HEA in N - modern air braked coal wagons…

Last week I shared the story of the creation of my own 08993 and suggested that more was to come. More has arrived…

What next? Well the obvious answer is something to pull, right? Sadly the moulds to the TPM conversion kits for the Peco chassis were lost many years ago and the Farish offering is an old Poole tooling and a bit of a caricature with a tall chassis and vertically compressed hopper. Not a promising start!

Whilst working on the cut down 08 project I was in touch with modelling friend Will at Coventry Rail Works. We got to know one another when I helped with the Peco whisky blue hopper conversion kits producing the decal artwork and testing a few of the kits out, and share a passion for Speedlink era modern air braked 2 axle wagons. I mentioned my thoughts and frustrations about the lack of a modern HEA, and he offered to help out. I tracked down a good drawing in an old album of Model Railway Constructor and armed with plenty of photos Will has produced some superb 3D artwork based upon his extensive experience in 3D printing and plastic injection mould tool design.

3D artwork and render by Will at Coventry Rail Works

3D artwork and render by Will at Coventry Rail Works

At this prototyping stage we’re still just testing out how it prints, and optimising that process. When it’s ready Will will release the kit in his range through Coventry Rail Works on eBay. In the meantime, whilst posing shots on Paxton Road is good fun, I’ve pondered a few ideas for a layout based upon the Burry Port and Gwendraeth - more on that soon, I promise, for now, I hope like me you’re excited about the art of the possible. Until next time…

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