Warbonnet

Hi everyone, At Innotrans 2026? If so, check out the J-TREC (formerly Tokyu) stand and you may see something rather special.... Cheers! Fran

From coal hopper to nuclear flask barrier wagon — meet one of Britain's most unusual freight conversions. Britain's railways have always been good at finding new uses for old wagons. When traffic patterns change, wagons that had once been indispensable can suddenly find themselves surplus to requirements. Sometimes they were scrapped. Sometimes they were rebuilt. And occasionally, something rather more unusual happened. We've seen this in recent years with the HYA and HTA coal hoppers being made redundant due to the downturn in coal traffic, and conversion into the "cut down" hoppers for aggregate traffic. But, this is not a new thing for redundant coal wagons. In 1989, a group of redundant HEA and HBA wagons found themselves with a completely different job to do. They became RNA barrier wagons, forming part of the specialist fleet supporting nuclear flask traffic to and from Sellafield. And we're delighted to bring this fascinating and often overlooked wagon type to the Accurascale range. A very different job By the late 1980s, British Rail's Coal Sector network had a requirement for barrier vehicles to be used in connection with nuclear flask traffic serving Sellafield. The wagons needed to perform a very specific role: acting as barrier vehicles within trains conveying nuclear flasks, providing the necessary separation between the flask vehicles and the locomotives or other traffic. Rather than build an entirely new wagon, British Rail looked towards an existing and readily available source of vehicles. A total of 37 wagons were selected. Initially, these vehicles were simply taken out of normal service and recoded RNA, preventing them from being used as ordinary coal wagons. Some were also repainted into the new Coal Sector livery. But this was only the beginning. From hopper to barrier Of the 37 vehicles selected, 31 were subsequently converted by Carlisle Currock. The conversion was relatively radical. The original hopper body was removed, with the body cut away and the floor plated over to create a completely flat deck. The result was Diagram RN001A — the RNA barrier wagon. Two distinct groups of donor vehicles were used during the conversion programme, meaning that variations could be found within the fleet depending on the vehicle's origins. It was a wonderfully practical British Rail solution: take surplus rolling stock, remove the bits that were no longer required and turn it into something useful for a completely different traffic flow. Coal Sector colours The RNA fleet was closely associated with the Coal Sector operation serving Sellafield and consequently appeared in the distinctive Coal Sector livery. As the railway industry moved through the period of privatisation, the wagons subsequently received further changes in appearance. Some received Transrail branding, while others carried TLF-W markings. At least one example is also known to have received full EWS livery, providing modellers with a particularly interesting opportunity to recreate the changing appearance of the fleet through the 1990s. For a wagon with such a small fleet, there was surprisingly more variety than you might expect. A wagon with a second life The RNA is a particularly good example of the ingenuity of British Rail's wagon engineers and operating departments. A vehicle that had originally been designed for one purpose was suddenly required to perform another. Rather than simply disappear from the network, it was given a new life. The hopper body was sacrificed, the chassis was adapted and the wagon was transformed into a specialist barrier vehicle. It's an unlikely story — but that's exactly what makes it so interesting. Bringing the RNA to OO gauge With our Powering Britain range, we're not just interested in the famous wagons that appeared by the thousands. We're interested in the vehicles that tell the more unusual stories of Britain's railway too. The RNA barrier wagon certainly falls into that category. With its distinctive flat-plated body, specialist role and relatively tiny fleet, it offers something very different from the conventional freight wagons found elsewhere in the range. Whether you're recreating the Coal Sector workings of the early 1990s, the changing liveries of the privatisation era, or simply want to add one of Britain's more unusual freight vehicles to your layout, the RNA provides a fascinating piece of railway history. Building on the platform of our all new HBA and HEA hopper wagons, our RNAs include a fully diecast chassis and an accurately crafted deck along with brake rigging and a wealth of separate underframe rigging to faithfully replicate these long needed wagons in model form. Every model features: Diecast metal chassis for excellent weight Brass pinpoint bearings for exceptionally smooth running Flexible NEM coupling pockets Sprung metal buffers Scale coupling pack included Etched stainless steel brake discs Finely reproduced underframe and brake equipment Prototype-specific suspension, axleboxes and pipework Era-correct tooling and decoration variations Due with the rest of the HBA/HEA run in Q2 2027, each twin pack of barrier wagons is priced at £49.98 and available to pre-order now exclusively from our website via the link below: Pre-Order Your RNA Barrier Wagons Here! View the full article

