The HTA Bogie Hopper Wagons were introduce by EWS to carry large volumes of coal, replacing the ‘merry-go-round’ coal hoppers some of which had been in service since as early as 1964. More than 1,000 HTAs were built in York by Thrall between 2001 and 2004 and a distinguishing feature of the new design was the lack of buffers. Instead, buckeye couplings were fitted, and the wagons were hauled by Class 66s which EWS had specified to be supplied with swing-head buckeye couplings. In later years, as the country transitioned away from burning coal, the wagons were made redundant and many were cut down for use carrying aggregates becoming HRAs in the process.
These colossal wagons are reproduced faithfully in N scale using an injection moulded bodyshell, complete with interior partitions within the hopper, and hopper doors suspended from the underframe. The distinctive white handwheels are added separately and metal weights are fitted above each bogie for smooth and assured running. The bogies themselves are finely-moulded replicas of the NACO swing motion bogies fitted to the real wagons, and these are finished with metal wheelsets and standard N scale couplings that attach via NEM coupling pockets. The model is painted with a faded rendition of the iconic maroon and yellow colour scheme of EWS, while the EWS lettering on each side has been removed leaving a contrasting patch of paintwork.
MODEL FEATURES:
•Graham Farish N Scale
•Era 9
•Weathered DB Schenker (Ex-EWS, Unbranded) livery
•Running No. 310458
•NEM Coupling Pockets
•Length 128mm (over couplings)