Revolution IZA Cargowaggon ‘twins’

SCALE ‘N’ gauge MODEL Revolution Trains 2101 IZA ‘twins’, Cargowaggon livery original; 2102 IZA ‘twins’, Cargowaggon livery, revised PRICE £49.50 (£55.00 for flashing light pack) AVAILABILITY Revolution Trains stockists

You know, there are times when the model manufacturer’s technical ingenuity leaves you lost for words. The Bachmann Mk 2f, with its plug-in tail lamps, is one such example. But weeks after the Mk 2f arrived, along comes Revolution Trains’ new IZA ferry van ‘twins’ and they also have a flashing tail lamp. The lack of space within the IZA means that Revolution’s electronics are much simpler. But simpler doesn’t mean worse, and the flashing red light is very effective when running round a layout. If you’ve ordered the version with working lights you get two button batteries which need to be installed. International restrictions mean that the batteries can’t be factory-fitted, but it’s not a problem – the body just pulls off. Slot the batteries into place and there’s a small switch underneath to activate the flash. You might think that you have to pay through the nose for such technology, but a pair of ‘twins’ with the flashing light feature is just over a fiver more. You really can’t argue with that. Cargowaggon of Frankfurt ordered 100 four-wheel ferry vans from Duewag for traffic between Britain and Europe in 1986. They were permanently coupled into pairs to maximise capacity. Revolution has modelled the batch with slightly overhanging roofs and lightening holes in the end stanchions. The shape looks pretty much spot-on when compared with prototype photographs. Overall, the model creates a favourable impression, although the roof ribs could, arguably, be a little more pronounced. The good looks are complemented by some very fine details – the end handrails are fine wire and the end steps are very delicate etched parts.

CHOICE OF THREE

Revolution offers its IZA in three liveries: original Cargowaggon, revised Cargowaggon and one with Perrier branding. Received for review were twins in original and revised Cargowaggon liveries. The differences are subtle – revised livery includes yellow axleboxes, yellow ferry lashing hooks and white end handrails. Paint application is good and the printing is excellent, with all but the very smallest lettering legible under a magnifier. NEM pockets are held in sprung cams. Both vehicles come with a Rapido knuckle coupler at one end and a moulded representation of a screw coupler at the other. You’ll need to remove one coupling (it acts as a spare) and then flip the wagons over to gently couple them together. Despite their long wheelbase, the IZAS performed well on our test track’s R2 curves and Setrack points, even at speed. The bodies are designed to just lift off, so if you plan to run a lengthy train you can easily remove the internal weights to reduce the strain. As Revolution only produces models to order you can’t buy them direct from its website any more. However, a small quantity was – at the time of writing – still available from Revolution stockists. If you want a pair, you’ll need to act fast as they’re unlikely to hang around for long.