Sometimes we make silly ones. Sometimes we make big ones. Most of the time, you can make amends with a little help from your friends. Thankfully, in this case, we can. Thanks to our friends at Key Model World and Rainbow Railways, we can fix a rather embarrassing blunder and bring you a whole new opportunity to buy a very attractive Class 66! So, do you remember the limited edition Euro Class 66 No. 66794 “Steve Hannam” we made for Hornby Magazine/Key Model World? Yes, the one limited to just 300 pieces. Well, someone at Accurascale HQ got in a muddle, and we accidentally ordered 600 from the factory. This boo-boo of epic proportions came to light upon delivery. The egg was very much on our faces. So, what do we do? As a limited-edition, one-off livery locomotive, we couldn’t repaint or reshell the models, nor could we put them on general sale. However, during production, those wonderful people at GB Railfreight did us a wonderful turn. They renumbered the locomotive to 66694 in September 2025, reflecting the locomotive’s transition to a Class 66/6. With this information in hand, and with Key Model World’s blessing, we went to our friends at Rainbow Railways, who have now hand-renumbered the surplus models for us. These locomotives now represent the locomotive as it is in its current condition. With these now in stock, they are available to buy in the standard Accurascale box, for the same great price as the rest of the range. Therefore, if you fancy a colourful, up-to-the-minute GB Class 66 with a hand-crafted twist, and one that is in converted Euro condition, we have the right model for you in both DCC Ready and DCC Sound-fitted formats! Each model is covered by our lifetime warranty too, and is now in stock. Grab yours below for £179.95 (DC/DCC Ready) and £279.95 (DCC Sound-fitted). Order Your Class 66 Here! Looking to get some custom detailing, sound fitting or printing done on your models? Check out our stockist Rainbow Railways by clicking here! View the full article

It’s been a busy few weeks for our little industrial workhorses, and we’ve got an update on the delivery of our highly anticipated Hunslet Austerity tank engines. First up, the good news: all pre-orders for the locomotives contained in the first shipment have now been dispatched to our direct customers and retailers. If you were waiting for one of these models and placed your order for a locomotive in the first container, it should now be on its way to you! However, there is a small delay affecting some of the sound-fitted versions. The ESU sound decoders required for these models were delayed in reaching us, which has pushed back the final delivery of these locomotives. We’re now expecting these models to arrive in around 10 days time, so thankfully the wait is almost over. Two containers? That’s a lot of Austerity! There’s another reason for the split delivery, and it’s a rather nice problem to have: demand for the Hunslets has been absolutely massive. The response to these diminutive but characterful locomotives has exceeded expectations, with particularly strong demand for the Longmoor Military Railway pack. In fact, there were enough models ordered to require two containers to get everything moving! Rather than hold everything back until both containers arrived, we split the shipment. That means the first batch has already landed and pre-orders from that container have been packed and dispatched, while the remaining models are now following behind. Some are still available… for now! The really important bit if you missed the pre-order: surplus stock from the locomotives already delivered is now available to purchase directly from the Accurascale website. But we really do mean limited. With the vast majority of the first shipment already allocated to pre-orders, there are only very small quantities of certain versions remaining. Once these are gone, you’ll need to wait for a future production run – and we certainly wouldn’t recommend assuming there will be plenty left sitting on the shelves! Wilbert in particular has been hugely popular, so if that’s the one you've been waiting for, now is definitely the time to act. Meanwhile, for those still waiting for their sound-fitted Hunslet, sit tight. We’re now only around 10 days away from delivery, and once they arrive, we’ll be getting them out the door as quickly as possible. Small engines, enormous demand. If you want one, don’t hang about! Order Your Austerity Tank Here! View the full article

