Kernow models YCV Turbot Bogie Ballast Wagon Review
Part no. SB006 A,B,C and D
The YCV Turbot wagon is derived from a former Bogie Bolster “E” introduced by British Railways from the 1960s. Proving too short to meet changing demands many of these were converted in the mid 1980s for use as open ballast wagons with drop side doors for use by the engineers. An in-depth description can be found at LTSV wagons, a repository of wagons and their histories.
http://www.ltsv.com/w_profile_005.php
Several years ago rumours of the introduction of these found their way circulating around the modelling community. For one reason or another Dapol seamed the likely candidate but then it all went quiet! Next up would be Kernow Models, the respected Cornish shop known for commissioning high quality limited editions and exclusives. There were the usual magazine pictures of CAD rendering and decorated samples with invitations to pre order! They would be offered in sets of four in both Dutch and EWS liveries at a minor discount or sold individually. Now in the first couple weeks of February the models have arrive fresh from the factory. Sadly they were just too late for the festival of railway modelling at Doncaster.
From opening the box my initial feeling was this was going to be a super model in all respects. Firstly is the build quality. It can be handled without the feeling it is going to fall apart in your hands with the only note of caution being a step mounted at the left hand of each side that could be easily caught by an unwary finger. Placing the model on the rails, it was at once apparent this is a smooth runner with plenty of attention given to bogie mouldings allowing the wheels to run freely. The wheels are of a good quality requiring no regauging.
Once again the body is built to a high standard with plenty of detail to satisfy. This includes the drop-side doors, a feature of these wagons as well as the lip at each end to prevent ballast falling out. The floor is grooved to give the impression of wooden planking. Also at appropriate intervals are vertical posts that form the inner supports for the doors. A nice touch in my view that adds “depth”.
The chassis and underneath have not been forgotten There is accurate trussing as well as two vacuum tanks and a wealth of brake equipment. A feature that appeals to me is the simulated planking. The NEM pockets are mounted on the base of the wagon, allowing for differing formats of couplers. The model is fitted with traditional tension lock types. Included with the wagon is a bag containing a pair of hooks that can be attached for 3link operation. When coupled in block formation or with other types of wagon they run smoothly through Peco min. radius point work with no problems. Vacuum pipes are provided attached at the factory. There are also moulded lamp irons at each end picked out in white.
The body of the wagon is in engineers’ Dutch, this consisting all over light grey with the upper third in yellow. Decoration is crisp and clear with the TOPS data panel correctly placed at the left hand of each side. The use of modern tamper printing has allowed the inclusion of instructions for operation. This is again very crisp but requires a powerful magnifying glass! The buffer shanks are also in grey with the plastic heads in black. The under frame is in all over black as are the bogies. The only exception to this being the handle of the brake lever and tiny white writing on the maker’s plate. Although visible this requires an even more powerful magnifier
Personal view of the model
This, in my view has to be an unqualified yes. From the quality of build to smooth running and attention to decoration etc. This ticks all of the boxes for me. This is a completely new build so I would agree at around £30 each they are not cheap but you get what you pay for here! They also make a welcome addition to the now numerous types of high quality dedicated engineers’ wagons, something we could only have dreamed about 10 years ago.
Author: matt
Owner of Rail Record