample of 55994 in Express Parcels livery

Our retailers would appreciate early expressions/pre-orders for this version so that they can order sufficient stock – so if you are interested in one please get in contact with your preferred retailer to reserve your model as soon as possible!

You can see a list of our retailers on our website here. Please note that this version is exclusive to retailers and is not available to order from Revolution Trains.

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Yellow boxes – and a correction!

Revolution Trains has started supplying our MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons in N gauge to pre-order customers who collected at TINGS, and remaining pre-orders will begin to be sent out this week.

Visitors to this weekend’s International N Gauge Show at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre will also have seen that in addition to the previously offered versions, Revolution has limited stocks of an all-new variant in Network Rail/Wascosa yellow.

JNA in Network Rail/Wascosa livery. Photo: Tom Everett.

The first of these wagons arrived in the UK in 2020 and are now in widespread use.

66795 with a rake of JNA wagons at Shawford. Photo CA850 used under Creative Commons

Four differently numbered versions are available, including one with a flashing tail lamp, and can be ordered only direct from Revolution Trains via our shop.

Four versions of the Network Rail/Wascosa JNA are available

Pre-order customers who could not make it to TINGS will also start to receive their models from later this week, however it will probably take us a few packing and posting sessions to get through all the deliveries, so please bear with us.

IMPORTANT NOTE RE MODELS WITH FLASHING TAIL LAMPS

We have discovered an error in the instruction sheets applicable to models with the flashing tail lamps. This is applicable to all versions with the suffix L on the product code, which you will find on the label on the end and underside of the packaging.

To power the flashing tail lamp unit, 2 x CR927 3V button cells are required, and not the LR44 types specified in the instruction sheet.

You can download a corrected version of the instruction sheet here to print out if you wish:

We apologise for this mistake!

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70s boxes from Revolution

Having delivered our modern style MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ box wagons, Revolution has not forgotten those modelling the 70s to the present day, and is delighted to confirm that we will now be offering the Redpath-Dorman-Long built PTA box wagons, and some of their steel carrying derivatives, as our next bogie wagon in N.

The PTAs were first introduced in 1972 to transport imported iron ore to steel works. Several batches were built to serve Redcar – Consett, Ravenscraig and Port Talbot – Llanwern carrying both iron ore and later limestone.

The wagons were built to be unloaded by ‘tippling’; that is, rotating them fully in a secure circular drum to empty them by gravity. To avoid the need for time-consuming, and therefore costly, uncoupling and coupling, the wagons were built with rotating couplings at one end. In early liveries this was designated by panels painted orange at the rotating end. The tippling process can be observed in this video albeit not in the UK.

56040 Oystermouth and 56044 at Cardiff Central, 1982. Photo John Grey Turner used under Creative Commons.
66026 with tippler wagons at Newport in 2001. Photo Steve Jones used under Creative Commons.

Use on aggregates started in 1981 when the Consett batch were purchased by Procor and hired to ARC and Yeoman. Later in life wagon leasor VTG repainted some PTAs (now coded JUA) in light grey for a variety of aggregates which were eventually withdrawn in 2015.

59002 with Yeoman PTA wagons. Photo Richard-Szwejkowski used under Creative Commons.
59101 with ARC liveried PTA tipplers. Photo:
PTA – Foster Yeoman

In the early 1990s some redundant PTAs were converted to covered steel carriers and coded as JSAs.

Briitsh steel conversion JSA BSSP 4029. Photo Newton Abbot Railways used under Creative Commons.

When first converted the telescopic covers were made of plain sheet steel, however this was heavy and caused excessive wear on the sliding runners, giving them a tendency to jam.

Wagon lessor VTG acquired the fleet and replaced the steel covers with those made of a composite material that was lighter. This material was left unpainted, resulting in a changed appearance.

PTA converted to JSA steel carrier in VTG use at Long Marston.

Revolution is expecting to offer models in both liveries.

JSA original conversion in British Steel livery
VTG liveried JSA steel carrier.

In 2018 a number of the JSAs had their hoods removed to work as open coil carriers. Our model will cover all these variants.

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Iron ore hoppers in N

Revolution is offering the 1950s- built HJO/HJV family of iron ore hoppers as its next transition era model in N.

HJV B439716 at Temple Mills. Photo courtesy Paul James.

Between 1955 and 1959, British Railways built more than 2,000 hopper type wagons to carry iron ore between ports, quarries and steelworks across the network.

The wagons we are offering are those to diagrams 1/163, 1/165, 1/166 and 1/168 and while used primarily for iron ore they also saw service on limestone, sand and salt traffic and these variants may be offered too.

Under the TOPS system introduced in the early 1970s unfitted wagons were designated HJO and HIO while those with vacuum brakes were given codes HJV and HKV.

