VIDEO: Ellis Clark Trains 'Shark' and 'Sealion' preview

Following on from its 'Presflo' bulk powder hoppers released earlier this year and highly-rated by reviewers, Ellis Clark Trains has revealed two new RTR releases for 'O' – the 'Sealion' / 'Seacow' bogie ballast hoppers, and 'Shark' ballast brake plough.

CAD render of a variant of the forthcoming Ellis Clark Trains 'Seacow'/'Sealion' bogie ballast hopper for O gauge.

The new models were unveiled to the public on Saturday August 20 during the retailer/manufacturer's summer event, which saw a gathering of layouts and trade stands offered to the public outside its Skipton store, entry for which was free of charge. Visitors on the day also benefitted from a 'goody bag', a hog roast and refreshments.

Watch Howard Smith and Ellis Clark discuss the new models in the video, below:

Codenamed 'Shark' under TOPS and possibly the best known and most iconic ballast brake van on the UK network, more than 200 of the two-axle vehicles were built to diagram 1/597, and 48 still survive in preservation. Vehicles were constructed with wooden bodies, vacuum brakes and a cabin interior containing a stove, seating and a small desk, features which are to be portrayed in the Ellis Clark Trains model. The last vehicle was used on the main line until around 2016.

The RTR models are expected to carry an RRP of £120, and are being designed in the UK. The 'sharks' are expected to have a die-cast metal chassis, sprung metal buffers, working screw-link couplings, sprung axleboxes, metal handrails and a detailed underframe. Models will also benefit from detailed veranda ends and a detailed injection-moulded body, and detailed cabin interior. 

The height of ploughs is expected to be adjustable too, via hidden sprung screws to the underside of the chassis. Vacuum pipes are to be optional.

Models proposed are as follows:

'Sealion' and 'Seacow' for 'O'
Announced at the same time, Ellis Clark Trains is to release models of the once-common 'Sealion' and 'Seacow' bogie ballast hoppers which were once a common sight on the main line, seen as single vehicles, in small groups, or even block trains. With an ancestry stretching back to an LSWR design first introduced in 1903, the design stood the test of time.

Like the manufacturer's previous 'Presflo' wagons, its 'Shark', 'Seacow' and 'Sealions' boast fine detail and high-quality design. 'Seacows' were air-braked only, while 'Sealions' were air- and vacuum-fitted, as can be seen with the CAD images.

The ballast wagons are to carry an RRP of £150 each, or £140 when buying three or more. The manufacturer is also to offer a bundle of any five 'Seacow' or 'Sealions' with a 'Shark' for £800.

Models are to carry the specification, as follows:

• Die-cast frame
• Sprung axle boxes
• Full brake detailing
• Full complement of finely-detailed piping
• Metal handrails
• Fully detailed hopper body
• Sprung metal buffers
• Sprung Instanter couplings
• Brass etch walkway covers covering two styles

Bogies are expected to be offered as separate items too, allowing modellers to upgrade existing rolling stock, or be used as an aide to scratch-building.

For further imagery of these new models, visit the Ellis Clark Trains website.