HEA Hoppers - Post BR: Hoppers in Action

One of the testers has been a bit creative while testing the scenario to be included in our HEA Hoppers - Post BR expansion for Train Simulator 2014.

The screenshots are taken around the Ribblehead area and feature a class 37/7 taking long stored HEA hoppers for conversion for MEA mineral wagons. 

HEA Hoppers - Post BR: Long Lived Loadhaul

Continuing our exploration of the HEA Hoppers after British Rail we come to one of the unusual examples, a dirty Loadhaul liveried hopper that has survived long enough for the paint to fade and a bit of grime to build up. This long life has allowed it time to gain modern overhead warning stickers and have the end ladders removed.

Given the lack of information about the HEA hoppers and especially those that made it into Loadhaul colours this could be a bit of a might have been variation but at least it adds a little more variety!

HEA Hoppers - Post BR: Tatty Transrail

Returning to the theme of HEA hoppers, it's time for the late in life Transrail version to make an appearance today.

The version shown has had the offset ladders and hand holds removed. As a consequence rust scars can be seen on the light body grey.

This wagon is also carrying a more modern version of the battery flashing tail lamp which is considerably slimmer and sports a reflective patch on the front.

HEA Hoppers - Post BR: Murky Mainline

Having seen the HEA hoppers for Train Simulator 2014 in their pristine shadow privatisation and post privatisation liveries it's now time to take a look at how they have stood up to the tests of time.

First up for scrutiny is an example of a Mainline liveried hopper that would have originally have had offset access ladders but these have now been removed, just leaving scars in the paintwork. A general fading of the paintwork has taken place and everything now has a liberal helping of dust and dirt.

One notable feature of all the hoppers that are still carrying these old liveries is that they are faded and generally grimy but not necessarily black. A surprising thing for a coal wagon but possibly due to their use on short term traffic flows and spending a fair amount of time out of service in sidings?

HEA Hoppers - Post BR: Faded Railfreight

We've spent the last few blog posts showing you new liveries applied to the HEA hoppers in more recent years. What is noticeable from photographs is that there are still some examples of the original Railfreight liveried hoppers still in service, albeit in faded and work worn condition.

The HEA Hoppers - Post BR expansion pack for Train Simulator 2014 will feature work worn Railfreight liveried examples from both the early central ladder type and the later offset ladder versions.

Of note is the removal of the access ladders from the hopper ends, application of more modern overhead warning flashes, the painting out of the original logos and renewal/updating of the lettering on the wagon.

HEA Hoppers - Post BR: Red & Gold Variation

Completing the series of posts revealing the different liveries to be applied to the HEA hoppers in our HEA Hoppers - Post BR expansion for Train Simulator 2014 is this variation on red and gold livery.

Making a much more bold statement compared to the previous version this wagon has a striking wide band at the top of the body and much enlarged lettering on the body.

With all the liveries now unveiled it's going to be time to take a look at the work weary versions (with subtle detail differences) that will accompany these sparkling examples in the expansion pack.