Revolution Trains is offering the giant Ministry of Defence owned 150t KUA nuclear flask wagons as its next N gauge models.
Two of these behemoths are in service and they are used primarily to ferry spent nuclear fuel from submarines at Devonport and Rosyth to Sellafield for reprocessing or disposal. Revolution is proposing to offer both wagons so modellers can own “the complete fleet.”
Numbered MODA 95770 and 95771, they carry the UIC code Uaafis. They are among the heaviest wagons to operate on British mainlines.
Work on this model has been underway for some time, with CAD fully complete and the model now in tooling. First samples are expected in the next six weeks. This model is funded and we anticipate that production numbers will be limited.
Revolution was granted permission to produce the model – and given full access to drawings and other materials – following extensive negotiations with the MoD and we would like to thank them and DRS for their cooperation in producing the model.
The two wagons in service are often used together, and when loaded are operated with two locomotives (in case of failure) and accompanied by support coaches carrying security personnel, often from the SBS, SAS or Royal Marines.
These coaches are available in N, as are many of the locomotives used, meaning that with our KUA models these fascinating and mysterious trains can be accurately depicted.
The wagons were built in the late 1990s by Bombardier, and originally operated by EWS for the Royal Navy. DRS took over operations in 2006.
They’re used primarily to carry submarine fuel from HMNB Devonport, in Plymouth, and HMNB Rosyth, in Fife, to Sellafield. They are also sent on occasion to Georgemas Junction on the far north line to collect radioactive material from the nuclear research station at Dounreay. As well as this, they can be seen on maintenance trips to and from Wabtec in Kilmarnock and Arlington at Eastleigh. They are also sent to the MoD depot at Bicester for training.
Although operations using these wagons are often clouded in secrecy, especially when they are loaded, sample consists can be observed in photographs.
The Revolution Trains model will feature highly detailed injection moulded body and covers, numerous separately fitted detail parts including ferry loops, wire handles, photo-etched and moulded brake parts and NEM coupler sockets.
The order book is open and we are offering both wagons as a twin pack with accurate differences in labelling.