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Accurascale ACC1059

BR 16T Mineral - MCO - BR Freight Grey (with Data Panel) TOPS - Pack L

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI/AI images rather than photographs

Prototype Era
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

Seen as very much the ‘missing link’ in the ‘Powering Britain’ range, the 16 ton mineral wagon is an essential addition to the Accurascale range to tell the story of coal traffic on the railways throughout the 20th century. The archetypal BR 16 ton all-steel non-hoppered mineral wagon proliferated across the United Kingdom’s railway network during the 1950s and 1960s and there was probably not a siding, freight yard or industrial railway system in the country that did not house at least an example or three of these vitally important, yet mundane railway vehicles.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

The Accurascale BR 16T Mineral wagon model, part of the 'Powering Britain' range, is a representation of a vital component of the country's railway network during the mid-20th century. The real-life 16 ton mineral wagons were built by various companies in the UK between 1944 and 1960, with production peaking in the 1950s. The wagons were designed to carry coal and other minerals, playing a crucial role in the transportation of goods during this period.

The model comes in a TOPS (Total Operations Processing System) style livery, representing the British Rail blue colour scheme. It features a die-cast metal chassis with a plastic body, weighing 37g. The model measures 78mm in length and 34.53mm in width, with a wheelbase of 36mm. The minimum radius curve for operation is 1. The model includes separately fitted side doors, top doors, and end doors, as well as eroded metal, plastic, and wire detail parts.

The real-life 16T mineral wagons were built to replace the existing private owner coal wagons, which were scarce and in poor condition. The first 16T wagons were built in 1944, with production continuing until 1959. By the end of 1955, over 127,000 wagons had been constructed, making it the largest wagon building programme in British railway history. The wagons were used for coal traffic and were later fitted with vacuum operated clasp brakes. However, the programme was suspended due to operating problems and corrosion.

The model is part of a TOPS triple pack, featuring wagons numbered B246781, B208874, and B148839. It is designed to operate on a minimum radius of 371mm. The model's history is detailed in the accompanying text, highlighting the significance of the 16T mineral wagon in the development of the British railway network.