Revolution Trains have received EP samples for their new N Gauge Arbel WIA car carrier wagons.
60 five-piece sets were ordered by Railfreight Distribution from Arbel-Fauvet of France ahead of the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994. The full covering not only offered protection from stones and theft, but also saved time and money because new vehicles did not require wax protection.
Although impossible to see from the outside, the units are double-decked and the pale blue covers are raised in unison on self-contained jacks to allow easy loading and unloading. The characteristic angled roof profile is designed to maximise use of the British loading gauge.
The WIAs were initially under-utilised, however they operated on various flows to Belgium, Italy and France, and also on domestic traffic between manufacturing plants and domestic terminals or docks for export.
Current flows include Minis from Cowley and Jaguars from Castle Bromwich to Southampton Docks.
The Revolution model features articulation units designed to enable the wagons to negotiate Radius 2 curves and the customer-fit detailing pack includes a representation of the outer control box if the tension-lock coupler is removed.
The models will feature:
NEM coupling pockets
RP25 wheel sets
optional cosmetic air pipes and optional control box (clips into NEM pocket)
high levels of detailing with numerous separately fitted plastic and photo-etched parts
Revolution are offering the following branding variations of WIA car carrier:
Railfreight Distribution (RfD) – as delivered in 1994.
Railfreight Distribution with Auto Care Europe (ACE) branding – ACE was a partnership comprising RfD, SNCB and Cobelfret
Plain blue – on privatisation ownership passed to EWS
DB Schenker branding – from around 2007 the DB Schenker was added to some intermediate cars
DB branding (with Schenker painted over) – current
All versions of the model are currently available to pre-order at the early bird price of £124.95 per five car unit. Once the early bird period ends, the price will rise to £149.95.
Delivery is expected in Q3 2025.