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Rolling stock

Rolling stock

Locomotives, coaches and wagons.

  • What is an observation coach?
    What is an observation coach?

    Observation coaches are a distinctive feature of certain railway services, offering passengers a unique and immersive travel experience. These specialised coaches are designed with large windows and, in some cases, glass roofs to provide...

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  • What are flatbed wagons used for?
    What are flatbed wagons used for?

    Flatbed wagons, often referred to as flat wagons or flatcars, are railway freight vehicles designed with a flat, open deck. They are primarily used for transporting large, bulky, or heavy items that do not fit easily into enclosed wagons. Common...

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  • What colour is the Mallard engine painted?
    What colour is the Mallard engine painted?

    The Mallard engine, an iconic piece of British railway history, is painted in a distinctive shade known as LNER (London and North Eastern Railway) Garter Blue. This striking hue was chosen to give the locomotive a sleek and modern appearance,...

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  • Whare are GWR "bloater" vans?
    Whare are GWR "bloater" vans?

    The GWR bloater vans were a specialised fleet of railway vans built by the Great Western Railway (GWR) for transporting fish, particularly bloaters, from coastal regions to inland markets. First introduced in 1916, these vans were designed to...

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  • How can I use BR wagon diagrams for my model railways?
    How can I use BR wagon diagrams for my model railways?

    You understand the importance of authenticity and detail in your models. British Railways (BR) wagon diagrams are an invaluable resource that can enhance your modelling projects by providing historical accuracy and insight into wagon designs....

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  • The Evolution of BR Wagon Classification
    The Evolution of BR Wagon Classification

    Understanding the evolution of wagon classification from diagrams to design codes is a fascinating journey through railway history. Initially, British Railways (BR) relied on diagram numbers to classify different wagon designs. These diagrams were...

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  • What are ready-to-run wagons?
    What are ready-to-run wagons?

    AReady to Run (RTR) wagon refers to a model railway wagon that comes fully assembled and decorated straight from the manufacturer. This means that the model railway enthusiast does not need to perform any assembly, painting, or additional...

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  • What are china clay wagons?
    What are china clay wagons?

    China clay wagons, also known as kaolin wagons, are specialised railway freight vehicles designed primarily for the transportation of china clay. China clay, or kaolin, is a fine white clay that has significant industrial importance, particularly...

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  • What are BAA wagons?
    What are BAA wagons?

    The BAA wagons were 40 feet long, mounted on BR-designed FBT6 bogies, similar to the widely successful Y25 type. These wagons were rated for a gross laden weight of 100 tons and featured shaped solebars designed to clear the bogies, with the depth...

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  • What is a BR Mk1 coach?
    What is a BR Mk1 coach?

    The BR Mk1 coach (British Railways Mark 1) was a standard design of railway carriage introduced by British Railways in 1951. It became the mainstay of British passenger train travel during the 1950s and 1960s, designed to unify and modernise the...

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  • What was the Hush Hush locomotive?
    What was the Hush Hush locomotive?

    The Hush Hush locomotive, formally known as the W1 No. 10000, was a groundbreaking experimental steam engine developed by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) in the late 1920s. It earned its nickname, "Hush Hush", due to the high level of...

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  • What is a Black 5 locomotive?
    What is a Black 5 locomotive?

    The Black 5 locomotive, officially known as the LMS Class 5MT, is one of the most iconic steam engines in British railway history. Designed by Sir William Stanier for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), it first appeared in 1934 and...

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