For the fifth volume in his comprehensive survey of freight wagons, David Larkin turns to the final British Rail era. 1995 has been chosen as an end point since it was in this year that the BR wagon fleet was transferred to the three freight operating companies in readiness for Privatisation,Loadhaul, Mainline Freight and Transrail (later to become EWS).
There were new types of wagon introduced after 1983, all in the air-braked fleet, plus many more conversions, all of which are dealt with in this book. A major livery change was implemented in 1983, followed by another in 1987, but by then, Railfreight’s image was very poor. The TOPS numbering and tracking system was modified in 1983, and details are included in this book, along with coverage of the many vacuum-braked wagons that were given air through-pipes – the last fling of the traditional fleet.
Profusely illustrated, and including details of the disposal of each class to their new owners, this book includes lot and diagram details, wagon number ranges, builders and livery details. This multi-volume series will be completed with books on the Departmental stock of BR.
