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Dapol 4F-036-032

Bulk Grain Hopper LMS 701420 Weathered

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.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Dapol Bulk Grain Hopper LMS 701420 is a model of a weathered LMS grain hopper. It is finished in a weathered livery and uses an OO gauge. The model measures 88 mm in length, 33 mm in width and 48 mm in height. It carries the Dapol part number 4F‑036‑032 and represents the period of the Big Four railway companies (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR). The livery is LMS grey.

The prototype hopper reflects the development of British bulk grain transport. Until the 1920s grain was moved in sacks, but the introduction of imports created a need for bulk handling. Early bulk wagons were wooden and open, later covered with tarpaulins. After nationalisation British Railways inherited a range of LMS steel hoppers and standardised its fleet on this design, despite criticism that the cold steel caused condensation and spoilage. The type remained in service into the 1970s, when Britain briefly exported grain, before road transport displaced rail and bulk grain movements declined, returning to sack transport.