Rail freight in ‘N’
IN ADDITION to multiple units, Revolution Trains is forging ahead with freight train modelling, announcing wagons that will suit both the traditional BR wagon enthusiast and the BR Railfreight era in ‘N’ gauge, at a time when there is little other development in this area of the hobby.
At the same time, its latest ‘N’ gauge rolling stock arrived in the shape of the now numerous ‘Ealnos’ bogie box wagons which has been released in eight different liveries.
NEW BOGIE BOX WAGONS ARRIVE
Among the newest wagons on the rail network are the MMA/JNA ‘Ealnos’ bogie box wagons which have been introduced in number for various materials including ballast, aggregates, spoil and sand. Offered for hire by wagon lessors such as Touax and VTG, they are operated by DB Cargo, GB Railfreight and Cappagh to mention a few, resulting in widespread sightings throughout the rail network.
Such a large fleet of wagons invariably shows some different features between builds including the number of ribs, the presence or otherwise of side doors for cleaning and brake equipment arrangements.
All of the variations are included in the new ‘N’ gauge model range, matched to the appropriate operator livery. Each standard model is priced at £44.95 regardless of livery. A flashing tail-lamp version is also available for £47.95. Details of the new models can be found at
www.revolutiontrains.com BSC IRON ORE TIPPLERS
Another family of open bogie box wagons is at the early stages of development with Revolution Trains. The PTA iron ore tippler and associated JUA and JTA aggregate wagons, including both inner and outer wagons, follows the recently released
‘Ealnos’ bogie box wagons.
Constructed by Redpath DormanLong in the 1970s for modern iron ore circuits in South Wales, Scotland and Tees-side, they introduced efficiencies through the use of rotary tippers for unloading, aided by special rotary couplings which saved considerable time in not having to uncouple and shunt wagons at the discharge point.
The fleet from the former Teesside-Consett ore circuit entered aggregate service with ARC and Foster Yeoman following their purchase and refurbishment by Procor after Consett closed in 1981, broadening their appeal.
The wagons are associated with some of the heaviest trains to be operated in the UK, including triple headed Class 37 workings in South
Wales which were replaced with pairs of Class 56s until the arrival of the Class
60. The wagons built for the Ravenscraig – Hunterston workings were equally as heavy resulting in some of most dramatic freight trains in Scotland.
The JNA ‘Ealnos’ bogie box wagon in ‘N’ gauge is the latest release from Revolution Trains which will suit up-todate freight traffic modellers well.
Their use on aggregate traffic from the Mendip quarries is well documented with traction as varied as Class 56s, Class 59s and Class 66s, making them equally attractive flows to model. Their use in aggregate trains also resulted in some heavy trains being operated on a routine basis in the late 1980s after Class 59s were introduced.
The model is at the CAD design stage, with no price indication being made available. Advanced orders will be invited on the Revolution Trains website in early 2023.
JSA STEEL CARRIER
A welcome spin-off from the PTA iron ore tippler model is the distinctive
JSA covered steel carrier, constructed in 1996 for British Steel. Redundant iron ore tippers were used for the conversion and were fitted with coil wells and sliding covers to protect sensitive steel loads. They were rebuilt with new, lightweight covers providing a second version of the wagon in around 2003 which was coloured silver and blue. The wagons retained their Axle Motion bogies. A third version has appeared with the covers removed and revised cradles fitted to the underframe which will also be included in the JSA range.
Underframes are fully modelled with brake equipment and the frame members, to which close coupling cams have been fitted and well-concealed too.
Network Rail yellow JNA with Wascosa leasing markings, another 11rib ‘Ealnos’ type bogie box wagon being introduced as part of a rolling stock modernisation programme for Network Rail.
In common with the iron tippler wagons, this exciting development is at the early stages and pricing remains to be decided upon. It is anticipated that the JSA order book will open in early 2023.
Livery diagrams for the forthcoming iron ore tipplers, aggregate wagons and covered steel wagon conversions. Detailed CAD renders are being prepared at the time of writing.