‘N' gauge ZUV ‘Shark'
The new EFE Rail ‘N’ gauge ZUV, a model with a lot of potential for modifications and repainting, is given a thorough look-over.
WHILE the popularity of ‘N' gauge is not as great as ‘OO' gauge, new models continue to arrive, filling significant gaps in the available range of BR-built wagons, particularly departmental wagons.
At the end of January, the former DJM ‘N' gauge ZJV ‘Mermaid' side tipping ballast wagon was reissued under the EFE Rail label, alongside the release of a completely new model of the ZUV ‘Shark' ballast plough brake van.
The shark is an excellent addition to the EFE Rail range of ‘N' gauge models and was released in four different liveries bridging its history from introduction to the BR Sectorisation era, in pristine condition, making them perfect for weathering and customisation. The type represented by the model is Diagram 1/592 with oil axle boxes and self-contained buffers. The body is modelled in as-built condition with planking and stove pipe.
Body
A single-piece tooling for the outer body structure includes some fine planking and ironwork detail, capturing the shape of the Shark well, including the curvature of the roof. It is fitted with separately moulded lookout duckets, which represent the steel plated type applied to them. Doors are modelled in the closed position and the edge of the verandah sides, together with the framing, is not too thick.
The floor of the body is composed of diecast metal, incorporating the verandah lockers. It clips into the plastic body shell using four simple clips at each end of the casting, which can be easily released to take the model apart for detailing and weathering. Small details, such as the ballast plough operating wheels and levers, are fitted to the floor along with the end bulkheads of the cabin. One small omission is the lack of handles on the ballast plough wheels.
When the model was first removed form its box, it was noted that the stove pipe was located on the same side as the single vee-hanger on the underframe. The full-size brake vans are ‘handed' with the stove located on the opposite side to the vee-hanger.
This was found to be a mixed situation when various images of the model were examined, with some being correct and others not. The solution is simple: remove the body from the underframe and turn it around.
Underframe
Key features of the Shark underframe include the ballast ploughs, which have a slot to allow the couplings to operate in the close coupling cams. A second pair without a coupling slot is supplied for a more scale appearance and are easy to fit, being neatly clipped into slots in the underframe. The brakes are also nicely modelled, with separate brake shoes in line with the wheels and brake yokes linking the shoes together.
Detailing includes the vacuum cylinder, linkages and vee-hangers – all squeezed into the short 9ft wheelbase underframe, which has sharply modelled axleguards, axle box covers and spring detail.
The headstocks are fitted with tall vacuum brake pipes and hoses, modelled in original condition. This detail varied as it was modified or removed when airbrakes were fitted or repairs undertaken. Neatly moulded plastic self-contained buffers finish the detailing of the underframe, although they have a tendency to come adrift if the model is not handled carefully.
Wheels and couplings
Metal three-hole disc wheels are fitted with reasonably fine flanges. One was found to be slightly eccentric, causing a slight roll in the motion of the model. They did not turn particularly freely in the axleguards either, requiring a little remedial work to ease things along. The brake shoes did not interfere with the wheels, even though they are aligned with the wheel treads.
Standard ‘N' gauge couplings are applied to NEM coupling pockets, which are fitted to lightly sprung close coupling cams. While close coupling cams have much value in coaching stock and long bogie wagons, they are rarely needed in short wheelbase four-wheel wagons and rarely do any work in a train. Some cost in assembly and tooling could be saved by using NEM coupling pockets fixed to the underframe.
Assembly quality and finish
The shade of engineers olive is as though the wagon is ex-works: a deep shade with clearly printed data panels and lettering. Olive green is applied to the interior surfaces of the verandah too, whereas this would usually be white or a light shade of grey.
Overall, the paint finish is lightly applied, not concealing any of the fine moulded detail, and a matt coating has eliminated any unrealistic sheen.
The models are simple enough to dismantle, fortunate because the body of the review model did not sit properly on the underframe – too much of the upper edge of the solebar was visible where it would be covered by the lower body planking. There was also a gap between headstocks and the body that was very apparent in photographs.
The cause was that the diecast floor did not sit tightly enough in the body, which, in turn, prevented the underframe from being seated correctly. When dismantled, it was found that the end bulkheads of the cabin were not correctly fitted into their slots in the floor. Once removed, cleaned of glue and reapplied, the bulkheads, floor and body went back together as neatly as the designer probably intended!
Overall impressions
Without doubt, the model captures the character and dimensions of the Shark well.
Despite a couple of assembly issues, running boards with a tendency to warp, and the eccentric wheel set, the model itself is a fine piece of work with potential for weathering and customisation.
A welcome addition to the range of BR engineering wagons in ‘N' gauge, its popularity was confirmed by the speed at which it shot out of the door of most retailers in the first couple of weeks following its release, with the yellow and grey version particularly in demand. A prompt rerun with different running numbers is certainly called for.