Kit Corner: Diagram 1/146 HOP21 coal hopper wagon
COMMON 21t coal hopper wagons such as the Diagram 1/146 welded type were constructed in considerable numbers based on a design introduced by the LNER. Wagons to BR Diagram 1/146 were constructed between 1952 and 1958 by several builders including BR at Shildon. Although only one diagram number was allocated, the wagons had minor variations depending on the builder.
A steel hopper was set into an open underframe and was of welded construction with five vertical side ribs, the middle one being shortened to clear the discharge levers, a modification introduced part way through construction and represented in the Parkside Models kit (Kit PC77).
Variations included different types of axle box covers, buffers and brakes too. It was, in effect, BR's standard coal hopper wagon which saw use in industrial coal flows, domestic coal haulage and wagon-load freight too. A small batch were modified with sheet rails to protect loads of grain whilst others were used on aggregate and sand traffic. Vacuum brakes were fitted to some Diagram 1/146 wagons with the pipe running along the top of the underframe to avoid the discharge chute. The vacuum cylinder was located on the end of the underframe, with changes made to the end bracing to make room for it.
As wear took its toll on