24054 with a short rake of HJO and HJV hoppers at Cockshute in 1975. Photo courtesy Cliff Beeton.

These wagons were particularly associated with BR standard 8F and 9F locomotives, often mixed with other hopper types, and later with BR diesel classes 24, 25, 37 and 40.

HJO in unfitted BR grey. Image for illustrative purposes, not based on CAD.

As ever, Revolution Trains is planning to offer prototypical variety and as well as variations in brake equipment we are planning versions with prototypical variations in axle box and buffer types.

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Swindon 120

Class 120 C504 at Hereford in 1975. Photo Hugh Llewellyn used under Creative Commons

Revolution Trains is offering the Swindon-built Class 120 cross-country units as its next powered model aimed at transition era enthusiasts.

This model builds on the development carried out for our Class 128 Diesel Parcels Unit, and will use the same tried and tested chassis to speed development and allow us to keep costs as low as possible while retaining the performance, specification and detailing expected of Revolution models.

Two-car Class 120 unit at Newport in 1966. Photo courtesy Hugh Llewellyn used under Creative Commons.

The units were built in 3 batches for the Western Region and Scottish Region and were introduced starting in 1958 with the final units being withdrawn in 1989. The units were in several variations of green before being repainted into BR’s new corporate colours – initially all blue followed by BR blue.

The fleet totalled 194 cars and these were built in three batches: 49 sets in 1958 for the Western Region; 7 sets in 1959 for the Scottish Region and an additional 9 sets in 1961 for the Western Region.

Three-car Class 120 in blue-grey at Birmingham New Street in 1985. Photo Steve Jones, used under Creative Commons.

The trains operated in formations comprising Driving Motor Standard Lavatory, Trailer Second Buffet Lavatory and Driving Motor Brake Composite.

The Revolution models will be offered in two-car and three-car sets in liveries reflecting the working lives of these stalwart workhorses; a selection of possible liveries is shown and they are expected to be available to pre-order from early next year. Please note these graphics are illustrative and not based on actual CAD design, which has not been completed yet.

BR green livery with whiskers. Approx 1958-64.
BR green livery with small yellow panel. Approx 1964-68.
BR early blue lviery with small yellow panel. Approx 1964-69.
BR blue. Approx 1968-1976.
BR Blue-Grey. Approx 1970-1989.

Unfortunately, no complete Class 120 units survived into preservation; the only remaining vehicle from the entire fleet is TSLRB 59276 at the Great Central railway in Leicestershire.

However, several vehicles – including a complete set – of the similar Swindon-built Class 126 units are preserved at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, and Revolution visited earlier this year as part of our preliminary research, however we are aware there are numerous differences between these and the Class 120s.

Revolution’s Mike Buick taking dimensions at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway.

The Revolution Class 120 is in CAD design and once the prices and livery selections are finalised we will open up the order book, with the models expected late next year or early in 2024.

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Electro Star Quality in N

377105 passes Battersea. Photo Michael Garnett used under Creative Commons.

Revolution is proposing the Bombardier/Alstom ‘Electrostar’ family of trains as its next modern multiple unit in N gauge. The Electrostars cover a variety of prototypes from TOPS Classes 357, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379 and 387, though it is unlikely every variation can be offered.

375707 at Wandsworth Road. Photo John Ray used under Creative Commons.

The Electrostar family was manufactured at Derby from 1999 until 2017 with over 650 sets now in service for a variety of operators including: Southern; South Eastern; c2c; London Overground; GWR; Heathrow Express; Gatwick Express; and Great Northern as well as a number of historic train operating companies.

We have not yet finalised the liveries/variations we are offering, and as ever we are wary of over-promising while at the same time wanting to provide as much variety as possible. Among the versions we are scoping are:

Class 377 in Southern livery
Class 377 in SouthEastern livery
Class 377 in First Capital Connect livery
Class 387 GWR livery
Class 387 Gatwick Express livery
Class 387 Heathrow Express livery
Class 387 Great Northern livery

Once we have finalised pricing the models will go on sale for our usual low pre-order price, and while schedules are difficult to judge at the moment we would anticipate a 2024 delivery.

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Collect your N gauge EALNOS JNAs/MMAs at TINGS

For those of you who missed our newsletter announcement – our N gauge EALNOS JNA/MMA aggregate box wagons arrived at Revolution HQ this week and have been checked over.

Pre-production samples – not the final loads!

Shipments and balance invoices will begin to be sent out early next week, but if you would like to collect your order(s) at TINGS this weekend please let us know by 9am tomorrow morning (Friday 9 September) – to let us know please complete the short form here. You will be able to pay any balance due at the show.

Apologies for the short notice!