On a rummage through the stores for transfers to finish off lettering two vans destined for the North this weekend I came across this stalled build, I'm not sure why it didn't get finished nor can I remember even when I bought it but I've put it back on the radar for completion. My initial thought is to do this one as a barrier van for an old school Oakamoor sand train... Andy Sollis will like that. I just hope somebody starts making some vac braked sand hoppers now.
Well, just found this topic... I think you may have a first wagon for @Toto to look at for Highlander Models?
Incidentally, I don’t recall ever seeing a barrier wagon used? ( that’s not saying they weren’t, just I’ve never noticed one.)
Oh yes Andy they were used on every train because guards complained about sand seeping in and filling the brake van floor, spare vans were often backed off and stabled on either one or two roads in Park Sidings which was also where the sugar beet was unloaded. They would often be vacuum fitted clasp braked BR standard banana and perishable fruit vans, it has been said ex cattle wagons were used but I don't ever recall that type being used and put such stories down to romantic rubbish. Incidentally before the HJO and HJV hoppers were used on circuit working coded as LK52 sand was transported from Oakamoor in 27 ton stone tipplers and 16 ton steel minerals. Freddy Bunce's job as shunter at Oakamoor (yes Oaky had a full time BR shunters post on the Assistant Area Manager Cheadle payrole) was to wash the minerals out of coal dust.