2023-10-14
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To date, we are pleased to announce that the study of the Standard refrigerated wagon of the "Stef" and its derivative "Marcel Millet" has been completed.
The drawings of the models scrupulously respect the real model.
The reproductions of the parts constituting it are a "delight" with faithful drawings and respecting reality.
It consists of 214 parts made of different metal and plastic materials chosen according to the function and destination of the parts.
Originally our manufacturer had estimated that the model would have 120 parts...and in fact he wanted to remove a certain number of parts to stay within this quantity.
We had to fight hard and after a serious increase in manufacturing costs, to which is added that of raw materials whose world prices are very tight, we are happy to present to you the result of our decisions and choices according to our criteria. of requirements and of course taking into account yours, your remarks and your suggestions.
But the visible and essential parts will be present.
Some examples :
-So that the aerators are not "rough" and respect the appearance of the real ones, they are made in 2 parts,
- The corbels supporting the body are added parts so that they are perforated,
-The guardrails are made of metal wires,
-etc
To respect the details according to the eras concerned, some pieces are specific to era III or IV, others are common to these eras . They are fitted as standard or to be fitted according to the model references.
-2 types of axle boxes are reproduced; box of eight Ocem U1a or SKF type roller box,
- the signal gates are different according to the era; males (EP III) and females (UIC);
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All parts on the buffer sleepers are reproduced; functional OCEM buffers, functional screw coupling, brake half-coupling, steam heating half-coupling, male and female boxes of the 1500 Volt electric white line,
or an elongation hitch system compatible with Lenz hitches. The coupling heads are delivered with the model.
2 chassis reinforcement models according to the Stef version or the Marcel Millet derivative are installed according to the reference.
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For those who were wondering "but why subscribe", I think that the new price at which we must now (for the moment) offer the models: 180.00 € should provide them with the beginning of an answer: make serious savings!
Those who have subscribed can only be delighted to have had the good idea to book.
Note that the series will ultimately be limited to 800 copies, see distribution of models according to the references on the page "Model and prices".
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We will come back in more detail to the various parts constituting the model and to the variants that we offer according to the references.
The next step is making the moulds. Our manufacturer will attack this phase after the Chinese New Year.
25/03/2022
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Good morning all
Work is progressing on our wagon.
The mold manufacturing phase has started. Regarding this phase of creating the molds, we don't have much to show you at the moment. We can show you the electrodes that will be used to engrave the molds when they are produced.
So to make you wait, while waiting for the rest, we are going to show you in more detail some elements that have been the subject of all our attention as well as from our 3D designer. You will find in photos certain faithful and typical details of the French wagons and others more specific to this refrigerated wagon such as the aerators.
We hope you enjoy the work done for your enjoyment.
Feel free to send us your comments.
While waiting for the release of the models, we are offering a catch-up session to those who did not subscribe at the launch or for those who wish to complete their train. These reservations are made with new conditions that are always interesting, but reservations in this form are only possible until the end of June. You can download the booking form on the "model and prices" page on our site.
You can also give us your purchase intentions without paying anything. We will do our best to keep the models for you but we cannot guarantee the availability of these if reservations with payment arrive in the meantime.
The models are in limited series.
After having impacted the manufacturing costs of our model, the return of covid in China, to which has been added for some time the war in Ukraine, has meant that our manufacturer and its manufacturing workshops have been confined for a certain time and regularly suffer cuts. power and other supply problems. It is therefore necessary to expect additional delays for the models to be finished and deliverable. Then we cannot predict the delivery times, this having for the moment been lengthened in the face of the shortage of containers and transport overloads which may have improved by then. We prefer to warn you and we estimate a delivery of the models in the 4th quarter of 2022.
We regret this but this is beyond our control.
Best regards
Let's start with one of the important elements for a French model; the stamps!
The characteristic details of OCEM unified buffers are perfectly respected.
A partial view under the chassis allows us to discover the short coupling system set up with the coupling head delivered with the model.
That the amateurs of real couplers are reassured, there will also be the couplers with functional screws which will be provided as you can see it with its spring.
So you will have the choice between one or the other of the possibilities according to your habits. As you can see other parts are present to complete the buffer beams.
We explain below their function on this model.
These other parts are supplied to complete the buffer crossmembers in order to be faithful to reality according to the versions and periods of the models.
Due to the presence of the short coupling system and its lateral movement, most of these parts cannot be used in this configuration but they will find their place with the use of the screw coupling.
We find on each buffer beam:
- the tow heads at each corner of the crosspiece
- the air brake half-coupling,
- the coupling halves of the white steam heating pipe,
- the coupling halves of the white pipe of the electric heater,
- the male and female connection boxes for the white pipe of the electric heater.
