The Forum for Gauge 3 Model Trains

Rolling Stock => Wagons => Topic started by: John Candy on Dec 03 2025 10:06

Title: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: John Candy on Dec 03 2025 10:06
As part of a series of BR standard wagon designs to be produced as kits by Anthony Terranova is the Bulk Grain to dia. 1/275 (the vacuum brake fitted version).

The BR GA does not show the detail/dimensions of the loading hatches and we have been unable to find any views taken from above from a loading gantry, etc.

Attached are my OpenSCAD screenshots of my interpretation of the detail I have been able to deduce from photos but all are taken from track level.

Does anyone know of a published photo of the top view or of a magazine article covering these wagons (or have any observations on my interpretation of the design)?

Regards,
John.

Screenshot (543).pngScreenshot (544).pngScreenshot (545).pngScreenshot (548).png
Title: Re: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: Chris_P on Dec 03 2025 17:16
https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/190388-br-20-ton-bulk-grain-wagons/#comments (https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/190388-br-20-ton-bulk-grain-wagons/#comments) includes a lot of information about these wagons and a general arrangement drawing with key dimensions.  The well known Don Rowland British Railways Wagons book also includes many details and a drawing on page 72.  Interestingly Don's book refers to them within the covered vans section.
Title: Re: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: John Candy on Dec 03 2025 21:34
Chris,

Thanks for your comments and the subsequent email, to which I have replied.

John.
Title: Re: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: MikeWilliams on Dec 04 2025 08:22
Looks like there are only a couple preserved, but only 1/271.  I have no idea whether they would be the same?

Mike
Title: Re: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: John Candy on Dec 04 2025 12:58
Mike,
Chris_P is trying to obtain a view, from above, of the example at Quainton Road.
The main visual difference between the diagrams (so far as the main body is concerned) is a closer spacing of the end T-irons and related gusset plates, to provide space for the two vacuum cylinders which sit above solebar, level, outside the gussets.
John. 
Title: Re: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: Anthony Terranova on Dec 04 2025 17:16
I do appreciate everyone's help. Between us, we will soon have a lot more options out there for G3, which in turn might help to get more people to give it a go.
Title: Re: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: Carlislecitadel2 on Feb 01 2026 23:32
The 00 Bachman models are highly regarded and well detailed. I do not know where they got their dimensions but they look, to my eye at least, to be very accurate compared to the photos on Paul Bartlett's website. I added a few extra bits of strapping and rivets to my bodies but that was at the end platforms. What would be very intersting are the hydrated lime conversions of these wagons. Barlett's pics of B885053, B885583 and B885554 shows a couple of bolts on what I think is the vertical end of the hatch but they are not there on other wagons. What would be very intersting are the hydrated lime conversions of these wagons. Hope this helps a bit. Bear in mind all the axlebox variations of these wagons too.
Title: Re: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: keith Bristol on Feb 03 2026 20:21
Good update.. great news for g3
Title: Re: BR 20T Grain Wagon (dia 1/275)
Post by: John Candy on Feb 04 2026 09:17
I don't have a good photo of the top of the Bachmann 00 model : How does it compare with my drawings above?
One Bachmann photo I found shows board walks along full length of outer edges which does not correspond with the BR GA drawing nor with prototype photos I have seen.
https://therailwayconductor.co.uk/images/product_images/upload/bachmann_38-604.jpg
Drawing and photos show single walk along centre of "roof" (punctuated by the hatches): This leads me to question accuracy of other aspects of the model.
Production of the kit is "on hold" until I can be sure my interpretation is correct.

John.