Hornby Coke Wagon

H Coke Wagon GC grey 06399 .jpg (42548 bytes)

The coke wagon is quite an old model being one of the last Tri-ang Hornby wagons to be introduced and now 40 years old. It was first released as a North Eastern Railway wagon but, after that, it has always carried private owner liveries - until now.

In 1970 it had been decided that the range for the 1971 catalogue should include a low cost coal wagon. The result was the coke wagon the body moulding tool for which cost about £800. This compares with £4,500 to tool up the large breakdown crane. It is not known whether the model was based on a actual prototype but the slightly tapered sides gave it a North Eastern Railway look. At the formation of the LNER, the NER contributed over 10,000 12T mineral wagons, far more than any of the other constituent companies.

Since the NER wagon, the model has appeared in 10 different liveries and numerous number variations. It has been used in triple sets and supplied with a weathered finish. The latest release is in light grey with a large 'GC' (for Great Central Railway) on its sides and the number 06399 on its solebars (R6527).