RMweb Gold Popular Post Accurascale Fran Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Gold Popular Post Share Posted June 10, 2021 (edited) Hi everyone, It's time to reveal our worst kept secret and formally announce a wagon project we alluded to last October; the MGR coal hopper wagon family of HAA, HBA, HCA, HDA, HFA, HMA and HNA, as well as the CDA China clay hoppers and MHA spoil wagons in OO/4mm. A total of 10,961 of these iconic wagons were built between 1964 and 1982, with all but 162 constructed at Shildon (the other 160 were built at Ashford). The standard MGR coal hoppers were initially coded 'HOP AB' complete with B-prefixed numbers from new. They then became HAA under TOPS and the B prefix was dropped in the mid-1970s. Canopy-fitted wagons from that time were classified as 'HOP 32 AB', later being recoded as HCA. The Last 460 wagons, built at Shildon in 1982 were given uprated suspension and braking to allow them to run at 60 mph loaded and unloaded. These uprated wagons gained the TOPS code HDA and were used on long-haul services and in shorter formations in Speedlink services. HAAs were usually permitted to run at 55 mph empty and 45 mph loaded, although some were uprated for 60mph empty. Initially built with four internal strengthening bars spanning the two bodysides, these were quickly damaged resulting in the body losing structural integrity. Around 1977, Doncaster Works began rebodying vehicles with a new style body with a horizontal strengthening beam along the top edge of the inside of the wagon. This can be easily observed by the tell tale line of rivets along the upper half of the body. Wagons built after 1977, including the HDAs, featured this from new. As collieries closed in the years following the miners' strike, MGR coal flows started to get longer and Railfreight began a programme of refitting canopies to a wider number of wagons. Initially all HAAs were to be equipped with the canopy from new but many collieries were unable to accept the taller design, leaving a rump of around 150 dedicated to Scottish flows. The new “aerodynamic” canopy design introduced in the early 1990s was slightly modified from the original to cut down on coal dust being blown from the top of the wagons. The first to be modified was the entire fleet of HDAs between 1991-2, these being recoded HBA, and they were followed by a large number of HAAs that became HFA. Two other TOPS codes were introduced in the mid-1990s, both highlighting vehicles with uprated brake distributors. Mainline Freight began modifying HAAs from around 1995, these being recoded HMA, a scheme that was continued by EWS. Meanwhile canopy-fitted HFAs with similar mods became HNA. Around the same time Mainline and Transrail began removing the canopies from HBA and HFA wagons, the vehicles being recoded back to HDA and HAA respectively. Under EWS, mixed rakes of all types became common with HAA, HDA and HMA being seen in the same trains with HBA, HCA, HFA and HNA also being regularly marshalled together. The MGR hopper design was considered a huge success and it was developed for into wagons for three other commodities. The most famous is the china clay version (TOPS code CDA), which was introduced in 1987-8, 124 wagons being built at Doncaster Works and delivered wearing ECC English China Clay branding with blue frames. A further 15 were rebuilt from HAA hoppers in 1989. CDAs are currently still in use on these trains in EWS and DB liveries, some still sporting original evidence of their original blue cradles and hoods. The other two HAA derivatives carried lime (TOPS code CBA) and gypsum (TOPS code PFA). By the late 1990s between 5,000-6,000 MGR wagons still existed although around 10% of these were stored for repairs or conversion. One such conversion included the MHA ballast/spoil box using redundant HAA underframes. These were built by RFS(E) Doncaster in 1997. An initial order for 250 extended several times until eventually over 1,150 wagons were converted using two distinct body styles. Early examples wore the fish-kind name "Coalfish". The introduction of the first Thrall-built bogie HTA hoppers in December 2000 was the beginning of the end for the MGR coal wagons, and the final services ran to Longannet power station in Scotland in 2008. The MHA and CDAs are still in service today, albeit in depleted numbers. With such a vast array of detail variation to incorporate into the tooling suite, our research team undertook extensive surveying of a number of variants when embarking on this complex project. Since we debuted in the market in 2018, the HAA and its constituents have been the most requested wagon through customer surveys, emails and forum/social media posts. An essential component for our “Powering Britain” range of coal wagons, work began on the project in early 2019. It soon became clear that this family of wagons would be a colossal undertaking with various detail differences to be catered for and presented a fantastic opportunity to do these wagons justice for modellers demanding a fresh approach to these icons. As can be seen in the images above, the project has been progressing in the background over the past 18 months, with tooling commencing last summer. The project has now arrived at the decorated sample stage which is being assessed ahead of production. Our approach to the MGR range is no different to any of our previous models, with a large tooling suite to account for the diverse range of detail differences across the MGR family. The full breakdown of the tooling suite is as follows: • CDA china clay covered hopper • HAA/HOP AB as built body • HBA 'rebodied' style body with uprated brakes/suspension and 'aerodynamic' canopy (ex-HDA) • HCA/HOP 32 AB with 'as built' style body and canopy • HDA 'rebodied' style body with uprated brakes/suspension • HMA 'rebodied' with modified brake distributor (ex-HAA) • MHA with later-style body • HAA rebodied • HFA rebodied with 'aerodynamic' canopy • HNA 'rebodied' with modified brake distributor and 'aerodynamic' canopy (ex-HFA) • MHA early style body • CBA lime hopper • MAA/MAB box open (ex-HAA) Like all of our projects, each model will consist of a wealth of separately applied detail and quality materials, such as a fully diecast chassis to provide ample weight for excellent running capabilities, much use of lost wax casting and etched components and high quality injection-moulded plastic to capture these stylish wagons in model form. A grand total of 23 different three-packs will form the first production run, split into two batches. Batch one will consist of the HAA, HCA and CDA which are due in Q4 2021, and batch two will be formed with the MHA, HDA, HMA and HBA which will follow in Q2 2022. Liveries are a smorgasbord across the life of these wagons, with original BR freight brown on HOP ABs all the way to DB livery on the CDAs and MHAs across 23 different packs. Careful consideration has been given to respect another project commissioned by two retail partners unbeknownst to us in order to avoid duplication of liveries on particular variants where possible. However, these liveries will follow quite quickly in a future production run from us. Prices will be £74.95 per three-wagon pack, with bundle discounts of 10% applying when two or more packs are ordered together. The range will also be available from Accurascale’s growing number of over 100 local stockists across the UK and beyond. For more information on all the liveries and packs available on the MGR packs, click here, for the CDAs click here and the MHAs click here! Cheers! Fran (PS - Usual sample caveats of sloppy assembly, rivet addition and seam removal apply. Oh, and correct buffer types per wagon too. All will be sorted for production models!) Edited June 10, 2021 by Accurascale Fran 30 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium James Makin Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 10, 2021 Incredible stuff, and personally amazing to see the revised MHA too, a very underappreciated wagon! 4 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodenhead Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 But is it better than the Hornby Railroad version 1 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 55020 Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 "Careful consideration has been given to respect another project commissioned by two retail partners unbeknownst to us in order to avoid duplication of liveries on particular variants where possible. However, these liveries will follow quite quickly in a future production run from us. " My respect for the Accurascale team just continues to grow and grow. Steve 5 9 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porcy Mane Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 From little Red HAA hood. Oh, what slender brake levers you have. Oh, what thin W irons you have. 1 1 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSpencer Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 6 minutes ago, woodenhead said: But is it better than the Hornby Railroad version It's cheaper than the Hornby Version. And what a choice. 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodenhead Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I think I am in the wrong scale... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold JohnR Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 3 minutes ago, 55020 said: "Careful consideration has been given to respect another project commissioned by two retail partners unbeknownst to us in order to avoid duplication of liveries on particular variants where possible. However, these liveries will follow quite quickly in a future production run from us. " My respect for the Accurascale team just continues to grow and grow. Steve Which retailers is that? Have I missed an announcement? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodenhead Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Just now, JohnR said: Which retailers is that? Have I missed an announcement? The CavAlex models which KMSRailtech and Trains4u are retailing, it's unfortunate, but here we are in 2021 with people competing for our £. 1 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 55020 Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 1 minute ago, JohnR said: Which retailers is that? Have I missed an announcement? Copied form the KMS Railtech website : "KMS Railtech are excited to be launch partners of Cavalex Models’ All New HAA (including variants) along with Trains4U. These wagons will be at home on so many layouts and we’re delighted that we can be involved in the launch of a brand new tooling up to today’s standards. Cavalex Models’ BBA has been received to much praise and we’re now more excited than ever to see the release of these Coal Hoppers! We are also very pleased that, along with Trains4U, we are able to offer a full rake of Hoppers with different running numbers!" Announced Sept 2020 Steve 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 So now we have the Calvelex model (available in late 80s to about 1992 ECC branding) or in DB or Accurascale (Post 2000 EWS or DB) but still nothing covering the 1991 - early 2000s blue with no ECC branding from either of them, which is a little disappointing. That said I am still tempted to get the paint out. @Accurascale Fran how difficult would it be to dismantle one to separate the cradle from the body? Going to need to paint a lot of blue frames..... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 15 minutes ago, woodenhead said: I think I am in the wrong scale... And I'm in the wrong era. But having said that these look like a really impressive job so well done Accurascale. And there must be a numerous 16 tonners coming sometime if they're covering all the eras of the coal wagon scene (I hope) . 