Bachmann Presflo wagon 22T 38-270
The first 'Presflo' appeared in 1953 and those that followed were for the bulk handling of cement. Many batches were made by or for British Railways between 1955 and 1964. During this time, several variations crept in, some of which Bachmann have included in their tooling.
Some 'Presflos' were modified for salt traffic and later slate powder traffic and eventually carried fly-ash. They were loaded through two top hatches and unloaded under pressure - thus the strengthened sides. They were replaced from 1984 onwards and all had gone by 1991.
Associated Portland Cement had ordered their own fleet of 'Presflos' from Butterley Engineering and Metro-Cammell Ltd, in 1960. These were to the same design as the BR wagons. They were initially painted yellow but, to hide the cement deposits, they were repainted in grey. Tunnel Cement was another company that ordered a batch of their own wagons, as well as hiring from BR.
These are very detailed models. Bachmann have included variations in their tooling which include either one vacuum cylinder (20T) or two (22T). Other differences will be found in buffers, brake levers and vacuum discharge pipes. Some also have an additional notice board on the solebars. The model under review is on of the BR wagons leased to Associated Portland Cement and carries the number 'B873364' and Blue Circle Bulk Cement boards.