Ecofret intermodal in ‘N'
Revolution Trains continues to develop models of unusual prototypes in ‘N' gauge, the minimalist FWA Ecofret intermodal spine wagons being the latest to be released.
ECOFRET wagons eliminate unused space on intermodal trains caused by the lack of 20ft containers to balance the loading of 40ft containers on standard length wagons. It has a 40ft loading deck to optimise the loading of intermodal trains where the deep sea container market is dominated by 40ft containers. Ecofret wagons also optimise the number of containers that may be carried for a given train length. Hi-cube 9ft 6in tall containers can also be carried on Ecofret wagons over lines cleared for W10 loading gauge.
The FWA Ecofret was revealed by VTG at the Multimodal exhibition in May 2012, with Freightliner placing orders for twin-unit ‘Shortliner' sets which see regular use on Freightliner flows originating from Southampton. GB Railfreight ordered three-unit sets which appear regularly on its services radiating from Felixstowe. DB Cargo also utilises three-unit sets on various of its intermodal workings.
The design is quite minimalist, with just the essentials of brake equipment and container securing points on a short wagon spine where the containers are loaded almost flush with the inner ends of the wagons which have no headstocks or buffers. The Freightliner twin-unit 'Shortliner' sets are dedicated only to 40ft boxes.
The Freightliner wagons are worked in pairs with headstocks and conventional draw gear located at one end of the wagon whilst the DB Cargo and GB Railfreight wagons are fitted with bolsters and locking points for
20ft containers. The review model is of a 'Shortliner' twin set as operated by Freightliner, which has been designed to accept 40ft container models produced by C-Rail Intermodal. It is supplied with the required container lock fittings which plug neatly in to the deck.
Wagon spine
Cast metal spines are the norm for intermodal wagon models in both ‘OO' and ‘N' gauge to provide weight (for when they are run empty) and rigidity over a long but spindly structure. The Ecofret wagon has a centre spine composed of two sections: the top deck which is composed of plastic, applied to the lower section of the spine which is of cast metal. The decks of both wagons making up the twin set were reasonably flat, with just a slight upward bend being detected at the inner end of one wagon. A slight gap between the two spine parts was also visible in places.
The use of two parts for the wagon's central spine allows the deep section to be modelled with nice thin sections in the plating. Small details are composed of plastic and neatly applied to the central spine including the brake equipment and side panels. Headstocks are moulded as part of the upper deck section and are fitted out with buffers of the correct pattern together with lamp irons.
Wheels, bogies and couplings
Bogies are simple H-frame mouldings with detail on the external sides of the sideframes which is well defined and crisp. No brake equipment has been fitted to the bogies which are fitted to the spine using tiny crosshead screws. The obligatory tapering of the spine has been incorporated adjacent to the bogies to provide additional clearance for the wheels allowing the models to be run through sharp layout curves.
Outer end couplings are standard ‘N' gauge type fitted to NEM coupling
pockets. The wagons can be close coupled due to nicely concealed and softly sprung close coupling cams. At the inner end is a simple bar coupling which clips in place and is easier to engage before placing the wagons on the layout. When assembled on the track, the twin set ran smoothly and rolled freely through Peco track work and 10-inch radius curves.
Assembly quality and finish
Given the tiny size of the detailing components, the models are wellassembled and with no sign of glue marks or details being incorrectly seated in the spine. Assembly is also durable with no detailing parts being found detached in the box. Colour application over both plastic and metal components is consistently applied and there was no sign of paint being rubbed away on the thin sections of the metal spine casting.
Some of the printed details are not exactly level in places, even though it is legible and accurate. A little more care is needed in this area to eliminate any gaps between the spine casting and the plastic top deck of the wagon, given its £95 price tag.
Overall impressions
It was quite courageous to produce a model of such a minimalist and modern wagon which only has a short operating history. Furthermore, when loaded with containers, a lot of the detail is hidden from view.
However, an intermodal train dominated by short 40ft deck wagons will suit smaller layouts in making a train appear longer than it really is.
The three different liveries and wide range of operation adds to the Ecofret's appeal and offers more variety for modelling intermodal trains. A ‘OO' gauge model is also in development by Revolution Trains.
❒ Produced by Revolution Trains www.revolutiontrains.com
£ RRP £95.00