Tag: intermodal

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Revolution has it large with Ecofrets

Revolution Trains is upscaling its proposed Ecofret intermodal wagon to 00 gauge, 1:76 scale.

Revolution 3-car Ecofret

These wagons are in service with GBRf, DB and Freightliner and can be seen in blue, red and green. There are also sets running around in VTGs own, darker blue livery.

3-unit Ecofret in service with GBRf at Huntingdon on the ECML

The vehicles are widely seen in intermodal trains across the network. In a break from tradition, each deck is only 40′ long. In a market dominated by 40′ sea containers, this maximises the load that any given train can carry as there is not the wasted 20′ that can be found on trains comprising older 60′ wagons.

Route map showing use of Ecofret intermodal wagons

For flexibility in use, the centre vehicle has rotating spigots in the centre allowing the wagons to carry 20′ containers if needed. The Revolution model will replicate this.

Rotating centre spigots on centre car

Revolution would like to thank VTG, GBRf, Freightliner and DB for their assistance in producing this model.

We expect the order book to open in late 2019 or early 2020.

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KFA samples received for testing

Revolution have received the first samples of the upcoming KFA flat from Rapido who are designing and manufacturing the model for us.

The models look as impressive to hand as they did in the photos we were sent previously.

The first question – would the upcoming 40’hi-cube containers we are producing with C-Rail, and those made by other manufacturers, fit?  Theoretically they should, but…

As can be seen, the (unpainted) sample of our 40′ hi-cube on the rear wagon fits well and gives the characteristic “stepping” effect between with hi-cube and standard height containers.

The other containers shown are standard 20′ containers produced by Graham Farish and these have small corner pegs that fit perfectly too.

As well as completed wagons we were sent components, and these were sprayed grey to make them easier to examine.

The central spine is metal to add much needed weight.

The bogies are a little indistinct in the images above, so here are some cruel close-ups.  The model is being offered in versions with two bogies – the Gloucester GPS type as fitted to the very first batch of 20 wagons:

…and the VNH-1 type fitted to the remaining 200.  Apologies for the slightly blurred image.

These samples are the first to be produced from the tooling and there are some issues to be corrected.  There are sink holes on the buffer heads and one of the decks is slightly bowed, but these will all be corrected for production.

We have also started test running them.

IMG_5148

Once they have passed further running tests we will approve them for production.

Please also note that the Revolution/Rapido Trains TEA tanker wagons have been nominated for N Gauge model of the year, as per the news item below.   If you have not voted, and want to support us, please take the opportunity to vote.

 

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KFAs coming together…

Assembled samples of the forthcoming PFA/KFA container flats in N have been received by Rapido in Canada and are being tested.

These models were put together using some of the very first sprues out of the mould.

The high levels of detail we were expecting from Rapido are evident with lots of separate parts and even an etched brass cover over the cosmetic coupler fixing at the end to give an authentic “see through” appearance.

The pipework and cross bracing also looks commendably fine, though of course this can be better judged when we see the models for ourselves.  The longitudinal members below the deck are cast in metal to maximise weight, though the spindly nature of these wagons means, inevitably, they will be a little light.

Both types of bogie (top VNH-1, bottom Gloucester GPS) can be seen here:

According to Rapido there are some issues around the moulding of some of the parts – one of the decks is a tiny bit bowed and the buffer heads have small sinkholes – but these will be ironed out as they were with the TEA tankers when the tools are prepped for production moulding.

The wagons are being delivered to us next week when we meet with Rapido’s MD Jason Shron and the designer working on these models; this will give us the chance to examine and test run them for ourselves.

Assuming this goes according to plan we will be in a position to check liveries and begin production fairly soon.

If you are intersted in acquiring some of these models but have not yet ordered then please do so soon, or at least register for our email updates so you don’t miss out.

Remember – we only produce models to order, which may explain why a triple pack of our highly regarded TEA tankers recently sold on Ebay for £190 – a profit of £100 on the original £90 price or a cool 111% yield!