13 NEW MODELS REVEALED

Revolution Trains has unveiled plans for FOUR new ‘N’ gauge models: one new railcar and three new wagons. Leading the line-up is the Gloucester Class 128 diesel parcels unit. It is anticipated that Revolution’s proposed model will cover key nose variations between London Midland and Western Region ‘128s’ but it will feature directional lighting and a new low-profile chassis. Revolution is to explore the possibilities of adding sound. Liveries and guises have yet to be confirmed but should feature all key colour schemes that M55987-990 and W55991-996 carried between 1959 and 1991. Guide price for this model is around £125. The IPA-A car carrier ‘twins’ are some of the oldest wagons still in frontline use on Britain’s railways. They were built in 1952 for use in France but were modified by automotive distribution specialist STVA for Anglo-european traffic through the Channel Tunnel. Classified IPA-A on TOPS, modifications included reducing the width and permanently coupling two wagons together. They are still used, either in open form (for use with commercial vehicles), with side protection staves and screens or as fully covered, the latter a common feature on Jaguar/ Land Rover export traffic. The models will be designed to be used with 1:148 scale road vehicles from the likes of Oxford Diecast. Guide price is around £40 for a pair and £120 for a triple pack (three pairs). Design work has started. Revolution has joined forces with Accurascale to offer its forthcoming ‘Cemflo’ PCV cement wagon in 1:148 scale. These wagons were built for Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers’ Anglo-scottish traffic and lasted in service from 1961 until 1988. Guide price is £25. Design work is due to start soon. All three models are to be crowd-funded and will only appear if sufficient subscribers sign up. The order book for all three will open soon – see www.revolutiontrains.com The fourth model is not crowd-funded. The ‘Vanwide’ VEA van is being produced by new Chinese manufacturer Sonic Models, with Revolution effectively acting as UK agents, as well as assisting with research. Over 500 12t vent vans were rebuilt with air brakes and improved suspension in the 1970s for use on military traffic. They lasted into the 1990s. The Revolution Trains/sonic Models VEA will feature high levels of detailing, including a chassis with the correct air brake equipment, NEM couplers and fine metal door handles. Three liveries are planned – BR maroon, Railfreight red/grey and RFD yellow/grey. Weathered models are also proposed. RRP is £19.50.