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.
9F 92099 arrives at South Pelaw Junction with a train of 21T coal hoppers for Consett. Photo copyright Roy Lambeth9F 92099 arrives at South Pelaw Junction with a train of 21T coal hoppers for Consett. Photo copyright Roy Lambeth9F 92099 at South Pelaw Junction with a train of 21T coal hoppers for Consett. Photo copyright Roy Lambeth9F 92099 heads up the bank past Stella Gill with a train of 21T coal hoppers for Consett.
In the 1970s…
An unknown Class 37 on a coal train at Oxhill in January 1978. Photo Author’s Collection, used with permission.
In the 1980s…
Two unidentified Class 37s head a coal train made up of HBA wagons on the approach to Leadgate in early 1980. Photo Author’s Collection, used with permission.