When we launched our Powering Britain range, the aim was simple: tell the story of Britain's rail freight revolution through the iconic wagons that powered the nation. From merry-go-round hoppers to the birth of the railways, every wagon has played its part. Today we're delighted to reveal the next chapter in that story with the announcement of one of the most requested British freight wagons of recent years... The BR 32.5t HBA/HEA Domestic Coal Hopper! For over three decades these rugged wagons were a familiar sight across every corner of the British Rail network. Whether working lengthy domestic coal block trains, Speedlink services or mixed freight formations, the HEA became the standard wagon for Britain's domestic coal traffic. Yet despite a fleet approaching 2,000 wagons and a career stretching from the mid-1970s right through to the 2010s, the HEA has never truly received the high-fidelity ready-to-run treatment it deserves in OO gauge. Until now. A New Standard for Domestic Coal By the mid-1970s British Rail recognised the need to replace its ageing fleet of unfitted mineral wagons inherited from the steam era. While the HAA merry-go-round hopper had transformed power station coal traffic, it wasn't suited to the wider domestic coal network. Its automatic discharge equipment made it expensive to build and maintain, and many coal merchants simply didn't require such sophistication. Instead, BR developed a simpler, more versatile design. The prototype HBA, numbered 360000, emerged from Shildon Works in 1975. Its all-steel construction, manually operated hopper doors and air-braked running gear proved an immediate success, leading to the construction of 1,998 production wagons between 1976 and 1979. Initially finished in traditional BR Bauxite, many later received the striking Railfreight red and grey livery introduced in 1979, although weathered bauxite examples remained a common sight for decades afterwards. A Wagon That Evolved Like many successful BR wagon designs, the HEA continually evolved throughout its career. The earliest wagons featured centrally-mounted end ladders, leaf spring suspension and twin air pipes. As production continued, offset ladders became standard while improved Bruninghaus suspension increased the maximum speed from 45mph to 60mph, prompting the TOPS recoding from HBA to HEA. Safety modifications saw ladders disappear altogether during the EWS era, while underframe details evolved with changing braking and suspension equipment. These subtle - but highly visible - differences are exactly the sort of variations we love reproducing at Accurascale. More Than Just Coal As domestic coal traffic declined during the 1980s, the versatile HEA chassis found new life in an astonishing variety of roles. Some carried rock salt. Others found second careers within collieries. Hundreds became the familiar MEA box wagons, while others evolved into the MFA ballast spoil wagons that survived until as recently as 2024. Covered CEA wagons carried everything from china clay to lime and even seaweed. Perhaps most distinctive of all were the cut-down RNA nuclear flask barrier wagons, created from redundant HEAs for use on Sellafield traffic - a fascinating chapter in the wagon's long working life. The humble HEA proved remarkably adaptable, becoming one of the most influential freight wagon chassis designs of the late BR era. A Missing Link Finally Arrives Our HEA family represents one of the biggest upgrades in the modern RTR wagon scene. The new tooling finally fills that gap by faithfully recreating these workhorses with the attention to detail that you expect from us. Better still, we've gone far beyond a single version. For the first time in ready-to-run OO gauge we're producing: As-built HBA wagons with leaf spring suspension Early central ladder variants Offset ladder HEAs Later no-ladder EWS-era examples Multiple axlebox styles Single and twin air pipe variations Wagons with and without AVI transponders Correct suspension variations throughout production Every version has been researched to accurately represent the prototype during its intended era. Specification Worthy of a Workhorse As with every Accurascale freight wagon, we've focused on both appearance and operation. Every model features: Diecast metal chassis for excellent weight Brass pinpoint bearings for exceptionally smooth running Flexible NEM coupling pockets Sprung metal buffers Scale coupling pack included Etched stainless steel brake discs Finely reproduced underframe and brake equipment Prototype-specific suspension, axleboxes and pipework Era-correct tooling and decoration variations Every livery has been carefully researched to match the prototype, and our colourful first run depicts the early years of the original BR Bauxite, striking Railfreight colours and later Trainload Distribution schemes. Just the Beginning... The HEA is much more than a single wagon. It forms the foundation of an extensive family that served Britain's railways for almost fifty years. With this entirely new tooling we've created a platform capable of reproducing many members of that remarkable family - and this is only the beginning. Expect many more developments from this versatile chassis in the future. Powering Britain Rolls On From coal merchants and Speedlink trains to nuclear flask workings and engineering duties, the HEA family became one of the defining freight wagons of the late BR era. Nearly 2,000 were built, yet today only eight survive. We're proud to preserve their legacy in miniature with what we believe is the definitive OO gauge model of this classic British freight wagon. The BR HEA joins our ever-growing Powering Britain collection, bringing another essential piece of Britain's freight railway story to life. It's time to fill one of the biggest gaps in the modern freight fleet. Pre-order your models today, exclusively from Accurascale. Prices start at just £79.98 per triple-pack - and you'll get 10% Rake Builder discount when buying two packs or more. That works out from as little as £23.99 a wagon! By making these available for sale directly, we're able to pass the savings straight back to you, the modeller, helping put more money back in your pocket, and allowing you to buy longer trains! Pre-order yours with no deposit down, and a projected release date of Q2 2027. PRE-ORDER YOUR MODELS TODAY View the full article

A friend has a finney kit in 0 of a light pacific, as yet unmade but having seen the parts, it'll be beautiful when built.

After several years away, one of our most popular wagon ranges is making its long-awaited return. We're delighted to confirm that our APCM Cemflo wagons are back for a brand-new production run, with manufacturing now complete and the models entering the final stages before shipping. This latest batch focuses on the iconic pre-TOPS Metro Cammell-built Cemflo wagons, complete with their distinctive Blue Circle advertising boards—a combination that has long been requested by modellers looking to recreate the cement traffic of the 1960s and early 1970s. Production Complete Over the past few weeks we've carefully inspected the decorated production samples from our factory, checking everything from decoration application and printing quality to assembly and finish. We're pleased to report that the samples have met our expectations, with only the smallest of production tweaks required before giving the factory the green light. With the decorated samples now officially signed off, full production has been completed and the wagons are preparing for their journey from China. A Classic Returns The Metro Cammell-built APCM Cemflo wagons are among the most recognisable private owner wagons of the period. Finished in their unmistakable Blue Circle Cement branding, they became a familiar sight across the British railway network, operating in block trains famously on the ECML and WCML alike as they supplied cement to depots throughout the country. Our models faithfully capture the unique characteristics of these early wagons, featuring the wealth of detail, fine tooling and high-quality decoration that customers have come to expect from the Accurascale range. Whether you're building a transition-era layout or simply expanding your fleet of vacuum-braked freight stock, these wagons are the perfect addition to any pre-TOPS scene. On Their Way With production complete, the containers will shortly depart China for the UK. Once they've completed their sea voyage, we'll begin processing deliveries through our warehouse before dispatching pre-orders to customers. We currently expect the new APCM Cemflo wagons to arrive with us in late October 2026. As always, we'll keep you updated throughout the shipping process and let you know as soon as the containers arrive and dispatch begins. If you missed out on the original run several years ago, now is your chance to add these distinctive Blue Circle Cemflo wagons to your fleet. We can't wait to see them running on layouts across the country once again! Remember, at just £69.98 per triple wagon pack, with 10% off when you order two or more packs, these represent sensational value for money in today's market when you consider the quality, finesse and fidelity of these models. You will not find better bang for your buck anywhere else! Pre-Order Your Cemflos Here! View the full article

I know self-praise is no praise, but seeing the Hunslet's on all your fantastic (and now famous on here!) layouts makes us immensely proud of them. They really turned out nice and look at home here and other layours like @NIRCLASS80 and others too. Cheers folks!

