Hornby PCA 'Rockware Glass'/Tiger R6542
The model of a 'depressed centre tank', or chevron 'Presflo' (or 'vee tanker' as Hornby call it), was originally tooled in China for Dapol, using the Lima model as a guide. The two are consequently very much alike and very difficult to tell apart. The Hornby model is from the Dapol tooling, while the body of the Lima PCA was used by Hornby on the PDA/JCA bogie wagons produced in 2006 and 20207.
The PCA is one of Hornby’s most attractive freight models; the air pipes on one side of it are exquisite. The real tanks are used for the transportation of powders and are effectively closed hopper wagons.
The number 10552, carried by the model, belongs to a tank of this type built around 1983 by BREL Shildon for Tiger Rail Leasing. This batch was originally built for the transportation of Soda Ash and Barytes. The one modelled is on lease to Rockware Glass and carries their mid-blue livery. The tank ends carry warning ‘flashes’ and the chassis now carries printed detail. Bronzed metal 3-hole disc wheels are fitted.