TransPennine Express Mk.5a prototypes

THE first pictures of the eagerly awaited ‘OO’ gauge CAF Mk.5 coach models were released by Accurascale in January, showing the first samples of the TransPennine Express (TPE) and Caledonian Sleeper stock.

The most distinctive of the TPE coaches is the driving trailer, with its aerodynamic cab and plethora of detail applied to the headstocks and bogies.

Each TPE push-pull Mk.5a coach set consists of four different coach types, tooled by Accurascale, and will include a close to prototype magnetic coupling system linked to kinematic close coupling cams and a lighting system operational on DC and DCC control.

The driving trailer will feature a DCC socket for control of the running lights.

A five-car set is priced at

£225 including lighting.

A selection of different coupling options make the models very good value for money at £45 per coach, which may come as a surprise to other manufacturers which price less well-appointed coaching stock models for only slightly less.

Two packs of five uniquely numbered models are available for pre-order, allowing two complete trains to be modelled.

Inside frame bogies as fitted to all of the Mk.5a stock and those built for Caledonian Sleepers.

The first samples of the new TPE

Mk.5a stock shows considerable attention to detail around the bogies and underframe. The driving trailer will be fitted with a DCC interface socket to control the running lights.

Inner-most coach which is coupled to the locomotive.