It's been a long journey through the creation of our generic line of pre-grouping delights, but we're chuffed to confirm that our universe is now complete and our Genesis coaching stock has finished production! We're pleased to share the first images of the production samples—the finished models exactly as they'll be arriving with us before making their way to layouts and collections. From the outset, Genesis has been one of our most ambitious coaching stock projects to date. Despite having the tooling already created by those talented folks at the often missed Hattons Model Railways, they still require vast research and consideration. Covering a fascinating period of railway history and a huge variety of pre-grouping companies, these coaches must meet the standards you've come to expect from us when it comes to prototypical research and creating a believable and plausible variety of coaching stock, otherwise not viable in OO gauge Ready-to-Run format. Seeing the finished production models in front of us makes all that effort worthwhile. Better still, we're delighted to confirm that production is now complete. The coaches are now preparing for the next stage of their journey, with shipping underway shortly. Allowing for transit, customs and final quality checks before dispatch, we're currently expecting delivery to modellers in mid to late October. We know these have been eagerly anticipated, and we can't wait to see what you create with them once they arrive. Projects like Genesis simply wouldn't be possible without the generosity of those who freely share their knowledge and research. We'd therefore like to offer our sincere thanks to the Cambrian Railway Society, the Great Eastern Railway Society, and the North British Railway Study Group for their invaluable support behind the scenes throughout the development of these models. Their expertise, access to reference material and willingness to answer countless questions has helped ensure these coaches are as authentic as possible, and we're hugely grateful for their assistance. Of course, while one chapter is drawing to a close, another is already well underway. With the first production run about to arrive, we're already deep into work on the next batch of Genesis coaches. There are plenty more liveries, companies and variants we'd love to bring to the range, and development is progressing nicely. We're looking forward to lifting the curtain on what's coming next, with full details planned for early 2027. Not ordered yet? Don't miss out, bag yours via the link below! Pre-Order Your Genesis Coaches Here! View the full article

Fun fact - the designer of the Bachmann Class 90 also now works for Accurascale

We're blasting our way through the long forgotten (in model form!) Mark 2B and Mark 2C coach families, and our latest production batch of these well received coaches are now complete and are now tantalisingly close to delivery! These coaches capture a fascinating transitional period in the evolution of the Mark 2. The most obvious visual difference is, of course, the larger square toilet window. These early Mark 2Cs formed the bridge between the outgoing Mark 2B and the later production Mark 2Cs, which standardised both the square toilet window and the universal fitment of Roe-Vac roof vents. One of the more interesting aspects of this first "phase" of Mark 2C production is the variety of roof vents fitted by British Rail. To accurately reflect these differences, we've tooled all three roof vent variations found on these early coaches. A handful of the earliest deliveries carried the distinctive large 'G' roof vent, while the majority were equipped with the more familiar 'GM' vent. Completing the line-up is a version fitted with the Roe-Vac roof vent, representing the small batch of Tourist Second Opens (TSOs) that uniquely combined the larger toilet window with the final style of roof ventilation. It's these subtle production differences that make the early Mark 2Cs such an interesting prototype, and we're pleased to be able to faithfully recreate each variation rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. That is the Accurascale way after all! With the full Mark 2B and Mark 2C range now available, we've also been able to introduce one of our favourite formations—the distinctive South Wales & West trains of the late 1990s. These eye-catching rakes perfectly captured the colourful nature of Britain's privatisation era, mixing South Wales & West blue coaches with maroon vehicles from the early days of what would become West Coast Railways. The result was an unmistakable train that looked different almost every day. Power for these services was equally varied, with EWS Class 37s handling the work. From freight-liveried Class 37/0s through to Class 37/4s wearing a variety of striking EWS schemes, these trains offered endless modelling possibilities and remain a favourite with enthusiasts of the period. These coaches will begin dispatch to modellers and retailers in early September, and then it will be onto finishing the latest run in Northern Ireland Railways livery. After that? Who knows, but watch this space.... Pre-Order Your Mark 2 Coaches Here! View the full article

