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Dapol 4F-036-029

Bulk Grain Hopper GWR 42320

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

Up to the 1920s most British grain was transported in sacks and it was not until Britain started to import grain that the requirement for bulk grain movements was realised. The early bulk grain wagons were made of wood and were of an open design, with provision for a tarpaulin cover. Design improvements were soon made and at nationalisation BR had inherited a range of hoppers including some closed steel of an LMS design.

As demand for bulk grain movements increased, BR standardised its fleet based on this LMS steel hopper. The design was not without critics, who maintained the design caused undue condensation and spoilage caused by the cold steel. This style of hopper continued into service into the 1970s as, for a short time, Britain became a grain exporter. However, soon after bulk grain exports diminished and road overtook rail as the preferred mode of transport. Currently, very little grain is now bulk transported and we have now reverted to the pre-1920s way, i.e. by sack.

MODEL

These model bulk grain hoppers are highly detailed and will be a great addition to your rolling stock.

FEATURES

• Profiled wheels
• Superbly printed livery and details
• NEM pockets with self-centring couplings
• Highly detailed body and chassis moulding

MEASUREMENTS

• LENGTH OVER BUFFER 88mm
• WIDTH 33mm
• HEIGHT 48mm

Catalogue listing

Model details

Dapol Bulk Grain Hopper GWR 42320 is an OO gauge model supplied by Dapol under part number 4F-036-029. The model measures 88mm in length, 33mm in width and 48mm in height.

The prototype represented by the model is a British bulk grain hopper used from the early 1920s through the 1970s. Initially wooden and open‑topped, the design was later standardised by British Railways on an LMS steel hopper, a form criticised for causing condensation and spoilage. Bulk grain transport on rail declined after the 1970s, with road haulage and sack loading becoming dominant again.

The model is highly detailed, featuring profiled wheels, a superbly printed livery, NEM pockets with self‑centring couplings and finely moulded body and chassis components.

Measurements (overall): length over buffers 88mm, width 33mm, height 48mm.