The LNER Encyclopedia

Works trains seem to be a neglected subject and I still have a very limited understanding of them. I am assuming that ballast brake vans were works blue rather than bauxite? Tatlow is silent on the topic and it is hard to tell from the photos in his book. A related question is what was the blue used on works trains--the same Oxford blue used on some A4s and The Coronation or a different hue? If the old Peco loco sand wagon models are to be believed it was a darker blue. Whatever it was, I am assuming that in service it was usually seen faded and filthy!

The colour used on the A4s was different, Garter Blue.

Under the LNER departmental stock was supposed to be painted Oxford Blue, which is quite a deep colour but faded very quickly, hence the many different shades seen. In service faded yes, but not filthy, just the usual accumulation of soot from the locomotive exhaust on the roof, some rustiness and road dirt in the usual places, and mineral dust from the type of stone used for the ballast.

A reasonable in-service rendition on a Connoisseur kit GE sand wagon here at 1:33 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43ktIBKzSE0

Yes, Garter blue for the Coronation locos/carriage sets, Oxford blue for service stock, according to records.

I make no promises, but there may be some useful or valid observations within the discussion that took place when I was building my ex-GNR ballast brake model. Try pages 347-349 https://www.lner.info/forums/viewtopic. ... start=5190

Will this help?
http://www.cs.rhrp.org.uk/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=1010

These are all extremely useful responses! Thank you so much.