All these parts are in conformity with reality, carried out according to official plans. ​
But what could these pieces be used for? These parts were fitted as standard on most series of this wagon. But no, these wagons are not equipped with heating but in reality these wagons could be incorporated into a train with passenger cars and in winter it was necessary to be able to maintain the continuity of both steam and electric heating to the cars if this one was at the head of the train. This equipment was dismantled in era IV.
Seen from above, the parts are not in their final place.
See you soon for the rest of the presentation of the parts of this model.
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06/17/2022 ​
Hi there,
Some fresh news on the progress of the manufacture of your Standard type refrigerated wagon from Stef and its Marcel Millet derivative.
As you can imagine, we have not escaped the manufacturing progress problems that our "colleagues" encountered at their manufacturer in China with these new very strict confinement periods following the resumption of the epidemic in this countries and other hassles outside the closing periods imposed by the local authorities.
The workshop must also absorb the delays that this has caused on all its productions.
But the work is progressing all the same when possible and you will see in the photos below some of the molds finished or in progress.
Reminder, the model is made up of more than 214 parts...you need molds and some of them of good size!
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Next steps, mold finishes, adjustments and first control print.
We remind you that we offer you until the end of June, the possibility of still being able to acquire these models at advantageous conditions.
For more details, see the model and prices section and download the booking form.
See you soon and if you have any questions: Email: rail43@orange.fr
01/09/2022
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It is with great pleasure that we present to you the photos of the first prototype print!
This model presents a "Marcel Millet" version with SKF type axle boxes.
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We will appreciate the silhouette of the real wagon which is well rendered.
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The engraving of the boards and the various accessories is very fine.
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One would think that the doors are open...
The door restraints are reported in photoengraving.
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Note the edge of the roof with the tarmac well stretched and nailed in the thickness of the roof.
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The well-designed aerators which are not monobloc but made using several parts in order to respect the open aspect as well as the troughs driven by the wind to ensure ventilation.
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Ladders finely reproduced in the image of reality with a platform featuring non-slip sheet metal.
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Finely reproduced OCEM stamps with metal plate in turned.
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Lenz-compatible short couplings are fitted as standard
Functional screw couplings and accessories for the buffer beams are supplied.
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The frame corbels that support the body are not solid, they are added and they are well hollowed out.
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Different types of signal carriers were put in place depending on the era.
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All the parts are fitted as standard except for the screw couplers and the accessories for the buffer beam.
The chassis is very detailed. It has all the essential parts.
The axle boxes are free in height to ensure suspension.
Brake shoes sit well in front of the thinnest NEM standard wheels
in order to be compatible with most model tracks.
Please feel free to comment.
See you soon and if you have any questions: Email:rail43@orange.fr
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01/27/2023
Refrigerated wagons are being manufactured.
The Chinese New Year being underway, the factories are therefore currently closed for 15 days/3 weeks.
Delivery is still scheduled for the end of the 1st quarter of 2023.
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Note also that despite price increases of all kinds and the Dollar/Euro parity which has swung against us, we have not asked for any "extension" on prices for subscribers!
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We have made a few small changes compared to the prototypes that we presented at the shows.
Railings around larger section doors,
The railing on the platform will also be of a larger diameter and it will remain vertical,
The stamp trays will be more realistic with the vertical rear part and the "small hole" on the front face.
The rest being very well reproduced (like the roof edge), there is no reason to touch it.
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There are even the pins on the attachments of the suspension springs and the brake shoes!
We can take the opportunity to appreciate the latch retaining the doors and the quality of the engraving of the parts such as the hinges or the locking of the door, or even the label holder grid to scale.
Control handles for adjusting the brakes with realistic French shapes.
Marking to SNCF standards and even on the brake cylinder
The hidden face is not neglected...
03/11/2023
The Chinese New Year having passed, the factory resumed its work and regained its production capacities before the covid.
Refrigerated wagons are being manufactured. Work is progressing well.
We will give a shipping date to our premises when the models are finished ready to ship.
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On his Youtube channel, Bruno-passion du 0 has produced a video devoted to the analysis of our wagons.
It will allow you to clearly see certain details of these models which respect the real models as much as possible.
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC699zgi-CV8c-diMziYd0Yg
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See you soon for more detailed photos.
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03/25/2023
The wagons are now in the finishing phase as you can see in the photos below.
The work is progressing at a good pace and we are monitoring it regularly with our manufacturer.
The box bearing the identity of Rail 43 is ready. We will let you discover it later.
Our manufacturer awaits delivery of the internal protective shell which is custom made to provide maximum protection for the models during final shipment to you.
We are not announcing a shipping date yet but it will happen in the coming weeks.
We are waiting to be sure that all the models are finished, packed and on the boat to give an arrival date in France.
For those who want to complete their train, the models are still available, don't wait until it's too late...
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See you soon
03/25/2023
We will be present at the Gennevilliers exhibition on April 15 and 16, 2023 at the town hall.
