Revolution Trains/KMRC IZA
Two livery versions of the IZA twin van wagons have been released in ‘OO’ gauge as a joint venture between Revolution Trains and Kernow Model Rail Centre.
A JOINT venture between Kernow Model Rail Centre and Revolution Trains has resulted in a high fidelity model of the Cargowaggon IZA twin-vans introduced in 1986 when 100 were built using an unusual permanently coupled design which proved to be very successful. Coded IPA and numbered 23 80 2794 000-099 they were originally cleared for the Dover train ferry and subsequently, the Channel Tunnel. The first batch represented by the model features ribs on the angled section of the doors which also forms part of the roof.
Two more batches were constructed to a revised design intended to increase the payload and consequently of a slightly different appearance. Introduced in 1989 and 1990, the wagons were renumbered, along with the original batch, in the 23 80 2929 000-199 number series around 2000.
IZA wagons are ideal for modellers, suiting most layout sizes having been run in long rakes for bulk commodities including mineral water and news print; in shorter cuts as part of mixed trains and single wagons too. As a general goods wagon, IZAs can turn up in almost any traffic and parking one or two in a siding or transit shed for unloading would be quite authentic.
Kernow Model Rail Centre offers two versions of the model for a penny shy of £100: in original condition with 23 80 2974-xxx numbers and revised livery with differing safety markings in the new number sequence of 23 80 2929-xxx. Packs of four twin-vans are offered at a discount to the single models and flashing tail-light versions are also offered.
Doors, roof and ends
The sliding doors, which are angled to form part of the roof line are very nicely tooled with a crisp, sharp finish and a good angle between the top of the vertical part of the door and the top panel. The top panels are moulded with ribs in the same manner as the first batch of the full-size wagons. Crisp tooling is apparent in the door side ribs and the central roof section too, which is of the correct profile.
Wagon ends are well detailed including the V-shaped reinforcing ribs which have the correct tapered shape and the slots for the door operation equipment. Assembly of the bodies is neatly done, resulting in a tidy-looking model. Much of the end panel detail is fitted as separate pieces including the door equipment. Headstocks at the outer ends of the model are incorporated in the ends, fitted with correctly shaped buffers and good moulded detail around the coupling hook mounting holes.
Underframe
Circular weight-saving holes are a distinctive feature of the IPA/IZA which has been replicated on the model alongside very nicely moulded axleguards which include correctly separated parabolic spring detail and accurate axle boxes. The axleguards are fixed resulting in a rigid underframe. It runs well without the use of those awkward rotating axleguards fitted to other models of long wheel base wagons which cause more problems than they solve. Testing showed that the models
could comfortably negotiate curves of 30-inch radius (both shunted and hauled) and probably less than that thanks to the accurately manufactured RP25 wheel sets. Conversion to ‘EM' and ‘P4' should not present any difficulty. A little more ballast weight would be beneficial – there being plenty of room to add an extra 20g or so in the bodies.
Whilst concealed from sight, the underframe does have nicely moulded brake detail including brake actuation cylinder, part of the rodding and clasp brake shoes aligned with the wheels. They are separated by moulded brake yokes which are visible from low viewing angles. The rodding between the brake cylinder and brake yokes is not modelled.
Some moulding of underframe detail is heavy in places such as the single links connecting the suspension springs to the hangers and the thickness of the underframe fish belly framing which shows through the weight-saving holes. The result is a durable construction which did not lose any parts in transit to the office. Fine detailing is present where it counts, including the brake wheels, brake shoes and yokes.
Flashing tail-light versions are fitted with an on-off switch which is concealed deep in the chassis frame at one end of the wagon, behind the outer brake yokes.
Couplings
Both ends of the individual wagons are fitted with close coupling cams. IZAs are not separated in service allowing a good representation of the middle coupling to be supplied in the box which clips into the NEM coupling pockets. On straight track, the wagons are close coupled but may negotiate typical model railway curves without difficulty as the cams open the gap between the wagons when a curve is entered.
Assembly quality and finish
Care in assembly and sharp crisp tooling combined with some excellent printing of the livery features has resulted in a very tidy model and this was the impression upon removal from the boxes. The silver finish applied to the doors to represent unpainted metal is convincing whilst the shade of blue on the ends is excellent.
Printing of data panels and logos is level, opaque and accurate, having been well-researched, including the door operation instructions on the wagon ends.
Overall impressions
There are several very pleasing features of the IZA wagons including the use of fixed axleguards and the quality finish which is presented in pristine ex-works condition, leaving it to the modellers to add the usual patina of brake dust and track grime which accumulates on the doors.
Revolution Trains has captured the angled character of these Europeandesign vans well, further helping modellers of the BR Railfreight and Speedlink era alongside those perusing post-Privatisation authenticity.