The wait is almost over! We're delighted to confirm that our second production run of the Accurascale Class 60 is now complete and ready, with models scheduled to begin arriving with modellers in mid-October 2026. When we launched our Class 60, the response from modellers exceeded all expectations. The model quickly established itself as the definitive OO gauge representation of Britain's heavy-haul workhorse picking up a couple of "OO Gauge Locomotive of The Year" titles along the way. But as always, we haven't stood still. As production of our second run has been completed, we've taken the opportunity to refine and enhance the model even further. While many of these changes are subtle, together they make an already highly regarded model even more accurate, more authentic and more enjoyable to operate. Here's what's new for Production Run 2. Tooling Enhancements Our engineering team has incorporated a number of detail improvements based on further research and feedback from customers. SKF axlebox engravings The distinctive SKF markings have now been added to the axlebox plates, providing another layer of prototype fidelity. We had painted these on locos from run 1, but feedback suggested moulded representations was preferred. Driver's desk ventilation Additional cab ventilation grilles have been incorporated around the driver's desk, with the Super 60 locomotives also receiving the correct roof-mounted cooling fans unique to the refurbished fleet. Improved cab side windows The cab side windows now feature corner pillar detailing, adding another subtle but important refinement to the cab area. Tinted side glazing The cab side windows are now supplied with prototype-style tinted glazing, better capturing the appearance of the real locomotives. Electrical & Sound Improvements As with all Accurascale models, we're continually refining the operating experience as well as the appearance. More realistic headlight operation Production Run 2 introduces new PCB designs that allow the lighting to operate just like the prototype. For locomotives fitted with the original style lighting, selecting a direction will automatically illuminate the main headlight. When the locomotive is parked, the headlight remains off, leaving just the appropriate single marker light illuminated—just as seen on the real locomotives. Please note that this functionality applies to the original headlight arrangement and not to locomotives fitted with later LED lighting, such as 60099, which follows the correct prototype lighting behaviour. Refined Napier turbo sound We've also made a subtle refinement to the Napier turbocharger audio on refurbished locomotives, giving the characteristic turbo whine an even more authentic tone. Decoration Updates We've taken the opportunity to refine several liveries and details across the range. 60099 corrected The decoration for 60099 has been revised to match the way the paint was ultimately applied to the prototype, following changes made during the real locomotive's repaint that differed slightly from the original artwork. Pathfinder tribute As a special addition, 60019 will include a set of Pathfinder Tours nameplates in the box. These are supplied separately for customers to fit if they wish, serving as a small tribute to the much-loved railtour operator, which announced its retirement from operations after our original Class 60 announcement. Help us raise £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, with our Accurascale Exclusive charity fundraising model, 60074 Teenage Spirit. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people aged 13–24 who are diagnosed with cancer - and for their loved ones. They deliver the sensitive, personalised care these young people need during the most challenging time of their lives, helping them to get through cancer, rebuild their lives, and shape their futures. Ready To Enter Traffic With production now complete, the models are currently being prepared for shipment and are on schedule for delivery from mid-October 2026. If you've secured your Class 60 as part of this production run, the wait is nearly over. If you haven't yet placed your order, now is the time to check availability before this latest batch arrives. We can't wait to see the next batch of Class 60s hauling trains on layouts across the country this autumn. Oh, and yes, there is one exclusive 60 missing from this line up. which is getting an extra special box,but we're going to let modellers find out about that ghostly wonder a little later on. Don't worry, it's as tasty as Wild Honey Pie... Pre-Order Your Class 60 Here! View the full article

More info coming very soon…

If you're happy to wait about 18 months for something a lot better to come out, then I would if I were you....

It's update bonanza time here at Accurascale with so many new models arriving in the coming weeks! This time its for our much loved PTA/JTA/JUA family of iron ore and aggregate wagons, which land on our shores in mid August! Heavy Haul Rail There are few sights in British railfreight more impressive than a full rake of PTA tippler wagons snaking their way through the countryside behind a hard-working diesel locomotive or even multiple BR heritage locomotives. Whether carrying limestone from Merehead and Whatley, steel traffic from Consett or South Wales, or latterly operating under JTA and JUA classifications, these mighty heavy haulers were built for one thing; moving vast quantities of material as efficiently as possible. They certainly weren't subtle about it, either. With their enormous payloads and equally enormous trains, they quickly became firm favourites with enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. They epitomise the transition of British Rail's wagon load to block train operation, working in some of the heaviest trains seen on Britain's railways and finding themselves hauled by everything from BR electric locomotives, right through to mighty Class 59s and 60s. It's perhaps no surprise then that our first production run proved so popular, selling through rapidly and becoming a layout staple for modellers of heavy freight operations. Now, they're back. And they're better than ever. Bigger? No. Better? Absolutely! Whilst we'd all love to announce that we'd somehow managed to squeeze another 50 wagons into each box (your postman and wallet may disagree...), we've instead spent our time making this latest production run even better than before. Improvements have focused around the bogie area, where we've enhanced the detail around the bogie centres for an even more authentic appearance. We've also incorporated beautifully fine etched brake discs on this latest run, adding another layer of detail to what is already one of the most impressive wagon models we've ever produced. Finally, we've addressed one of the most requested enhancements from the first run, with track pick-up now incorporated for the working flashing tail lamp supplied with every Outer set. The result is more reliable operation and an even more eye-catching finish to the rear of your heavy haul formation. Of course, all of the features that made the original run so highly regarded remain present, from their intricate pipework and separately fitted details right through to their impressive heft and authentic operation. Prototype Correct To The Last Wagon One of the defining characteristics of PTA tippler wagon formations was their unusual coupling arrangements. The wagons operated in dedicated formations, with the outer vehicles featuring buffers and conventional coupling arrangements to connect to locomotives, whilst the intermediate vehicles were connected using the higher-mounted knuckle couplings found on the prototype. Replicating this arrangement was something we felt was essential from day one, and we're delighted to continue that approach with this latest run. ARC, Yeoman and British Steel Consett liveries are each represented by two five-wagon sets: One Outer set featuring two wagons fitted with buffers and traditional tension lock couplings mounted at NEM recommended height for coupling to your locomotive. One Inner set featuring the prototype higher-mounted knuckle couplings used between wagons within the rake. Meanwhile, the British Steel South Wales formation comprises: One Outer set. Two separate Inner sets. As per our first production run, the Inner sets are designed as bolster packs for the Outer sets and will not couple directly to locomotives. They are intended solely to recreate the intermediate portions of the prototype formations, with only the Outer sets featuring the necessary coupling arrangements for locomotive operation. Each Outer set also includes its own fully working flashing tail lamp to complete your train in authentic fashion. Heavy Haul Doesn't Have To Mean Heavy On Your Wallet Each five-wagon book set is priced at £179.95, representing exceptional value when you consider the sheer amount of detail and engineering that goes into every box. Purchase both the Outer and matching Inner sets together and you'll receive a 10% multi-buy discount, making it even easier to assemble one of the most impressive freight trains ever to grace your layout. Limited Stock Remaining Whilst we've substantially increased production quantities compared with our original release, demand has once again proven exceptionally strong and stocks are already looking limited across several versions. These wagons are due to arrive into stock in mid-August, and with limited quantities remaining we would strongly recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later. After all, if you're going to run a freight train, why not make it a very, very long one? Limited stock remains available, so place your order today and prepare to put your locomotive's haulage capabilities to the test this August! Order Your PTA/JTA/JUA Wagons Here! View the full article

