ACCURASCALE PFA REVISITED

WHO would have guessed that this humble little wagon would prove to be so popular as a ‘OO’ gauge model? It is possibly the best selling wagon in the Accurascale range due to its use in a wide variety of traffics including containerised coal, gypsum and nuclear traffic. Empty wagons are also used as runners in nuclear material trains.

The low platform of the PFA, built by Standard Wagon between 1986 and 1988, was achieved by allowing the wheels and top of the axleguards to protrude slightly above the platform. They were bespoke-built for export coal traffic using containers which would reduce handling of the coal loads. The bottom frame of the coal containers were raised slightly to clear the top of the axleguards and wheels making them unique. Consequently, the PFA could not carry conventional

ISO containers, (including the BNFL containers, Novapaks, Nupaks and the Dragon’ flask container) unless a simple adapter frame is fitted to the platform.

The model is complex, with a great deal of detail applied to a small low deck wagon which includes brake equipment, pipework and the small wheels fitted to the axleguards. They do protrude slightly above the deck in the same manner as the full size wagons. A container frame is supplied with the models allowing the correct loading of the containers.

 Numbered CAWD 92703-874, the PFA four-wheel wagons were reassigned to other traffics when export coal traffic ceased. The models capture the low platform character of the PFA with its raised headstocks and open frame revealing finely applied brake gear.

↑ Blackened metal wheels, NEM coupling pockets and some very fine looking brake equipment completes the model, which for £25 per wagon, remains some of the best value in the hobby for ‘OO’ gauge.

↑ The wagon deck is composed of cast metal for weight and fitted out with injection moulded plastic details, including the axleguards. The models are quite free-rolling and do not need additional weight to be run empty. Note that this is how the platform appears without the container adapter frame.