Revolution receives IPA samples for 'OO' and IWAs for 'N'

Revolution Trains has received first samples of its upcoming 00 gauge / 4mm scale IPA car carriers. The models have now been tested, checked and approved and the manufacturer is awaiting decorated samples.

Originally built in the 1950s for the SNCF in France as double-deck wagons, they were rebuilt as single-decked twin sets in the 1990s for anticipated use on Channel Tunnel traffic by automotive logistics specialists STVA. At present, they are used to transport cars and light commercial vehicles for both export and import between manufacturing plants, ports and terminals across Britain. Some were fitted with side stakes, allowing protective canvas to be stretched along the sides to protect against stones, and later some were given full-height sides and roofs to offer additional protection. Many of these were reconfigured into quad sets.

Samples of the vehicles are en-route to N gauge customers and will be reviewed on WoR and in BRM magazine soon.

Originally painted pale grey, since the mid-2000s the fleet has progressively been re-liveried into STVA red. Following the acquisition of STVA by Groupe CAT, the first quad set was repainted into its dark blue livery in March, 2020.

Revolution is offering flat twin sets and flat twin sets with stakes in STVA grey or red, covered twin sets in STVA red and covered quad sets in STVA grey, STVA red or Groupe CAT blue. Most versions are available with at least two running numbers.

The flat variants of the wagon for OO gauge.

The Revolution model features NEM couplers in kinematic sockets, underframe detailing including brake equipment and air tanks and detailed moulded bodies with numerous separate parts.

A sample of one of the sets fitted with side stakes, allowing protective canvas to be attached to protect vehicles from stones.

In other news, Revolution Trains has received samples of its upcoming N gauge IWA van and timber carrying wagons.

Revolution Trains' IWA Rfnoos in N gauge.

The models have now been approved, barring a couple of minor amendments, and the manufacturer is awaiting decorated samples. Samples of the same wagons in 00 gauge were received a short time ago. The models are all being sold in twin packs of differently numbered models and for most liveries at least two different twin packs are available.

The Revolution model features NEM couplers in kinematic sockets, underframe detailing including brake equipment and air tanks and detailed moulded bodies with numerous separate parts. The timber carriers are being marketed with the eight large side stakes fitted, as delivered, but all models will be supplied with additional smaller stakes for customers to fit if desired.

200 of the vehicles were built in the 1980s by Waggon Union of Germany for cross channel ferry traffic, and internal Anglo-Scottish fertilisers. They carried Norsk Hydro or Cargowaggon liveries, or were left in unbranded silver.

Revolution Trains' IWA Sfins2 van for N gauge.

Over the years they were used for steel, bagged clay, mineral water and newsprint and they are channel tunnel certified. Around two dozen remain in active service on aluminium traffic between northwest England and Germany. In 2006, around 40 were converted to timber carriers. Their roofs and sliding equipment was removed and side stakes were fitted. Delivered with eight large twin side stakes, subsequently, additional narrow stakes have been fitted to many.

For more details, including current pricing and availability, visit the Revolution Trains website.

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