Let's face it, there is nothing more splendid when it comes to Irish steam than the GSR 800s, the Edgar Bredin masterpiece designed and built in Inchicore. The mighty 800 Class has occupied legendary status for almost 90 years. Despite a remarkably short working life, the 800s has transcended her time in service to become an icon of Irish railway history, with generations of enthusiasts wondering what it must have been like to witness her storming towards Cork with an express train in tow. Well, we can't quite recreate that. We can, however, recreate her in miniature to a standard worthy of her legendary status. We're delighted to announce that our all-new GSR 800 Class locomotives are now in full production, with completion scheduled before the end of this year before beginning their journey from China and onwards to layouts and display cabinets across the world. It's always an exciting milestone when a project reaches this stage. After countless hours of research, CAD development, tooling revisions, testing and refinement, there's something immensely satisfying about seeing thousands of individual components finally coming together on the production line. It's fair to say that the 800 Class has been one of our most eagerly anticipated projects. We've been inundated with orders and messages from modellers asking when they'll arrive, demanding sneak peeks and politely requesting updates. First up, we're finally ready to let the mighty 800 speak for herself. We've been working away on the sound project for these locomotives and we're delighted to confirm that we'll be unveiling it for the very first time in the coming weeks. Capturing the unmistakable character of this Irish icon has been a hugely enjoyable challenge and we're very much looking forward to sharing the results with you. We'll also be unveiling decorated samples which have yet to make their public debut. These latest samples represent our best look yet at the finished models and we're tremendously excited to finally pull back the curtain on them. We know many of you have been waiting patiently to see these locomotives wearing their finery and we don't think you'll be disappointed. Then there's the matter of that model. From the moment we announced No. 800 in her stunning photographic grey livery, we knew she deserved something a little special. After all, if ever there was a locomotive worthy of being treated like royalty, surely Maedb must be somewhere near the front of the queue. So, we're delighted to reveal that we'll also be showcasing the bespoke wooden presentation box created exclusively for No. 800 in photographic grey. This isn't merely packaging; it's a fitting tribute to one of the most significant locomotives in Irish railway history and provides a suitably luxurious home for what is sure to become one of the centrepieces of many collections. As production continues over the coming months, we'll be bringing you plenty more updates as we reach new milestones. Seeing Ireland's most famous steam locomotive move from announcement to production has been incredibly rewarding for the whole team and we can't wait to finally get these models into your hands. Before we go, we'd like to leave you with one final tease. No, we haven't forgotten about the Class 22000 InterCity Railcars. In fact, we've been keeping rather busy behind the scenes. We've got a very special and exciting update planned for the end of August which we're dying to share with you. In the meantime, we'll have plenty more 800 Class goodness coming your way over the next few weeks. Not ordered one? Are you mad? Order All 3 below! Pre-Order Your 800 Class Locomotive Here! View the full article

