HELJAN CARGOWAGGONS
The next new locomotives and rolling stock to arrive in your local model shop...
Heljan’s stable of 7mm:1ft scale freight wagons continues to grow, with the popular European Cargowaggon family of bogie vans and flats forming the latest subject. Encompassing the late BR and privatisation periods, and appearing across most parts of the UK network, they’re definitely a welcome release. Sharing a similar chassis arrangement, the vans and flats (coded IWB and IGA under TOPS) were designed in the late 1970s for pan-european freight traffic. Designed to fit within the UK’S restricted loading gauge, the German-built vehicles were initially carried across the English Channel via train ferry services. Accordingly, they were equipped with an array of distinctive shackle points on the chassis to allow for lashing to the ship’s deck. Eventually, the Cargowaggon vehicles would be hauled through the Channel Tunnel, and could be seen in block or mixed trains. The vans were the first to enter sevice. Used for palletised merchandise on import and export flows, they could be employed to carry anything from chipboard, wine, mineral water or bagged cement. The body featured two sliding half-length doors per side, allowing easy access for forklift trucks.
FLAT MATE
The IGA flat wagon featured a set of 16 wwwadjustable stanchions and a generous 49.5sq m loading area. Introduced from 1979, they have been employed on a wide range of commodities, including plywood, sawn timber and various steel products, including pipes and sections. Examples of both vehicle types have remained in use well into the 21st century, primarily being hauled by EWS/DB Schenker traction during the post-privatisation era. Indeed, a number of the IGA flats were latterly converted to carry long lengths of continuous welded rail. And so, what of Heljan’s new ‘O’ gauge re-creations? Having added both the IWB and IGA to its ‘OO’ range in the past decade - with great aplomb - have the Danes pulled off another major coup in this larger scale? In a word, yes! The real things boasting an overall length of 21.7m, so these models were always going to be big. At around half a metre, they’re a similar length to a Mk 3 coach, so they’re not exactly suited to a minimum-space 7mm layout. Capturing the bulk and stylish lines of the real things perfectly, Heljan has done a great job of re-creating the attractive livery elements and there’s
MUCKY TRUCKS
Graham Farish’s Mk 1 Covered Carriage Truck
returns in maroon and blue but with a weathered finished. Stock code: 374-640 (maroon); 374-641 (blue) Price: £24.95 Availability: Bachmann stockists.
SHUNT STAR
The first of Graham Farish’s 2016 Network Southeast range is now available: celebrity ‘08’ 08600 Ivor. Stock code: 371-023 Price: £94.95 Availability: Bachmann stockists.
COAL CCOMFORT RT
Classic Train & Motor Bus of Leamington Spa has commissioned a limited edition run of Bachmann’s five-plank open wagon in the maroon livery of local coal merchant J.H. Rainbow. Stock code: 37-050R Price: £19.00
READYR FOR INSPECTION
The LMS Inspection Saloon originally produced for the N Gauge Society is now part of the main Graham Farish range. Stock code: 374-877 Price: £39.95 Availability: Bachmann stockists.
SOUTHERNSO TRIO
Graham Farish’s Bulleid coaches are now available in a triple pack, which comprises two Brake Second Corridors and a Composite in Southern Region green. Stock code: 374-991 Price: £89.95 Availability: Bachmann stockists.
DUFF’SD LOOKING BUFF
Bachmann extensive range of Class 47s has been bolstered by ‘47/4’ 47436 in ‘Large Logo’ blue with wraparound yellow panels. Stock code: 31-660 Price: £134.95 Availability: Bachmann stockists.