Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of the forum as I plan out the rolling stock for my late 1980s-era model railway layout. I'm really excited about a recent acquisition: a Revolution Trains Class 59 in Early Yeoman livery (the sound-fitted version, which, like many highly anticipated models, seems to be experiencing a bit of a delay – but hopefully not too much longer!).

My aim is to create a realistic and prototypical scene for this powerful locomotive. Given the Class 59s were primarily introduced to haul heavy aggregate and stone traffic, that's definitely the kind of train I want to replicate. Something like this http://www.hondawanderer.com/59001_Crofton_1986.htm.

My initial thoughts for a suitable rake gravitated towards Dapol JHA wagons. They look fantastic, and seemed like a perfect fit. However, after looking around, I think I've unfortunately missed out on the most recent runs, and they're proving incredibly difficult to find new. On top of that, I've seen some discussions online about their quality control on certain batches, which has made me wonder if I might have dodged a bullet there.

My next idea was to look for Graham Farish PGA wagons. These are another excellent and prototypical choice for the era and the traffic type. But, much like the JHAs, these models have been out for a number of years, and acquiring a decent rake is proving to be quite a challenge in the current market.

I know that manufacturers like Dapol occasionally do follow-up production runs of popular items. Is it generally worth holding out and hoping for a potential re-run of the JHA wagons, or should I be focusing my efforts elsewhere?

In the interim, and especially if those specific wagons remain elusive, I'd love to hear your recommendations. What other prototypical rolling stock would you suggest to run with a Class 59 in Early Yeoman livery for that late 1980s period? I'm primarily focused on aggregate/stone traffic, but any other common wagons for the period that you think would look great behind a '59 would also be considered.

Any specific wagon types, manufacturers, or even tips on where to look (new or second-hand) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Alan

There will be these

https://revolutiontrains.com/product-category/pre-order/ngauge/pta-jta-jua-tippler-and-jsa-coil-carrier-wagons/

but depending on when you're modelling you may need the earlier Yeoman livery as shown on this page

https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/yeomantipplerpta

If you do need the early ones the only option I know of is to buy these kits from the N Gauge Society (you need to be a member to do so) and use the appropriate transfers they also produce

https://www.ngsjoin.com/kit-72-ptajtajua-iron-ore-tippler-ngsk07205-pack-8497-p.asp

the problem with collecting the pga wagons is that they sell for a lot now on ebay. you might get lucky though or find a job lot of them. i wouldn't pay more than 10 pounds for them as they are an older wagon, but others on ebay will bid more.

so i would probably just order the yeoman pta wagons if i were you because they will be high quality, but will be expensive. collecting 18 or so pga will be over 250 pounds as well though so both expensive options...

alternatively buy a few rtc vehicles and model a test train!  or recreate a charter train?


cheers


tim

I have to agree, the PGAs are a very old model now, and nowhere near worth (IMO) the prices they appear to command. PTAs, or hold out for JHAs would get my vote. Dapol have implied they'll re-run the JHAs at some point, but whether they'll 'fix' the couplings I don't know, it's a huge weak point, and a shame, as they're very nice wagons, and suitably imposing.

I can't understand why nobody has launched a 2025-standard Yeoman PGA as it's got so many haulage possibilities. I've suggested it on numerous occasions to the main N manufacturers, but maybe we should put it forward in the next wagon poll.

Quote from: Crepello on June 14, 2025, 02:41:58 PMI can't understand why nobody has launched a 2025-standard Yeoman PGA as it's got so many haulage possibilities. I've suggested it on numerous occasions to the main N manufacturers, but maybe we should put it forward in the next wagon poll.

Cavalex said they would do one in N Gauge and then dropped it for lack of interest, if I remember right.

John P

Quote from: jpendle on June 14, 2025, 04:40:49 PM

Quote from: Crepello on June 14, 2025, 02:41:58 PMI can't understand why nobody has launched a 2025-standard Yeoman PGA as it's got so many haulage possibilities. I've suggested it on numerous occasions to the main N manufacturers, but maybe we should put it forward in the next wagon poll.

Cavalex said they would do one in N Gauge and then dropped it for lack of interest, if I remember right.

John P

The Cavalex PGA is one of the Redland types, very different to the Yeoman ones.
From memory it was backing from Rails of Sheffield that made it a goer in N.

This is the only diagram of PGA they've done in 4mm and subsequently shrunk.

Jo