Sffgmss IFA wagons were constructed by Arbel Fauvet Rail in France in the 1980s and their main duties were to transport freight in shipping containers. As ‘Ferryboat Wagons’, they were on European ferries and could go through the Channel Tunnel to the UK. Coincidentally, 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the Channel Tunnel opening.

These ubiquitous French wagons are now mostly seen in Germany and the UK. Due to its low frame, it is compatible to run on British railways, even with high cube containers as a load. The IFA wagons can often be seen on the track being pulled by a Class 66 locomotive. These Sffgmss wagons belong to various owners today such as Touax, Ermewa, CNC, Novatrans and France Wagons. As to its technical aspects, the platform length is 16.58m and the average tare is 18T. Each wagon can carry a 20, 30, 40 and 45ft shipping container.

Our model replicates a TOUAX Sffgmss IFA wagon with a Hapag Lloyd orange-liveried 45’ shipping container as a load. With a chassis made of die-cast metal, this sturdy wagon can run around the track smoothly, perhaps coupled with a Hornby TT:120 Class 66 locomotive. The model also features close coupler mechanisms and highly detailed wheel sets with low flanges.