The Rails of Sheffield exclusive Drax IIA-D hopper wagons being produced by Revolution Trains are nearing the completion of production and are expected to arrive at the end of February / Early March 2023
Revolution Trains have provided photos of production samples and packaging for the models, which are available to order now exclusively from Rails of Sheffield.
The models feature NEM couplers, highly detailed bodies with a host of separately fitted details including hopper roof door opening rams, control gear and brake equipment, and will be available in a range of numbers and liveries.
Eight twin packs are available to order, all with unique running numbers.
N-IIAD-201A
DRAX POWER IIA-D BIOMASS HOPPER TWIN PACK
ORIGINAL DRAX POWER LIVERY - PACK A
N-IIAD-201B
DRAX POWER IIA-D BIOMASS HOPPER TWIN PACK
ORIGINAL DRAX POWER LIVERY - PACK B
N-IIAD-211A
DRAX POWER IIA-D BIOMASS HOPPER TWIN PACK
NORTHERN POWERHOUSE DRAX LIVERY - PACK A
N-IIAD-211B
DRAX POWER IIA-D BIOMASS HOPPER TWIN PACK
NORTHERN POWERHOUSE DRAX LIVERY - PACK B
N-IIAD-221A
DRAX POWER IIA-D BIOMASS HOPPER TWIN PACK
RENEWABLE PIONEERS DRAX LIVERY - PACK A
N-IIAD-221B
DRAX POWER IIA-D BIOMASS HOPPER TWIN PACK
RENEWABLE PIONEERS DRAX LIVERY - PACK B
N-IIAD-231A
DRAX POWER IIA-D BIOMASS HOPPER TWIN PACK
RENEWABLE PIONEERS DRAX LIVERY - PACK A
N-IIAD-231B
DRAX POWER IIA-D BIOMASS HOPPER TWIN PACK
RENEWABLE PIONEERS DRAX LIVERY - PACK B
These giant wagons, volumetrically the largest on the network until recently, were introduced in 2013 and a fleet of 225 are now in service ferrying imported biomass to the UK’s largest power station, Drax in North Yorkshire.
Using biomass has allowed Drax, which generates 6% of the UK’s electricity, to reduce emissions by more than 80%. Unlike coal, biomass has to be kept dry. It’s also much lighter, so far more can be carried per wagon. To maximise efficiency and reduce the risk of wastage Drax ordered specially designed wagons from builders WH Davis of Nottinghamshire.
The revolutionary design has four hoppers, two in the centre and two outside each bogie, and a body profile designed to make maximum use of the British loading gauge. The wagons were originally outshopped with eye-catching Drax power vinyls in two versions (‘A’ and ‘B’) and some have since received ‘Northern Powerhouse’ versions of the scheme.
In use they operate between bulk terminals at the ports of Liverpool, Immingham, Tyne, Redcar and Hull with Class 60 and 66 locomotives in EWS/DB, GBRf and Colas liveries.
They are being sold in twin packs exclusively by Rails of Sheffield priced at £79.95 per pair.
This production run is limited, reserve yours today with a £10 deposit.