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Accurascale ACC3086

Clayhood - UCV - Fitted - Pack H

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI/AI images rather than photographs

Prototype Eras
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

UCV - Pent Hood - Fitted - 1975 to 1983 - Pack H

BR built a total of 875 of these Kernow icons across several batches from 1954 up until 1960. The "Clayhoods were built to complement and eventually replace the GWR O.13 clay wagons  Running in short branchline trains all the way up to 50 wagon mega block trains, this staple of Cornish railway scene were withdrawn and replaced by the air braked CDA wagons in 1988.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Accurascale has introduced a new model of the Clayhood wagon, a type of wagon used by British Rail for transporting China clay and ball clay. The model is available in a triple pack with three different liveries: Freight Bauxite, and represents the period when the wagons were first introduced, prior to the TOPS system.

The model features a highly detailed design, with a diecast underframe and axles running in brass bearings for smooth running. The wagon's sheets and hoods are removable, showing a detailed interior and tarpaulin bar. The model includes etched metal, plastic, and wire detail parts, such as handrails, grab handles, and brake hoses.

The model is accurate to the real-life wagons, which were built between 1954 and 1960, with a total of 875 wagons produced. The wagons were used to transport China clay and ball clay, with the latter being transported wet and the former dry. The wagons were modified over time, with changes including the addition of vacuum brake equipment, the fitting of pent hoods, and the application of new TOPS codes.

The model features two types of buffers, standard heavy-duty and OLEO, as well as NEM standard coupler pockets and narrow tension lock couplers. The model is supplied with an accessory bag containing instanter couplings. The manufacturer has also included individual lettering and codes from real wagons to ensure authenticity.

The Clayhood wagon played a significant role in the transportation of China clay in Cornwall and South Devon, with many small branches and engines working these wagons. The wagons were eventually replaced by air-braked CDA wagons in 1988, but several have survived into preservation, with some on display at railway museums and others in working condition on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway.