C‑rail Intermodal ‘Bulktainers’
◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL C-rail Intermodal ISO 30ft ‘Bulktainers’ ◆ PRICE £8.50 each ◆ AVAILABILITY C-rail Intermodal Web www.c-rail-intermodal.co.uk
C-Rail Intermodal has released a bunch of attractive 30ft ISO bulk containers, of the type used to carry powdered or loose commodities such as chemicals, foodstuffs and plastic pellets. Previously offered in kit form, C-rail’s ready-to-load versions provide some welcome extra variety for intermodal trains, terminals and HGV trailers. Commonly known as ‘bulktainers’, the containers are equipped with top-filling hatches and are fitted out internally with a plastic lining to protect the cargo. Unloading is achieved via the end doors, usually as the container is tipped.
C-rail has produced tooling to allow both the single and twin-end door versions to be represented and four liveries are on offer to begin with: IFF/ Initial blue, UBC Bulk red, Den Hartogh Logistics red and the stylish blue/purple of Bell Bulk. All are common sights on the UK network, whereas the Bell Bulk ‘boxes’ are also ideal for modellers of the modern Irish scene.
The moulded bodies feature crisp detail, while the end locking doors (of the twin-door variants) are separate components, which adds an extra layer of finesse. They’re all finished to a very high standard, in terms of authenticity and application, and the the printed logos and data panels are superb. The rubber seals have even been picked out in black paint and the roof hatches have also been touched in expertly with silver paint on the two red versions.
A quick test showed that the containers fit perfectly onto a Hattons FEA, as well as Bachmann’s twin intermodal flats, slotting into the locating pins as well as other off-the-shelf container products. The containers are also available in unpainted form (£5.00 each), allowing modellers to recreate a wider variety of liveries, thanks to C-rail’s own range of waterslide decals. Check out C-rail Intermodal’s website for more details of what’s available – and look out for a demo of how to tackle the tricky process of adding waterslide transfers to ribbed containers in Model Rail soon. (GD)