Revolution's colourful ‘OO’ Ecofrets
Revolution Trains has taken delivery of decorated samples of its forthcoming ‘OO’ gauge FWA Ecofret container flat wagons for evaluation.
Introduced in 2012, the Ecofret 40ft decks were developed in response to changing global traffic patterns that has resulted in an increase in the use of 40ft containers. Owned by leasing company VTG, more than 200 examples are currently in use with Freightliner, GB Railfreight (GBRf) and DB Cargo. Freightliner utilises the vehicles as twin-sets, while DB Cargo and GBRf operate them as permanently coupled triple-sets.
Outer wagons can accommodate one 40ft container, while the centre deck of the three wagon sets is designed to carry either one 40ft or two 20ft containers. This offers better utilisation of resources over traditional 60ft container flats and enables more 40ft containers to be carried per train, with less empty (20ft) spaces.
Revolution Trains’ new 'OO’ gauge model will faithfully recreate these twin (Freightliner) and triple (DB/GBRf) sets of FWA Ecofrets. As with the prototypes, the centre vehicles will also reflect the prototypes with rotating centre spigots to accommodate either one 40ft or two 20ft containers. Each will feature a wealth of separately applied plastic and wire detailing, a metal spine, moulded deck, highly-detailed underframe, separately fitted damper rods on each bogie, finely printed lettering and much more. In addition, they will also be compatible with the extensive C=Rail range of ‘OO' gauge 20ft and 40ft containers.
Pre-orders are currently being taken with prices set at £100 for VTG green twin-sets and £135 for DB red and GBRf blue triple-sets. Following approval for production, the pre-order book is set to close by June 30, while delivery is anticipated by the end of this year.
Visit www.revolutiontrains.com for more information.
