Cavalex Models - October post Great Electric Train Show update
The past few months have proved a busy time for Cavalex, seeing the announcement of our Class 56 project and the arrival of our third model, the PFB/KFA Warflat. The Warflat, in collaboration with Trains4U of Peterborough, has proved extremely popular with modellers which has been very pleasing for us.
In addition to the aforementioned, other projects have also seen progress with more going on behind-the-scenes…..
The Great Electric Train Show
At the start of this month we attended The Great Electric Train Show in Milton Keynes. This was our first show for over 18 months and it was great to be back at an exhibition following the challenging times we have all been experiencing.
Our thanks go to the organisers of the show and to everyone that took the time to visit our stand and say hello. Meeting people face to face and talking about model trains is a very enjoyable way to spend a weekend!
HAA Project
Photo courtesy Mark A Stanley
HAA Pre-production Samples
Last month we received pre-production samples of our HAA project which included; HOP AB, HAA, HDA, HFA and CDA variants. We are very pleased with the samples received and these attracted a lot of attention at GETS.
Production is well underway, as can be seen below:
We are pleased to show pre-production sample photographs below. Our models replicate the differences associated with these wagon types.
Axle box variations
Another feature of the prototype faithfully recreated on our model is the two types of axle boxes on the HAAs. On the left you can see the plain version, with the wagon on the right having an additional cover above the axle box. This feature will of course be wagon specific.
Door & Wheel variations
Further to the axle box variations, there are numerous wheel types of the HAA, as well as two different door types. These two distinct door types whilst not visible whilst running, have been recreated on the Cavalex HAA. As above the door and wheel types are specific to each wagon running number.
Fine, separately fitted handrails
As per the prototype, the grab rails above the sole bar have been included on the Cavalex HAA, recreated with fine wire.
Interior details
A priority for us when designing the HAA was to faithfully recreate the inside of the wagon, especially given the perspective a model railway is operated from. Rivets, door opening lines and the strengthening bar were three features in particular we wanted to capture. Using a comparison from the drone shot (top), we feel our model (bottom) has very successfully recreated this complex wagon, with separately fitted door actuators and very finely moulded detail on the floor of the hopper.
Finely detailed body
The final feature we wanted to emphasise is the body itself. As you will have seen if you attended the Great Electric Train show, the one-piece moulded body fits perfectly into the cradle, whilst still capturing the look of this iconic wagon. We can’t wait for the Cavalex HAA to start appearing on layouts early next year!
Original Body HAA PRE-Production sample
The previously unseen HOP AB variant of the Cavalex HAA, in Railfreight brown livery, is available to pre-order from KMS Railtech and Trains4U in addition to the other models. Please click on the links below for more information:
Announced in July, we are delighted to be producing models of the first and last Merry-Go-Round (MGR) coal wagons for Locomotion Models, which includes a HOP AB variant.
The first and last MGR wagons are available to order through Locomotion Models, please visit the below link for more information:
CDA samples
The latest round of HAA samples also included numerous CDA China Clay wagons. To say we are pleased with these would be an understatement, in particular the moulded tarpaulin!
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PHA/JGA First EP samples
Photo courtesy Mark A Stanley
Our approach to all of our projects is to try to innovate and evolve as a manufacturer pushing the boundaries of what is possible to achieve, in terms of the detail included on our models. Following on from the PGA, BBA, KFA and TEA, the PHA/JGA is no exception to this approach. This can been seen from the below images of the first EP samples, there is a wealth of detail included on the underframe of these fine models.
The clam shell doors have been accurately modelled in addition to the wealth of pipework, cabling, levers and door actuators. It is not just the details on the underneath that have been replicated, the area above the chassis contains an abundance of separately fitted components, as per the prototype.
We are very much looking forward to seeing the painted samples of these wagons in the coming months.
Class 56 3d print
Ahead of The Great Electric Train Show, we had a 3D print produced of our Class 56 design to display over the weekend. This proved very popular with visitors to our stand and it was great to discuss this project with many interested Class 56 enthusiasts, like ourselves!
The class 56 3D print also visited Oak Road in the final few hours of the show. A big thanks to Mike for allowing us to pose it on his superb layout:
It is great to see a physical example of our Class 56 design which certainly gives you an insight into the levels of detail that the final models will behold, very exciting!
TEA wagon project
Photo courtesy Mark A Stanley
It is exciting to announce that the TEA bogie tank wagon project has moved to the production stage of the process, and we will provide an update in due course.
Photo courtesy Mark A Stanley
KBA painted sample visits Harefield road
On Saturday night of GETS our KBA visited Harefield Road to assist with an S Stock move. A big thanks to Eric for taking photos of the KBA on his layout.
A gallery of the images Eric kindly took for us can be found below:
BBA wagon project - Second production run
Photo courtesy Mark A Stanley
More exciting news; production of the second run of our BBA and BLA wagons is now complete. These models have started their journey to the UK - hopefully arriving in time for Christmas! We will provide further updates when the models arrive in the UK.
Photo courtesy Mark A Stanley
Please use the below button to see a list of our retailers that will be stocking the second run of BBA and BLA wagons:
Thank you to everyone that has supported our projects so far - please get in touch if you have any questions.
Cav & Alex