IWA AND PFA SAMPLES ARRIVE

Not content with bringing us just one piece of news, Revolution Trains has also revealed it has received decorated samples of its ‘OO’ gauge IWA wagons in both van and timber flat format and engineering samples of its

‘N’ gauge PFA 4-wheel container flat wagons.

The IWA wagons were built in the 1980s by Waggon Union of Germany and ran in Norsk Hydro and Cargowaggon liveries, as well as unbranded. In 2006 the roofs and sliding equipment were removed from around 40 of these wagons and side stakes were installed, making them suitable for carrying timber. The model will feature the original eight large side stakes, but the smaller stakes subsequently fitted are included for the modeller to fit if desired. There’s no need for ‘N’ gauge modellers to despair though, as samples of the ‘N’ gauge version are expected shortly, and the models in both gauges are available to order now.

Also built in the 1980s, the PFA wagons transported coal from across Britain to ports in the northwest for shipment to the Irish Republic. The bright yellow containers of Cawoods and red of British Fuels Ltd made them easy to spot on the network, and they’d be easy to spot on your layout too. Revolution Models are offering both of these variants as well as the 21st Century Direct Rail Services options, after the company purchased some PFAS to use for low-level nuclear waste

and as barrier wagons, a use for which they are still in service today. Due to wheel clearance, the DRS wagons are fitted with Iso-compatible diamond-shaped frames to lift the containers clear of the wheel flanges, and Revolution has replicated this with a removable photo-etch so that it can be altered to the modeller’s preference.

The models will be offered in triple packs with different numbers. Four are available with Cawoods yellow containers, two with DRS half-height, low-level waste containers, one with British Fuels red and one unloaded. Triple packs can be pre-ordered for £69.95 and the order book is expected to close early in the new year.

Finally, Revolution Trains is to offer British Gypsum containers in ‘N’ gauge to give modellers another load for their KFA or PFA container flats. Two triple packs will be offered, either in British Gypsum white or blue and two versions are being offered, either with full height vertical ribs or a horizontal top bar. The models are being produced by Accurascale and are based on the successful ‘OO’ models it produces, with delivery expected in the first half of 2021. Each triple pack will be priced at £17.95.