Revolution Trains RT-OO-KSA-203A

KSA Timber Carriers No. 33 70 4739 010-5 and 066-7 - Twin Pack

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

Prototype Era
Era 10 (2005 to 2015) Rebuilding of the Railways

Manufacturer description

100 of these large vans were built for Rover Cars by Rautaruukki of Finland in 1995 to convey preformed car parts and completed sub-assemblies securely between plants. Coded KSA-A under TOPS, and nicknamed 'Cube' wagons, they incorporated full-length sliding covers as well as floors that could be raised and lowered to simplify unloading while optimising use of the restrictive British loading gauge. They were used between Swindon, Longbridge and other Rover plants. They were hauled by pairs of RfD Class 47s; after privatisation EWS class 66s, and occasionally 56s and 60s, were used.

In 2001 WH Malcolm acquired several KSAs for secure transportation of Anglo-Scottish freight on the WCML and two were repainted into Malcolm's Logistics livery. Traction for these trains was provided by DRS (Class 66 or pairs of Class 37s) and the KSA wagons were marshalled together, often immediately behind the locomotive. The rest of the train usually comprised Megafret container wagons.

In 2012 several redundant KSA wagons were acquired by the wagon leasing company NACCO and converted to timber carriers. The timber wagons are used with other van conversions including the IWA timber carrier wagons previously offered by Revolution Trains. They are used on trains to and from Chirk, most recently on a newly trialled traffic from Aberystwyth.

Catalogue listing

Revolution Trains KSA Timber Carriers No. 33 70 4739 010‑5 and 066‑7 – Twin Pack are offered as a pair of converted freight wagons. The model bears the manufacturer part number RT‑OO‑KSA‑203A and represents the period of railway rebuilding.

One hundred large vans were originally built for Rover Cars by Rautaruukki of Finland in 1995. Coded KSA‑A under TOPS and nicknamed “Cube” wagons, they featured full‑length sliding covers and adjustable floors that could be raised or lowered to aid unloading while complying with the restrictive British loading gauge. The wagons were used for moving pre‑formed car parts and sub‑assemblies between Swindon, Longbridge and other Rover sites, and were hauled in pairs by Class 47 locomotives; after privatisation they were commonly hauled by EWS Class 66s and occasionally by Class 56 or Class 60 units.

In 2001 WH Malcolm acquired several of the KSAs for secure Anglo‑Scottish freight on the West Coast Main Line, repainting two into Malcolm’s Logistics livery. Traction was supplied by DRS, typically using Class 66 locomotives or paired Class 37s, with the KSA wagons marshalled immediately behind the locomotive and the remainder of the train consisting of Megafret container wagons.

In 2012 the redundant wagons were purchased by the leasing firm NACCO and converted to timber carriers. They now operate alongside other van conversions, including the IWA timber carrier wagons previously marketed by Revolution Trains, on services to and from Chirk and, most recently, on a trial service from Aberystwyth.