Maltazer

The trouble with these Interfrigo vans from Acme / Marklin / Rivarossi etc is that they just don't look like the vans that visited the UK. Electrotren used to make a model of the ferry van version . I found a couple on Ebay that carried the Transfesa branding (there are photos of these at Paddock Wood too), but they also made a version in Interfrigo livery (Google for Electrotren 1478k). Unfortunately I have only found one of those for sale online, and can't get a response from the seller! Here's a picture for comparison: The UK version has a slight overhang on the roof, and a riveted strip along the top of the sides. It also has a more pointed roof (the top panel is much narrower than on the standard wagon, but I couldn't get a clear photo of that!) Unfortunately, being HO, the Electrotren model is also a bit too small, but possibly wouldn't look out of place marshalled with other HO ferry vans. Here's a comparison with a VDA van: One day I might scratchbuild a rake of these but it doesn't look like the easiest job in the world to get right! Mal

f is for UK loading gauge. Apparently there is ff and fff too. It's all here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UIC_classification_of_goods_wagons Mal

Yes, all ferry vans carry the anchor logo, so you need to create it somehow (as do I) Mal

The electrotren one is still a bit too narrow for my liking - I guess it depends on your viewing angle whether you'd find it acceptable. I never run them next to any OO stock - there's always an Interfrigo van in there to blend the differences :-) Mal

You can just about get away with some HO wagons, but not the ones that are models of UK loading gauge prototypes. They looked odd in real life on the continent, and will be just as weird on your layout. Prototype example here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=25283 I took some pictures of various wagons marshalled next to a Heljan class 33 so you can see the difference in size Roco Cargowaggon (These are way too small, so I only use these as background scenery, and never run them) Electrotren Transfesa wagon Marklin Interfrigo van (the Acme ones are the same size) And a wider shot just to illustrate further HTH Mal

I received my model of 33033 in construction grey livery today, and a very fine model it looks too. But, I have a bag containing a considerable number of bits and no idea what they are or where they go! I think I've already broken a snowplough, mistaking the join between blades as just another sprue. Don't these things come with any instructions or a diagram? There was nothing in the box and Heljan's website is no help either. Am I just supposed to guess? Mal

At least you get free postage http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hornby-The-Great-Gathering-R3196-R3197-R3198-R3199-R3200-R3201-Limited-Edition-/251423344958?pt=UK_Trains_Railway_Models&hash=item3a89ffc93e