Cavalex HAA/HDA MGR Hoppers

◆ GAUGE ‘OO’ ◆ MODEL Cavalex Models/locomotion Models ‘First & Last’ HAA/HDA MGR hopper set ◆ PRICE £65.00 (twin-pack) ◆ AVAILABILITY Locomotion Models Web: www.locomotionmodels.com

The Merry-go-round (MGR) principle transformed the economy of British Rail’s bulk freight operation, allowing trains of coal to move seamlessly from colliery to power station. Mechanised loading and unloading facilities meant that trains could keep moving and staffing costs were kept to a minimum.

The HAA family of 32T coal hoppers was developed expressly for MGR traffic, with well over 10,000 examples being built, and examples lasting in use into the late 2000s. Such is the importance of the prototype that several examples have been preserved, including the first and last-built hoppers which are now part of the National Collection.

Another sign of the HAA’S iconic status is that ‘OO’ modellers can now choose between three different sources for miniature replicas. Hornby has had the HAA in its range for as long as I can remember and the post-2004 version (still in production today) is still a decent model, although it’s not perfect. Accurascale recently released a full suite of MGR hoppers, to great acclaim, catering for all the various sub-types that appeared over the years.

Meanwhile, Cavalex Models – in partnership with Trains4u and KMS Railtech – announced its own HAA model in 2020 and the first examples have begun to appear. For my own collection, I’d ordered a special twin-pack, produced exclusively for Locomotion Models and featuring the NRM’S two preserved hoppers, HAA 350000 and HDA 368459.

The pioneer HAA was built at Darlington Works in 1964 and has been preserved since 1995, while HDA 368459 – the final MGR hopper to be constructed – was purchased by the Friends of the National Railway Museum in 2010. Presented in Cavalex’s usual orange boxes, wrapped in a stylish Locomotion Models sleeve, the two hoppers display key differences between the early and later designs, revealing an impressive attention to detail.

HAA 350000 sports the lateral strengthening ribs within the hopper, while the later HDA carries the longitudinal reinforcements on the inside of the upper. Hopper discharge operating levers also differ and the HDA has air brake gear mounted atop the running plate.

The chassis frame is a metal casting, adding some welcome ballast, while the red hopper cradles also appear to be metal,

offering an extremely fine appearance, with rivet head detail included too. Talking of rivets, both the exterior and interior of the plastic hopper are blessed with a fine array of fastener detail, creating an extremely impressive overall effect.

Below the frames, the brake gear and suspension are accurately rendered, with lots of individual plastic and metal parts installed. The brake callipers are a highlight, surrounding the wheels at opposite corners. For added authenticity, etched brake discs are added to both faces of the wheels.

Alas, a handful of detail parts were loose on each wagon, but they were quickly identified and remedied before falling off and getting lost. On the rails, both wagons ran well. A bit of resistance was felt in the axles to begin with, but they soon freed themselves up and ran sweetly from thereon in. The tension lock couplers sit within pivoting NEM pockets and function reliably.

The paint job is impressive, especially the metallic finish on the hoppers. Indeed, the interiors feature a darker shade than the exterior, which looks superb. Small details, such as the door gear, axleboxes and even the polished sections of the bufferheads, are all neatly picked out. Printed legends and logos are excellent throughout, with the characteristic ‘stencilled’ look of the lettering captured faithfully.

Completing the package is a small detail bag, supplied with each model, containing air brake hoses and Instanter couplings.

Although Accurascale’s HAAS are highly impressive, the Cavalex version does offer a few areas of extra refinement. For example, the internal hopper strengthening ribs are much neater and the metal hopper cradle looks terrific.

In addition to this Locomotion Models twin-pack, plenty of other packs are available from Trains4u and KMS Railtech (in triple packs), including different livery options for later BR and post-privatisation eras.

Providing the perfect accompaniment for a pair of Class 20s, a Class 56 or a Class 58, these are excellent wagons that capture the look and character of the MGR hoppers perfectly. (GD)

Both the exterior and interior of the plastic hopper are blessed with a fine array of fastener detail, creating an extremely impressive overall effect