We are pleased to announce a new project – the Sturgeon engineers wagon – our second model for transition era N gauge modellers. Over 900 Sturgeons were built from 1952 to 1960 by Head Wrightson and BR.
Sturgeons were based on an earlier LNER design adapted for BR’s engineering department as bogie rail, sleeper and ballast carriers. Most had 7 dropside doors but these and the ends were removable and many wagons had them taken off to carry 60′ track panels. In later years some were fitted with airbrakes and recoded “Tench”. These versatile and rugged wagons lasted in mainline service until 2003, with some in use within depots beyond 2010.
Revolution Trains is keen to support the transition era modeller following the success of our Class B tankers which are due in the UK shortly, and the Sturgeon is an attractive and distinctive wagon which ran across the UK for over 50 years.
In service Sturgeons would be seen in all manner of departmental trains alongside Salmon track carriers and Dogfish, Sealion, Seacow or Grampus ballast wagons. Some were even fitted with cranes.
Our model of the Sturgeon will be from the Sturgeon A batch which made up the most common variants of Sturgeon, many of which were later converted into air-braked “Tench” wagons. We are delighted to be able to offer versions with and without the side doors.
The models will feature NEM couplers, a diecast chassis unit to add weight and our usual high levels of detail and finish. Our model will be available in a variety of liveries: black, Indian red, olive green, departmental yellow and “Dutch” grey/yellow. Variants with and without side doors will be available along with a variety of single and triple packs.
As ever our models will only go into production if we receive sufficient orders and the models will be produced to pre-orders with our early backers receiving the lowest price. We are finalising the model research and expect the model to cost in the region of £28-£30 per model.