The Nuclear Option; Modern FNA-D Nuclear Flask Wagons In OO/4mm

[Warbonnet]

Our second of our two GETS announcements is the modern FNA-D nuclear flask wagons in OO/4mm gauge.

The first engineering prototype (EP) sample has been received and is on show on our stand at the ‘Great Electric Train Show’ at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes this weekend.

Pre-order yours by clicking here!

Prototype History

NA 11 70 9229 011-5 and 11 70 9229 025-5 Parton North Jn 15 May 2021 - Copyright Dave McAlone

A total of forty of these striking vehicles were built in three batches for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) by WH Davis in the UK between 2014 and 2019, numbered 11 70 9229 001-040. They are used for carrying spent fuel from nuclear power stations and sites undergoing decommissioning to the facility at Sellafield for reprocessing or storage. The FNA-D continues Accurascale's popular and well-regarded range of nuclear vehicles that includes the KUA bogie flask carrier and the PFA two-axle container flat.

The wagons, which also carry the UIC code ‘Uas’ are a like-for-like replacement for the iconic fleet of BR and Procor-built FNA nuclear flask wagons that were built between 1976 and 1988, now all scrapped. The major updates are bodysides with exposed framing and the distinctive Barber BER22.5 ‘Easy Ride’ low track force bogies. Internally the vessel support structures are designed to carry a wider range of flask designs. Accurascale has obsessively replicated these characteristic features in the smaller scale with a composite die-cast and plastic design that includes full underframe detail and brake equipment.

Despite the number of working nuclear power stations shrinking dramatically since the turn of the millennium, the FNA-D wagons can still be seen over much of the UK, usually between one and five wagons behind a pair of Direct Rail Services (DRS) locomotives. These operational sites are Hartlepool, Heysham 1 & 2, Torness and Sizewell B.

However, three closed locations are undergoing the de-fuelling process and shipping irradiated fuel rods to Sellafield: Dungeness B, Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B. Meanwhile, Valley loading point, for the former Wylfa facility on Anglesey, completed this process in 2019, but still sees irregular visits by flask trains, as does Georgemas Junction, which serves the experimental reactors at Dounreay.

The Model

The latest addition to our very popular “Powering Britain” range of  freight stock which focuses on energising a nation, the FNA also compliments our growing  nuclear wagon range. They follow in the footsteps of the monster KUA wagons and the recent arrivals of the quirky low level nuclear waste PFA wagons featuring an array of interesting containers.

With these growing ranges in mind, the FNA-D has been on our ‘hit list’ for a long time, as we look to continue to serve the enthusiasts and modellers of the current era railway operations with prototypically short trains. After all, short trains are perfect for those modellers with space restrictions. A model of these wagons is essential for our range.

Working closely with WH Davis, the manufacturer of the real FNA-Ds, we were given extensive access to drawings as well as the opportunity to survey the real wagons in the quest to create the most accurate model of these distinctive prototypes. Once again accuracy, detail and build quality are at the top of our priorities and the FNA-D will feature a high specification including:

• Minimum Radius 438mm (2nd Radius)
• Weight 133g
• Ten individually numbered wagons packaged in two-car sets
• Bogies include separate brakeshoes in line with wheels and brake adjuster plus rotating axleboxes
• RP25-110 profile OO gauge wheels with space to fit EM (18.2mm) or P4 (18.83mm) wheels
• Sprung buffers and dummy screw couplings are included
• Super fine separate plastic, metal wire and etched metal detail parts, including air pipes, brake handwheel, hood opening equipment, brake equipment, grabs, warning label holders
• Kinetic NEM coupler mounts at correct height with mini-tension-lock couplers
• Working tail light on one vehicle in each pack. This will be powered by a single CR1216 battery and controlled by magnet switch
• Bogies include separate brakeshoes in line with wheels and brake adjuster plus rotating axleboxes
• Posable and removable hood for operational interest

Tooling is complete with the first samples now in hand for evaluation, having been revealed at the ‘Great Electric Train Show’ at Milton Keynes. Each twin pack is priced at £74.95 with 10% off when you buy two packs or more direct via our website.

Pre-ordering is now open via local stockists and Accurascale direct, with an anticipated delivery date of Q3 2023.

Grab yours on pre-order right now by clicking here!

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[John-r]

Received an email from Hattons this morning about these cracking looking wagons, it said the pre order deadline was this Friday, is this just Hattons version of things or have I missed something.Thanks

[BosKonay]

29 minutes ago, John-r said:

Received an email from Hattons this morning about these cracking looking wagons, it said the pre order deadline was this Friday, is this just Hattons version of things or have I missed something.Thanks

the window for traders to place their orders is this week. it doesn’t actually impact customers orders. 

[John-r]

Thanks Stephen, yet another fantastic looking wagon, there's just something special about the DRS livery and Nuclear wagons, hopefully more to follow.

[Darius43]

Received today direct from Accurascale - very very nice indeed 

One of the wagons is fitted with an operational tail light that is activated by a magnetic wand - supplied in the box by Accurascale.  I waved the wand as per the instructions with increasing franticness but the light refused to illuminate.

The light is battery operated.  Removing the hood assembly revealed the reason - batteries not included.

I have now ordered some suitable batteries online.

I fitted the buffer beam screw link coupling and hose details.  Removing the spring loaded coupling housing makes the detail fit and look better.  I had to drill out the holes for the detail parts as they were smaller than the lugs on the parts that are supposed to fit into them.

Looking forward to fitting the batteries and finally getting the wand to work its magic.

Cheers

Darius

[Darius43]

Batteries installed and light blinking wonderfully.

Cheers

Darius

[skinner75]

Interesting.

I take it that the reason for double-heading on such a short train is incase of a loco failure?

[BosKonay]

3 hours ago, skinner75 said:

Interesting.

I take it that the reason for double-heading on such a short train is incase of a loco failure?

Exactly that. Can’t afford the risk of nuclear material sitting still and creating a security issue.