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Accurascale Fran Posted June 10, 2021 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 18 minutes ago, The Fatadder said: So now we have the Calvelex model (available in late 80s to about 1992 ECC branding) or in DB or Accurascale (Post 2000 EWS or DB) but still nothing covering the 1991 - early 2000s blue with no ECC branding from either of them, which is a little disappointing. That said I am still tempted to get the paint out. @Accurascale Fran how difficult would it be to dismantle one to separate the cradle from the body? Going to need to paint a lot of blue frames..... These will very likely be featured in run 2 next year... 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted June 10, 2021 Moderators Share Posted June 10, 2021 13 minutes ago, The Stationmaster said: there must be a numerous 16 tonners coming sometime if they're covering all the eras of the coal wagon scene (I hope) . Fran thinks I'm a broken record on this. 4 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Accurascale Fran Posted June 10, 2021 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 Thanks everyone for your kind feedback. I tried my best to not stumble through the myriad of TOPS variants on these in the video but I reckon I tripped up a couple of times! Gareth kindly came to the rescue with the prototype info in the OP above, he's been living an breathing them the last 18 months or so, so they're bound to be pretty special! Cheers! Fran 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Downendian Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 Terrific - I've just been looking at my woeful MGR fleet, needing significant detailing. They now won't be, and fortunately I'm just about to sign a new consultancy contract so some cash will be set aside for a HOP AB fleet (after the missus gets her extension ) Standard trains from South Wales in mid 1970s Bristol, plus the M5 fly ash trains to Highbridge. Looking forward to my coil As and MDOs already on pre-order so a few dedicated accurascale rakes coming up. Delighted that a relatively new manufacturer has spent a lot of time developing freight rolling stock, which has had a lean patch from the big boys. Neil 2 1 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RozM Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Fantastic stuff Fran! My fave wagons now being produced to the highest standard. Now it just needs an Accurascale Class 56 to haul them! 3 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mozzer models Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 52 minutes ago, Accurascale Fran said: Thanks everyone for your kind feedback. I tried my best to not stumble through the myriad of TOPS variants on these in the video but I reckon I tripped up a couple of times! Gareth kindly came to the rescue with the prototype info in the OP above, he's been living an breathing them the last 18 months or so, so they're bound to be pretty special! Cheers! Fran will there be any coal loads ready for when there released ?? 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mozzer models Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 more coal wagons for Blaendulais 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Accurascale Fran Posted June 10, 2021 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 1 minute ago, mozzer models said: will there be any coal loads ready for when there released ?? Hi @mozzer models, We're certainly working on them for the release date! Cheers! Fran 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomScrut Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 1 hour ago, James Makin said: Incredible stuff, and personally amazing to see the revised MHA too, a very underappreciated wagon! Yes, and from what I understand from above they are a different body to the Hornby one so would still work in a train together without them being different mattering. I have 7 Hornby ones, might order some of the DB ones of these nearer release. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold jonnyuk Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 10, 2021 38 minutes ago, RozM said: Fantastic stuff Fran! My fave wagons now being produced to the highest standard. Now it just needs an Accurascale Class 56 to haul them! I've always thought the Hornby 56 is very good, i have a colas and its superb, other loco's surely need a retool before the 56. anyways....back to these lovely wagons, just my era (DB anyway) and right location (china clay)....oh so tempting, detail on them looks immense, better than what we have seen before from AS i'd say 2 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RozM Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 3 minutes ago, jonnyuk said: I've always thought the Hornby 56 is very good, i have a colas and its superb, other loco's surely need a retool before the 56. anyways....back to these lovely wagons, just my era (DB anyway) and right location (china clay)....oh so tempting, detail on them looks immense, better than what we have seen before from AS i'd say Well... I've always had problems with my Hornby Class 56 so imo it deserves to be brought up to AS standards. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium James Makin Posted June 10, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted June 10, 2021 6 minutes ago, TomScrut said: Yes, and from what I understand from above they are a different body to the Hornby one so would still work in a train together without them being different mattering. I have 7 Hornby ones, might order some of the DB ones of these nearer release. They are indeed, the revised version has less ribs and different profile top capping, and minus steps plus reduced underframe side piping, so noticeably different from the Hornby version. The previous route to a revised MHA was using the S-Kits resin body on Hornby chassis with replacement buffers & Colin Craig brake discs so it looks like the Accurascale one saves a job and gives even more time back to weathering & personalising these fascinating wagons! Cheers, James 5 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDG Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 OMG, this lot will keep you in Guinness for years! We are lucky. Great News. 1 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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