Before you go, take a good look at the opening hours announced on the poster.
We will be happy to welcome you to our stand.
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See you soon
08/05/2023
We are delighted to announce the good news: the assembly of the refrigerated wagons is finished!
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And they have already been sailing to France for a few days...
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They are on the CMA CGM MONTMARTRE container ship, one of the flagships of the CMA-CGM fleet.
This ship was built in 2021 and sails under the French flag.
Its overall length is 399.9 meters and its width is 61.3 meters for a capacity of 23,000 units. A beautiful beast!
This giant ship runs on GLN and not on heavy fuel oil, which reduces air pollutionand our footprint on the planetand we love it!
Its arrival in France at the port of Le Havre is scheduled for mid-June.
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We will not fail to notify you as soon as the models are in our possession in order to deliver the subscribers and reservers.
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For those who have not yet ordered the models, the new order form is online. See section"the model and the prices".
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See you soon for the presentation of the final models.
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20/05/2023
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Our boat continues to progress.
He is currently sailing in the Red Sea and heading towards the Suez Canal.
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05/20/2023
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Our boat runs along the French coast.
Next stopover the port of Dunkirk then that of Le Havre to unload our container.
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See you soon.
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06/12/2023
​ The wagons are now on French soil but they are not yet on our premises.
This should be done over the weekend.
In the meantime, we present to you the first photos of the final models. ​
A few small touches to perfect the models have been made compared to the prototypes presented at the shows since that of Châtellerault and those that you have seen on our website:
- Blue of the Stef logo a little lighter,
-The logos are applied by pad printing like the rest of the inscriptions. The blue tint of the logo and the black of the Millet are well applied to the bottom of the hollows of the boards, which is not easy to achieve,
-White paint like the rest of the body of the vertical profiles on the ends of the bodies,
-The guardrails on each side of the doors are of a larger diameter,
-The upper railings of the platforms are also thicker,
- Modification of the fixing of these platform guardrails, which allows a very vertical maintenance of this one,
-and new metal pad trays conforming to reality, with the "small" hole on the front side, are set up on the unified pads type OCEM.
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Ref 433001 - STEF Standard type refrigerated wagon - black roof - SNCF Ep III - 1st number - axle box OCEM U1A
Ref 433002 - STEF Standard type refrigerated wagon - black roof - SNCF Ep III - 2nd number - axle box OCEM U1A
Ref 433003 - STEF Standard type refrigerated wagon - white roof - SNCF Ep III - 3rd number - axle box OCEM U1A
Ref 433003 - STEF Standard type refrigerated wagon - white roof - SNCF Ep III - 4th number - SKF axle box
Each model has different numbers, different revision dates, different home stations.
The graphics of the decorations comply with the typefaces specific to SNCF and Stef.
The Stef logo is finished in dark blue in accordance with the specifications of this company (at the time) and the graphics are in accordance with that established in 1948 for these wagons.
The location of the various patterns is in accordance with the original installation plan which, as we can see by observing the photos, has evolved according to the workshops which ensured the maintenance of these wagons, these being based on photos real models.
Le 17/06/2023
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the Marcel Millet SNCF Ep III
Compared to the prototype presented, it has received the same improvements as its STEF cousins and the air vents have been painted black like the roof following the request of certain enthusiasts.
It should also be noted that according to reality, the registration and various other markings do not respect the font of the SNCF. The workshops maintaining the Millet wagons allow themselves "fantasies" while remaining close to the recommended standards.
Ref 433006 - Marcel Millet refrigerated wagon - black roof - SNCF Ep III - OCEM U1a axle box
2023/06/242
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The models have arrived at our offices.
We will contact you individually to discuss and find out how you want to obtain your model(s).
Ref : 433005: Standard deco Stef de la SNCF Ep IV black roof refrigerant is now sold out!
2023/07/04
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the SNCF Ep IV versions Same minor tweaks as Ep III wagons
Reference 433005 is mounted on oil axle boxes type OCEM U1A
References 433007 and 433008 are mounted on SKF type roller boxes
Ref 433005 - STEF deco fridge wagon - black roof - SNCF Ep IV - axle box OCEM U1a
Please note that this reference is definitely sold out.
Ref 433008 - STEF deco fridge wagon - white roof - SNCF Ep IV - axle box SKF
Soon sold out
Ref 433007 - Marcel Millet deco refrigerator car - black roof - SNCF Ep IV - SKF axle box
Soon sold out
Hello everyone,
As you know, the refrigerated cars have arrived at our premises.
Since their arrival, we have been sending the cards to each subscriber, and other amateurs who have placed orders, so that you can tell us your choices in terms of delivery and check a certain amount of information.
