More Accurascale HYAs

News from Dublin on various ‘OO’ gauge projects includes a brand-new model of the shortened HYA bogie hopper wagon alongside livery samples of the forthcoming Class 55, full length HYA/IIA wagons and the humble MCO and MCV wagons.

RARELY out of the headlines, Accurascale pushed on with development of its catalogue alongside another new model announcement in February. Deltics, mineral wagons and a new hopper wagon all make it into this month's news round-up.

Cut-and-shut HYA

Shortened HYA wagons for aggregate traffic are added to Accurascale's range of modern hopper wagon models and is a logical development of the modern HYA/IIA coal and biomass hopper wagon models, for which livery samples arrived at Accurascale for assessment. Growth in aggregate traffic coupled to the sudden decline in coal burning at power stations saw redundant HYA/IIA coal wagons transferred to aggregate traffic. The three-bay coal hopper wagons are too long, with too high a volume for aggregate which is more dense than coal making a reduction in length desirable.

The first conversions were carried out in 2016 by cutting out the middle hopper bay. The new model depicts this shortened design which has carried various labels on a light grey base livery for GBRf, Tarmac and VTG. Labelling has varied and fresh paint was not always applied to the hoppers with each successive batch of conversions making it a varied and interesting fleet of wagons.

Three liveries will be offered in the first run of the wagon which is at the livery sample stage including NACCO, Cemex and Tarmac which will be sold in twin packs of individually numbered wagons for £74.95. A tail-light option is also available with the wagon packs at no extra cost which can be pre-ordered at www.accurascale.co.uk.

Class 55 livery samples

The Class 55 locomotive project has reached the livery sample stage marked by Accurascale releasing pictures of hand assembled models including the controversial Porterbrook No. 9016 Gordon Highlander. First impressions from the released photographs are hugely favourable, with the models appearing to grab the true character of these iconic locomotives well.

Locomotion Models also received a livery sample of its limited edition, heritage two-tone green No. D9002 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry modelled in preserved condition as currently operated on the main line.

It is fitted with square headlights and correctly decorated with modern livery markings and notices including an orange safety stripe.

When viewing the photographs, readers should be aware that they are prototype samples. Accurascale has identified some areas for improvement to be incorporated in the design including adjustments to seam lines and livery details before production of the 17 different models starts. Priced at £160, delivery of the models is expected in the late summer, although the challenges of the current times might see a slip in delivery timing based on the experience of the JSA wagons which suffered a further couple of weeks' delay in customs during February.

21t mineral wagons

At the opposite end of the scale comes livery samples of the humble 21t mineral wagon dressed both as Diagram 1/107 unfitted wagons (MDO) and Diagram 1/120 vacuumed braked (MDV) wagons. Accurascale reports that some improvements need to be made to the models including the fit of the brake gear and brake shoes together with some of printed details.

The models are offered in packs of three models for £74.95, each model being individually labelled and numbered. With the final checks being undertaken and feedback being relayed to the manufacturing plant, production is expected to start soon for a late summer or early autumn delivery slot.

HYA/IIA livery samples

Both coal and biomass version of the HYA/IIA arrived for assessment with livery colours being identified for tweaking prior to production starting in March for an anticipated summer delivery.

Both models are available for preorder and are sold in packs of two for £74.95 with several packs of individually numbered wagons being produced in each livery.

Modellers found their pulses racing at the first sight of a fully decorated Accurascale ‘OO' gauge Class 55, of which 17 different models are being produced in addition to limited editions.

Already at the livery stage: ‘OO' gauge models of former HYA coal wagons shortened for aggregate traffic and finished in Touax/Cemex livery.

Locomotion Models' limited edition model of No. D9002 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in two-tone green as preserved and as cleared to operate on the National Network.

The new models of the shortened HYAs are expected to arrive in the summer with three versions being produced including VTG/Tarmac livery and unpainted finish with NACCO labels.

At the other end of the scale are the MDO and MDV 21t mineral wagons which have reached the livery sample stage.

GBRf IIA covered biomass wagon with tail-light, an option which is offered at no extra cost.

Decorated IIA bogie coal hopper wagon sample with Fastline legends. Delivery is due in the summer, all being well with shipping and customs.