The EWS MEA Wagon 391456 model depicts a 4-axle open mineral wagon and features a bold EWS Maroon livery. 

The MEA was a conversion of the HEA hopper wagon, by removing the hopper bodyshell and replacing it with an open box design with a flat base. Just like the HEA, the MEA was used to convey coal to domestic sites, as well as other bulk material like scrap or ballast.

This new wagon is based on extensive research and underwent a painstaking design process, culminating in a product that is highly accurate, features numerous separately fitted parts including brake details, and includes a die-cast weight for smooth running. 

Often seen running in long block rakes or mixed into ‘Speedlink’ railfreight services, the MEA is perfect for late sectorisation and post-privatisation era layouts, running behind classic locos like the 37 and 66.

Model Specification:

• Extensively researched model of MEA open wagon
• Highly detailed
• Separate parts including brake equipment, underframe equipment, and buffers
• Die-cast weight
• Kinematic NEM coupling
• Minimum second radius.

Livery:

• EWS Maroon
• Yellow lettering
• 1990s style red OHLE stickers
• Authentic colours and fonts
• Semi-gloss finish
• Era 9 and 10.

History:

With coal traffic in decline, between 1989 and 1998, BR repurposed the frames from redundant ‘HEA’ wagons and fitted them with new steel open box bodies to create a new fleet of open wagons suitable for carrying a wide variety of minerals including bulk coal, but also widely used for stone traffic in places such as Derbyshire’s Peak District.