There's something rather fitting about the Manor class making a return visit. After all, these handsome mixed traffic machines spent much of their lives popping up all over the Western Region, proving themselves equally adept at just about anything that was asked of them. And now, they're ready to do it all over again on your layouts. We're delighted to report that production of our second run of GWR 78xx Manor locomotives is now complete! Better still, they've passed their final rounds of testing and inspection by the Accurascale team and are now being prepared for their voyage from China to the UK ahead of their arrival in Q3 2026. So, if you've got one on pre-order, the wait is very nearly over. Small In Stature, Big In Reputation The Manor class has always occupied something of a sweet spot in Great Western locomotive design. Introduced in 1938 under Charles Collett, the 78xx class offered much of the capability of their larger stablemates, but with a lighter axle loading that allowed them to venture where others simply couldn't. The result? A class of locomotives that seemed happy doing just about everything. From the twisting metals of the Cambrian lines to cross-country workings and secondary express duties across the Western Region, the Manor proved itself to be one of the GWR's most versatile performers. Not too big, not too small – Goldilocks would undoubtedly have approved. They've also proven to be one of our most popular steam locomotive releases, so bringing them back for a second run was always going to be high on the agenda. Thankfully, unlike finding somewhere to park an actual country manor house these days, finding space for one of these is considerably easier. Passed With Flying Colours Before any production model is given its ticket home, it undergoes comprehensive inspection and testing by the Accurascale team at the factory. We're pleased to report that this latest batch of Manors has passed with flying colours. From their exquisite decoration and fine separately fitted details through to their smooth running characteristics, lighting functions and digital sound operation, every aspect has been scrutinised to ensure they meet the standards we've set ourselves. Only once we're happy do they get their passport stamped for the journey home. With production now complete, they're currently being packed and prepared for shipment from China before beginning their sea voyage to the UK. All Ahead For Q3 As always, we'll keep you updated as they traverse the high seas before arriving at our warehouse for their final arrival inspections and subsequent dispatch to customers. It's always an exciting milestone when a project reaches this stage. Months of sampling and production work are finally giving way to the bit we enjoy most – getting models into the hands of modellers. The Manor has long since earned its reputation as one of the Great Western's finest mixed traffic locomotives. We suspect its miniature counterpart is about to strengthen its own reputation too. Pre-ordered yet? Visit your local Accurascale stockist, or place your pre-order below! Pre-Order Your Manor Here! View the full article

Good news! Fans of BR's Speedlink era and 1980s freight operations will be delighted to learn that production of our popular PCA Cement Wagons is now complete, ahead of schedule! We're delighted to confirm that both the original full rake of 15 Rugby Cement wagons and the STS grey wagons, with some carrying Sulfacrete branding for the first time, have now rolled off the production line. They're currently being prepared for shipment and are expected to arrive into stock in approximately 12 weeks' time. These distinctive wagons have been proving exceptionally popular with modellers over the years, and it's easy to see why. Offering superb detail, accurate liveries and immense operational flexibility, they're an essential addition to any 1980s BR freight layout. The iconic Rugby Cement rake captures one of the most recognisable block cement workings of the period, whilst the STS Sulfacrete branded examples provide an equally attractive alternative for those looking to recreate the varied cement traffic that characterised Britain's railway network during the decade. Better still, there's no need to choose one or the other. During the 1980s it was not uncommon to see mixed rakes in operation, making it entirely prototypical to run Rugby Cement and STS branded grey wagons together in the same train. Whether hauled in block formations, or heading up a Speedlink working, these wagons will look right at home on layouts depicting the period. With production now complete, the countdown to delivery has truly begun. Demand has been strong since launch, with stocks selling fast across the range, so if you've been considering adding these superb PCA wagons to your fleet, now is the perfect time to secure yours. At their highly competitive price point of under £70 per triple pack, they represent outstanding value while stocks last and are sure to become a staple of any BR-era freight collection. We look forward to welcoming them into our warehouse in around 12 weeks' time, ahead of schedule, and seeing the impressive cement workings they'll soon be forming on layouts across the country. Don't miss out – with production complete and demand continuing to be high, we'd recommend ordering sooner rather than later. Pre-Order Your PCA Wagons Here! View the full article

