ALUMINA PCAs REVEALED BY REVOLUTION TRAINS

The small fleet of 43 PCA fourwheel alumina powder tank wagons constructed for British Alcan in 1987 and 1988 have been attracting ever more attention in recent times.

They are operated between Blyth in Northumberland to the Lochaber smelter near Fort William on a usually twice-weekly basis as a block train, hauled by GB Railfreight Class

66s. They are notable Railfreightera survivors and consequently, the announcement by Revolution Trains for a ‘OO’ gauge model will undoubtedly attract much attention in the modelling world.

The wagons not only traversed the scenic West Highland line, both in block trains and mixed trains with other wagons. They worked the short flow between the Blyth alumina terminal and the Lynemouth Aluminium Smelter in Northumberland. Furthermore, traction and their past inclusion in Speedlink trains adds to their appeal.

Tooling of the brand-new model has started and a prototype model is expected in the coming months. There are several versions available for preorder including those with ladders and other features together with the various operator logos.

The models are offered in packs of four individually numbered models for a preorder price of £149.95. The 14 separate packs include all five liveries covering the original Alcan scheme, RioTintoAlcan, Lochaber Liberty and Alvance.

Alcan PCA No. BAHS 55535 with faded Alcan logos was photographed in the small Mallaig Junction yard near Fort William on June 10, 2005. The access ladders had been removed by the time this wagon was recorded.

CAD render of the new ‘OO’ gauge alumina PCA model currently in the tooling room. A pre-production model is due in the coming months.