SNCB NMBS Villach Green III

Omm33 Villach

From coal mine to end customer with Villach-type wagons

Coal mine

Hard coal or lignite is extracted in a coal mine.

Coal users

In the 19th century, heavy industry established itself near the coal mines, using the mined coal as fuel, thereby kick-starting industrialisation. Most European countries have coal mines and the associated heavy industry.
In addition, coal was used as fuel for heating homes and for motorised transport (including steam trains). The railways are a key transport provider, supplying coal to its users.

Decline of coal mines

Employment in coal mines peaked during the post-war reconstruction period, shortly after the Second World War. Production reached its zenith in the 1950s. However, in 1958 the international coal crisis broke out and production restrictions were imposed. From 1960 until the early 21st century, most coal mines in Europe were closed.

Coal transport by rail

Many coal wagons were required daily to transport coal from the mines to the hinterland. The Villach-type coal wagons (49,115 units) were a defining feature of this transport. From the mines, the wagons were gathered at a large coal yard. From there, block trains went to the main and auxiliary marshalling yards, where the trains were shunted and distributed among trains that handled transport to the coal merchant. In addition, there was a substantial volume of transport from the mines to the coal transhipment ports and heavy industries, which was handled by many different types of coal wagons. Many coal wagons from the EUROP pool also departed from the coal mines to numerous destinations across Europe.

Exact-Train Villach-type coal wagons

• Exact-Train will be releasing Villach-type coal wagons. The wagons are currently under active development. These wagons set a new trend in detailing. Some of the many highlights include:
• Very thin walls. Approximately half as thick as usual. This makes it the first wagon with a realistic wall thickness in H0 scale.
• Doors that open. Combined with the thin walls, these coal wagons will stand out on your layout. When unloading the wagons, the opening doors will be a striking feature.
• Spring-loaded buffers,
• High tare weight ensuring the wagons run stably on the track.
• Highly detailed underside.
• Steel handles and numerous etched parts.
• All fragile parts are made of metal, making the components less vulnerable.
• Highly accurate conversion to H0 scale.
• All types of wagons will be available with and without brake platforms/brake housings.
• The wagons will be available in versions from many railway companies, allowing for the creation of a varied coal train.
• AC and RP25 wheels will be available for this wagon. The design takes into account all the wishes of Märklin model railway enthusiasts.