Coal

In previous posts I have concentrated on special workings such as gypsum, the 'logs' and china clay. Today (27th September 2010) I am concentrating on a slightly less interesting, although important working, coal. I have used many coal trains in previous posts but this is the first post dedicated to this important working

 



The first pic is from Jeff Nicholls. Freightliner class 66, 66595, is shown heading heavy haul, HHA/HXA bogie hopper wagons. Jeff adds that the loco had just run round its load of wagons in Walton Yard and was crossing the Mersey at 12 Arches. The pic is dated 22nd September 2010.

Pic number two is from Alan Rigby. Freightliner class 70, 70004, is pictured heading similar coal hoppers on the low level line past Arpley Yard. The pic is dated 22nd February 2010.

The third pic was taken on 9th September 2005 by Andy Appleton. Mainline liveried class 60, 60086, Schiehallion, is shown heading blue JMA coal hopper wagons through Winwick.

The final pic is from myself and depicts EWS (DBS) double heading pair of class 60s, 60049 and 60039, heading (HTA?) coal hoppers through Winwick on 21st October 2009.

Coal hopper wagons are difficult to id and a good site to attempt to classify them is http://www.wagons.fotopic.net/ For intance the difference between Freightliner HHA and HXA hoppers is length - the capacity is the same but the HXA is shorter, allowing one extra wagon per train. Having said, that I may have got them wrong, but I'm sure that you will let me know.