BRITISH RAILWAYS WAGONS Their loads and loading

Railways were invented to carry goods, primarily minerals. After more than a century, by the time of nationalisation, their role as ‘common carrier’ – obliged to carry any type of freight traffic offered to them – had fully developed, and like its private predecessors British Railways had to evolve a wide and varied fleet of vehicles to deal with the traffic, be it a bundle of planks or a girder weighing more than 100 tons. All the vehicles of the BR era from 1948 to the mid-1990s are described here, including the container revolution, recent developments such as ‘piggy-back’ wagons, and through traffic to the Continent by ferry and tunnel. Many photographs and almost 150 dimensioned drawings and diagrams describe all the vehicles, from the humble and ubiquitous four-wheelers to the rarer multi-axle monsters.

But the book not only describes the wagons themselves. It also examines and explains the principles of loading and securing, and how those principles were applied to a huge range of traffic, ensuring that it completed its journey efficiently and safely. Arrangements for exceptional ‘out of gauge’ loads and different braking systems are also explained, as well as the mechanics of securing loads, by ropes, chains, wires and straps.

This comprehensive handbook offers a rare insight into this fascinating aspect of rail transport for both the enthusiast and professional, while the many drawings will appeal to railway modellers who wish to model the vehicles or add a touch of authenticity to freight operations on their layouts.