Given the number of people to contact it will take some time if not some time. If you haven't been contacted yet don't panic it will come. If indeed in 15 days you have not heard from us, send us an email to let us know but before doing so, don't forget to check your anti-spam box if our message is not there.
Thank you to all those who have trusted us since the beginning of this adventure which has made it possible to produce the first typically French wagon in injected plastic at 1/43 scale at an affordable price in a quality that will not make it blush in front of other productions.
Despite all the problems, pandemic, increase in subcontractor prices, collapse of the Euro court, increase in transport costs and many other vicissitudes such as the payment of bank charges, accountant and other charges for 2 years, we We kept our word and we didn't ask for a penny more from the very happy subscribers of the first hour and the following ones!
These underwriters have effectively waited two years instead of one because of the pandemic that has disrupted the world. But given the great savings made, I think and I hope that they do not regret their "investments" and that the quality of the work presented will live up to their expectations.
For memory, those who only ordered one wagon still saved €40 (-21% savings = €190.00 (current price) - €150.00 (subscription price for one wagon)) and up to €65.00 ( -35% around) for those who have taken several wagons or who have grouped together to benefit from the best rates offered. To my knowledge, few (official) financial investments should yield as much...
Currently, we are renewing this participatory subscription operation with BB 66000/040 DG under relatively similar conditions, decreasing prices depending on the quantity ordered, this being conditioned by the fact that a firm subscription number is required to successfully offer such prices. .
This subscription for the BB 66000/040 DG was never stopped but was extended at the request of various enthusiasts who wanted to see or receive their wagon order before deciding. We hope that they will decide quickly so that this essential machine on the railway scene, which has circulated in all regions and even abroad since the end of the 1950s (040 DG) until today, on all types of line, towing alone or in UM all types of convoys, finally sees its realization in a manufacturing affordable for all.
Consult all the details of this subscription on our website.
Thanks again everyone and hope to see you soon.
PS: we are also waiting for those who at the beginning of this adventure had indicated that they were waiting for the models to be available to buy a whole ream...welcome to you!
And for those who want to complete their train, don't wait until it's too late...
Best regard
09/07/2023
I cannot resist the pleasure of sharing with you the first patinas sublimely applied to our wagons.
On a black roof version.
These patinated models based on the Rail 43 refrigerated wagons, I had nothing to do with it (in the patina), are the work of Franck Blondel.
Congratulations to him for this superb work highlighting all the details lovingly made on these models such as the tarmac covering the roof and which presents on the edge of the roof the characteristic folds of the tension during the nailing of this one. Moreover, the nails are even represented there.... The hooks of the doors on each side of these are also highlighted with this subtle patina.
11/07/2023
Here is another wagon patinated by Franck Blondel but this time with the white roof.
I let you enjoy the work.
The patina highlights the finesse of the aerators, which are made up of 2 parts to offer this "transparency" in the view.
The detail of the constitution of the door hinges are well highlighted with this patina.
Also admire the finesse of the ladders and its platform made of diamond-shaped sheet metal. ​
If you are tempted by a patina, we invite you to contact Franck Blondel directly at the following address: https://lapatinedestrains.fr/ you will be able to admire other achievements there and of course that on our wagons, finally... soon your wagons. ​
We can ensure the shipment of the models to him in order to avoid paying 2 times the shipping costs.
2023/07/31
The accessories assembly instructions are available for download in Pdf format on the Instructions page. ​
The references :
-433005
-433006
-433008
are definitely sold out.
Reference 433007 should soon take the same path followed closely by references 433001, 433002, 433003 and 433004.
Shipments are almost daily.
Your model will arrive soon if you have resent your listing.
All sheets have been sent to French amateurs.
Forms for foreign amateurs are being sent.
​ Don't forget to leave your impressions and comments on the wagons on the various forums you frequent and also to us so that we can take your suggestions into account. ​
Now that the wagons are there, those who had to subscribe for the BB 66000 are eagerly awaited!
We are still waiting for those who had to take whole trains once the model was available... ​
See you soon for more...
14/10/2023
The delivery of wagons reserved by subscriptions or subsequent orders is coming to an end.
Some customers who have not yet responded to our delivery form.
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We can now take a more precise look at the models remaining available. ​
The references :
-433005
-433006
-433007
-433008
are definitely out of stock. ​
Models remaining available.
The quantities indicated are those on the day of publication of this update, there is a strong chance that this will change in the coming days following your orders.
-433001 = 15 copies
-433002 = 11 copies
433003 = 35 copies
-433004 = 23 copies ​
Please note that we asked our manufacturer about a possible reprint and given their response (1000 pieces), we can already say that there will be no reprint of this model. ​
An order form is available in the section: model and prices. ​​​
Don't forget to leave your impressions and comments on the wagons on the various forums you frequent and also to us so that we can take your suggestions into account. ​
See you soon for the rest...