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Dapol 4F-030-027

16t Steel Mineral Wagon GWR 18628

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

Prototype Era
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)

Manufacturer description

The 16 ton mineral wagon was a product of wartime when the requirement for coal soared and efforts were made to transport it more efficiently. Prior to wartime most coal was transported in wooden open wagons with a maximum loading of 12 tons. The all steel construction allowed a 33% increase in load and as a consequence these wagons proved extremely popular. After the war this popularity was sustained with the emergence of the new nationalised BR who based their standard coal shifter on this design.

In all over 300,000 were built from many different construction companies. As a consequence of the diversity of supply, there are many design differences, especially over the recommended all welded construction, where many factories could not cope and used rivets instead. The basic design of the wagon (after many repairs and a refurbishment and re-body program in the 1970s) continued into service until 1987.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Dapol's 16T Steel Mineral GWR wagon is a model representing the 16 ton mineral wagon used by the Great Western Railway during the period of the Big Four railway companies. The wagon was built in the UK between 1959 and 1960, a time when the demand for coal transport increased significantly.

The 16 ton mineral wagon was a response to the wartime need for more efficient coal transport, as the previous wooden open wagons could only carry 12 tons. The all steel construction allowed for a 33% increase in load, making these wagons extremely popular.

Over 300,000 of these wagons were built by various construction companies, resulting in design variations, particularly in the use of rivets instead of the recommended all-welded construction in some cases. The basic design continued in service until 1987, following a refurbishment and re-body program in the 1970s.

Dapol's model of the 16T Steel Mineral GWR wagon is a highly detailed representation, featuring profiled wheels, a coal load, accurately applied livery, and a highly detailed body moulding. The model is also equipped with NEM pockets and self-centring couplings, and is available with different running numbers.