Coal trains were, for the most part, made up of 21T steel hopper wagons. Originally introduced by the LNER in the 1940s, there were various design differences in the hoppers a large number of which were build by British Railways using the original LNER designs. Use of these hoppers lasted until the closure of the line in 1984.
In the 1960s…
In steam days, even with a 9F to haul them, coal trains would be split at South Pelaw Junction with the loco making two trips to Consett. The following series of photographs show a 9F hauled coal train at South Pelaw.