NER B1 10T Dropside Wagon

[Quainton Road]

I have just rescued an old Roundfield Engineering 7mm kit of this wagon from the back of my cupboard.

Build is under way. I want to finish it in pre-group livery, with N.E.R. lettering.
However, as yet I have not found any pictures of this or similar open wagons showing the location of the N.E.R. lettering and numbers.

I do not have access to a copy of Taplow at the moment, so don't know if these wagons are covered in there.
Anybody know of a picture source or details of lettering positions?

Many thanks.

[richard]

Looks an interesting prototype. I guess Roundfield are no longer around, or the kit is no longer available?

I've looked in the Tatlow multi-volume work. Pg. 39-40 cover the low sided open wagons, and diagrams B1/D, B2/F, and B15/D.

The B1 and B15 are very similar - brake iron work is slightly different, as is the end iron work.

Pictures of the B1 show large "NE" lettering, over the axle boxes, almost touching the top of the wagon, about 1.5 planks high.
Plate locations vary but you can probably work these out. Tare weight is on the left above the left side of the left spring, at the very base of the body. Wagon no. is slightly higher up (on the bottom plank of the drop side) on the right side above the brake lever hanger (so the number is over the horizontal end of the lever).
Today is going to be a busy day but if I get a few seconds I'll scan a photo.

Richard

[richard]

Here's one of the better photos.

If you're making a few NER or HBR wagons, then I'd strongly recommend Vol.2 of Tatlow's "LNER Wagons". It is an excellent book - much more in-depth than the old 1 vol work.

Vol. 3 must be due soon - it was with the publishers when Vol.2 went on sale this time last year.

Richard

[Quainton Road]

Thanks Richard

Roundfield still seem to exist, at the same address as the invoice in the box dated 1992. However they are constantly engaged. When I eventually make contact I'll post info here. I do expect them to have given up the kits as I have not seen any around for a long, long, time.

Thanks for looking in Tatlow for me. My understanding is that NE on wagons means LNER days, whereas I want to finish this B1 open in pre-group livery, assuming NER would be appropriate. Is that correct. If so, I need to track down pictures from that era. Maybe Tatlow is 'strictly LNER'

The Roundfield Instructions are not too bad, but only include side drawings of livery with the large NE you describe. There is a nice colour photo on the box lid in this style. The instructions also include information on running numbers in the N.E.R period. Curiously the POWsides transfer sheet I purchased includes the same number as in your photo and on the Roundfield instruction, as well as the NER that I want to use. I'll ask Robert Tivendale about any linkage here.

[richard]

I understand the picture to be an NER era one. I've just double checked: There's no date, but the markings are the same as one dated as 1920. In contrast, the only definite LNER era one (1940s B15) has the small "NE" and "12T" markings.

The Tatlows series only covers wagon types that survived into LNER ownership - so things like the P1 chaldrons and P2 hopper hybrids are not included (an area I've been researching), however pictures typically show the wagons in both NER and LNER markings.

Mod Note: I've just noticed that this thread is under 'LNER Locomotives'. I'm about to move it to Model Railways.


Richard

[wehf100]

There is a slight difference in size and positioning of the N and E on LNER wagons compared to earlier NER livery. But the easiest way to tell the difference at a glance is the wagon numberplate. The NER plates are square, whereas a LNER plate has a rounded bottom edge. The North Eastern Railway Associations publication 'North Eastern Record vol 2' is pretty much the most authoritative work on the subject of NER rolling stock. I believe the assoc. also produce facsimile copies of the original diagram books too

look forward to seeing the model.

Will

[mick b]

North Eastern Record vol 2 has a photo of the Dia B15 version it states B1 were also lettered the same.
In this photo N E same position 1 1/2 palnks high with serial number in the centre of the wagon on lower plank one plank high. Tare weight under N. Worksplate to far left on solebar.

Mick

[richard]

Will: Yes the NERA have copies of the diagram books. When I bought my North Eastern Records from them earlier this year, I also took the opportunity to buy most of the diagram books.

Also a good way of supporting them if it isn't practical to be a member (I'm a member of too many societies and subscribe to too many magazines!)


Richard

[scottiedog]

When I started 51L Model Railways, many years ago, I produced a 4mm/1ft scale kit for an NER Dia B1 low sided wagon. The instructions incorporated a photograph which will meet your requirement. The instructions also included prototype, livery and insignia details along with running numbers and building dates. The kit is now made by David Geen of Hartlepool. His website is www.davidgeen.co.uk. Try him and, hopefully, he will let you have a copy of the instructions.