Revolution announces 21st century tankers as second model
Revolution Trains – the new company that uses crowd-funding principles to produce niche train models – is to produce an all-new model of the latest generation of petroleum tankers in N gauge.
The model to be produced by Revolution represents the TOPS-coded TEA wagons introduced from 2006, of which there are now several hundred running across the network.
The model will be produced by Rapido Trains of Canada, who are currently working on Revolution’s N-gauge Class 390 Pendolino model.
Ben Ando, of Revolution Trains, said: “These wagons have been in service for nearly a decade, are in a variety of attractive liveries and operate over large parts of the network. They’re an obvious choice.”
Mike Hale, of Revolution Trains, said: “We are hoping to appeal not just to those customers who ordered a Pendolino, but also modern image N Gauge enthusiasts who model other parts of the country. A high-quality model of such an important type of wagon is long overdue.”
The model will feature an injection moulded body with photo-etched catwalks and separately fitted brake gear and discharge chutes, allowing small but significant prototypical differences between wagons to be depicted.
The largest single operator of these wagons is the well-known leasing firm VTG, and the model is being produced with their full assistance and co-operation.
Paul Lugg, VTG’s Fleet Sales Manager, said: “We operate these wagons for several customers on the real railway, and they offer significant operational and environmental benefits over older designs. We are delighted that a high quality model of these important vehicles is going to be available.”
The models can be ordered via Revolution’s website singly or in packs of three, with different running numbers on each wagon. They will be available in three VTG liveries – red, blue and grey – along with EWS grey and Freightliner green, subject to company approval.
A triple pack will also be available in the stylish green-and-white and blue-and-white colours of Greenergy, the UK’s newest bulk fuel rail operator. The operating efficiencies of rail travel were a significant factor in Greenergy’s decision to operate its own fleet of wagons. We will be working with Greenergy’s designers to make sure the livery is as accurate as possible.
Andrew Owens, Greenergy Chief Executive, said: “We’ve recently regenerated rail infrastructure allowing us to transport over two million litres of fuel (the equivalent to over 50 road tankers) with each train load. Our branded wagons have really caught people’s attention, and I am looking forward to seeing them in miniature!”
In use, the wagons operate from Grangemouth refinery to destinations in Scotland and Northern England, from refineries or storage terminals on Teeside and Humberside to the Midlands and the South West, and from South Wales to central England. Furthermore, new flows are expected in the next 12 months.
Revolution Trains aims to produce models that are considered too niche – or risky – for the mainstream manufacturers. Revolution Trains offers an alternative – a crowd-funding community where members can support proposals, nominate new ones and watch as these pet projects reach the point of being funded and produced.
You can see further details of the proposed models on the project page and you can register your interest in models/liveries here.