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Accurascale ACC3372

FEA-F Network Rail black RHTT - Twin Pack 3

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

Prototype Era
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation

Manufacturer description

FEA-F Network Rail black RHTT (twin pack) - 642013 Tank+Tank+Tank & 642040 Tank+Water+Tank (Pack 3)

The 2005 railhead treatment train (RHTT) season marked a major step in Network Rail’s modernisation, introducing purpose-built FEA-F wagons and replacing an assortment of ageing second-hand vehicles. Fifty 60-ft flats, built in Poland by Greenbrier Europe, were numbered 642001–642050 and designed to carry modular equipment, allowing retirement of General Utility Vans and TTA water tanks. Earlier KFA wagons had already introduced large water tanks and high-pressure jetting systems, later supplemented by Sandite applicators capable of operating at up to 60mph.

Operational changes accompanied the new fleet. The dominance of English Welsh & Scottish Railway ended in 2004 as Direct Rail Services (DRS) and GB Railfreight took on contracts, while Class 37 locomotives gave way to Class 66 and 67 traction. DRS led operations in 2005, using a mix of locomotives across regional circuits.

Typical formations combined water-jetting and Sandite modules with multiple water tanks, sometimes adding extra wagons for long-distance routes. Subsequent developments included revised nozzle arrangements in 2007, wider operator involvement, and module upgrades such as larger fuel tanks in 2009. Additional wagons joined the fleet in 2013 following refurbishment. By 2025, operation of 29 trainsets was shared between Colas and GB Railfreight, employing a varied mix of modern and heritage locomotives.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Accurascale FEA‑F Network Rail black RHTT – Twin Pack 3 is supplied in the Network Rail black livery and carries the manufacturer part number ACC3372. The model represents the initial privatisation period of UK rail and consists of two wagons: 642013 (Tank + Tank + Tank) and 642040 (Tank + Water + Tank).

The twin‑pack depicts the 2005 railhead treatment train (RHTT) fleet introduced by Network Rail as part of a modernisation programme. Fifty 60‑ft flat wagons were built in Poland by Greenbrier Europe, numbered 642001–642050, and were designed with modular equipment to replace ageing General Utility Vans and TTA water tanks. Earlier KFA wagons had provided large water tanks and high‑pressure jetting systems, later complemented by Sandite applicators capable of operating at up to 60 mph.

The launch of the FEA‑F wagons coincided with a shift in operators: English Welsh & Scottish Railway ceased activity in 2004, while Direct Rail Services and GB Railfreight assumed contracts, and Class 37 locomotives were progressively replaced by Class 66 and Class 67 types. Typical train formations combined water‑jetting and Sandite modules with multiple water tanks, sometimes adding extra wagons for longer routes. Subsequent updates included revised nozzle arrangements in 2007, larger fuel tanks in 2009, and a refurbishment programme that added further wagons in 2013. By 2025, 29 trainsets were operated jointly by Colas and GB Railfreight, employing a mix of modern and heritage locomotives.