Cool For Cats - A Graffitied HYA Wagon Pack is the next Accurascale Exclusive

Graffiti is seen by many railway enthusiasts as a scourge on the modern scene and in wider society in general. It is certainly a polarising topic for many, but it can also be argued that the current scene cannot be modelled accurately without including it in some form. Of course, a lot of graffiti is little more than tagging vandalism, but sometimes a work with artistic skill can capture the eye to the point where it brings colour and vibrancy to the railway. This can certainly be said for one particular cutdown HYA wagon, which has become rather infamous across the network among spotters and indeed modellers alike; No. 371020. It features full wagon-height artwork which includes an animated cat.

History

Among the first batch of Romanian-built coal wagons delivered in March 2007 for First GB Railfreight, No. 371020 lasted just over ten years in this configuration before emerging from WH Davis at Langwith Junction in late 2017 with one fewer hopper bays and now dedicated to aggregates traffic.

This was part of the third group of 36 HYA/IIA vehicles to be converted following batches for VTG/GBRf and Touax Rail, and like the latter retained their unpainted finish above the bodyside angle, with ‘ghosted’ former branding and the vestiges of graffiti from their previous life. The only addition was a large NACCO logo.

These went into service for GBRf on Cemex services from Peak Forest to a range of locations, including Bletchley, Ely, Hope St (Salford), Selby, Washwood Heath and Wellingborough, and have also been used occasionally on the dredged sand flow from Pengam to a similar range of destinations.

As other HYAs were converted with Cemex branding, the majority of the NACCO wagons were redeployed, although a few have remained, including No. 371020. This wagon is notable for gaining full length/height graffiti in either late 2019 or early 2020 on both sides that makes it stand out immediately in any formation. This and its partner – pristine No. 371048 – are the perfect complement to Accurascale’s first run HYAs or the Touax and GBRf-branded blue hoppers in their second run.

The Model

Expertly drawn in graphic form by Accurascale’s Graphic Design guru Tim Elcock using a wealth of real photographs to ensure the artwork is faithfully replicated on the model, Accurascale’s graffiti HYA is an accurate rendition of this colourful wagon. Tim's expert graphic art was then finished off by Project Manager Gareth Bayer, who mounted the artwork to the wagon and included all the warning symbols and labelling on the real wagon.

Two wagons will feature in the pack, with a second wagon in plain cut-down condition with NACCO markings, it will come with the usual "Accurascale Exclusives" trimmings with special presentation packaging and certificate.

Your weekly World of Railways newsletter

Are you subscribed to our weekly email newsletter? Don't miss the latest news, reviews, modelling advice and competitions.