Someone once asked, "War, what is it good for?" The answer came back: "Absolutely nothing!" And while our Longmoor Military Railway train pack owes its existence to war, it's certainly something beautiful to behold. So, on this occasion at least, we may have to disagree with Mr Edwin Starr and his 1970s classic. Following our recent update on the main range of Hunslet Austerity locomotives, we're delighted to confirm that our Longmoor Military Railway train packs will also arrive in stock this September. Featuring one of our exquisite 57ft Mk.1 suburban coach pairs alongside Hunslet Austerity Saddle Tank No. 196 Errol Lonsdale in the striking Longmoor Military Railway blue livery, our first train pack captures the LMR during its most memorable era for railway enthusiasts. History of the LMR Beginning life as the Woolmer Instructional Railway in 1909, the British Army operated the Longmoor Military Railway for over sixty years as a complete strategic railway training system. Entirely self-contained, the LMR became increasingly popular with railway enthusiasts, with its famous Open Days and special trains during the 1960s influencing both its locomotive fleet and passenger rolling stock. As post-war training commitments reduced, worn-out stock was replaced rather than repaired. British Railways rolling stock was acquired by 1 Railway Group Royal Engineers, including surplus Mk.1 non-gangway compartment coaches purchased during the mid-1960s to cope with growing passenger numbers at Open Days and special events. Many were repainted into the attractive LMR Oxford Blue livery to maintain a smart and uniform appearance. The Locomotive Hunslet Works No. 3796 was completed in 1953 to the wartime Austerity design. Deemed surplus almost immediately, it spent time in storage before entering traffic in 1955, working at Honeybourne, Bicester and Longmoor throughout its career. Its first starring role came in 1965 when Longmoor was used to film The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery. Renumbered 68011 and painted black to represent a BR J94, it returned to Longmoor blue following filming, although traces of 68011 remained visible on its smokebox door! Its second film appearance came in 1967 during the filming of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Remaining in blue, the locomotive received temporary GWR tank lettering to conceal its LMR markings, a brass-painted dome cover and an impressively tall chimney extension. An interesting connection exists between Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the railway world. Count Louis Zborowski, whose famous racing car inspired the story, was a passionate railway enthusiast and partnered with Captain J. E. P. Howey in establishing the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, although sadly he never saw it completed. In January 1968, No. 196 was named Errol Lonsdale after Major General Errol Lonsdale, then Chief of Army Transport. It became the last locomotive to be named at Longmoor and received its distinctive white-painted wheels ahead of carrying its new nameplates. Following Longmoor's closure in 1970, 196 entered preservation, spending time on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, Mid Hants Railway and South Devon Railway, where it once again appeared in its film-star guise as 68011. Since 2009 it has resided at the Stoomcentrum in Maldegem, Belgium, restored to working order and carrying its original WD green livery. The Coaches Historical records differ slightly regarding the total number of Mk.1 coaches transferred to Longmoor, with LMR records listing thirteen vehicles while other sources suggest eighteen were transferred between 1965 and 1968. Upon arrival, all were finished in BR lined maroon, many still carrying their condemned markings. Several coaches retained their original liveries throughout their service lives, while others were repainted into either Olive Drab or the handsome LMR Oxford Blue livery during 1967 and 1968. Our models represent Brake Second ARMY 5301 (ex-M43231) and Second ARMY 3302 (ex-M46070) as they appeared in 1968 wearing LMR Oxford Blue. ARMY 5301 began life at Doncaster Works in 1954 before transferring to the LMR in February 1965. After carrying various AD prefixes, it became ARMY 5301 in 1968. Initially painted Olive Drab, it received LMR Oxford Blue in 1967 before entering preservation following Longmoor's closure. Sadly, it was scrapped in 1982. ARMY 3302 was built at Derby Works in 1954 and transferred to Longmoor in early 1968, carrying its ARMY number from the outset. Repainted into LMR Oxford Blue upon arrival, it survived only briefly after preservation, being scrapped in 1971. Delivery and Pre-Ordering As you can see from the latest images, our Longmoor Military Railway train pack is now complete and on its way to us, with delivery expected in mid-September. We have a limited quantity of this Accurascale Exclusive train pack remaining, priced at £299.95 in DC/DCC Ready form or £399.95 with factory-fitted DCC sound. Each set comes presented in special limited-edition packaging and includes an individually numbered certificate. Don't miss your chance to own this unique and evocative slice of British railway history. Pre-order yours today! View the full article

Looking forward to getting my KCs off Derek next week when I see him. I got the VT from Brian too and it’s beautifully presented, lovely model. Also picked this up a while back as I have a love for the company. 1:50 scale, it’s a stunner of a model. Cheers! Fran

Hi @GNRi Milepost 105, It all depends on demand really, but this is certainly likely to be the only production run for many years. Perhaps a professional modeller can change it for you? Cheers! Fran

Correct, one voucher per order. Aren't we being generous enough in the offer as it is?

Hi folks, Just to add context to this excellent post, it can be summarised as; "shit info in, shit product out." As @Flying Snail says, KR manufacturing is contracted to China, but then so is ours (Accurascale/IRM/Heljan) along with Bachmann, Hornby etc. It must be remembered that while China lead the way in making model trains, it's highly likely they've never seen an 071, cement bubble or A Class in their lives, no less measured one, surveyed one, scanned one etc. We get the best results by the info we put into China between research, thousands of photos, measurements, laser scan, works drawings, the lot. This takes months to accumilate, but it's vital to ensure our friends in China have the best possible base to design the model in CAD, tool it, then make it. We take our time here, critique what comes back our way and make sure its right. You only get one shot to get it right before tooling, A "measure twice, cut once" method is very much implemented. Then there is all the testing on both sides of the world to make sure it all works, wheels dont fall off, all the lighting configurations work, the sound is good, works as it should etc etc. Some skip this, and it shows in their products. Do we. get it right 100% of the time every time? No, we're only human after all. You've seen the wait for the ICR. Other companies may have had that out in the market a year ago, but it wouldnt work properly and you would be livid as a customer. Still, we do well, and our team is the most dedicated I've seen. I hope this gives some context. Cheers! Fran

Summer has arrived, and so has your chance to land some bonus savings on your next in-stock Accurascale purchase! We've fired up the Accurascale Summer Fruit Machine, giving you the opportunity to win up to 30% off across the Accurascale range of in-stock items, perfect to give yourself a little treat for the holiday season! How to play... It's simple: Visit the Accurascale website Enter your email address Pull the lever and spin the reels Reveal your exclusive discount Whether you're planning to add a new locomotive, stock up on rolling stock, or finally secure that model you've had your eye on, this is the perfect opportunity to make your budget go a little further! Once you've played the game and received your Summer prize saving - you'll get 24 hours to redeem your code - so let's strap in and start spinning! Hurry - our Summer Play & Win only lasts until 11.59pm on Friday 31st July 2026 - so visit the website here, and play while you can! What will you choose? You can spend your special summer prize savings on any of our in-stock range on Accurascale.com - whether that's our comprehensive range of locos, coaches, wagons, or even DCC accessories and our range of bespoke ModelU figures too. Visit the Accurascale homepage, and start playing! View the full article