HORNBY HAS released new versions of the IIA-D 102tonne Drax biomass hopper wagons. 225 IIA-D hopper wagons were built for Drax Power Station biomass traffic between 2013 and 2014 by WH Davis – a further 30 wagons were also recently ordered by the company for delivery in 2023. They are used to transport imported biomass (compressed wooden pellets) from ports on the East and West Coast to Drax in North Yorkshire.
Hornby was initially commissioned by Drax to produce two limited edition ‘OO’ gauge versions of the imposing 102tonne hopper wagons, which appeared in late 2015.
Above: Hornby has re-issued the ‘OO’ gauge IIA-D Drax biomass hopper wagons as limited edition twin wagon packs, exclusive to its tier 1 retailers.
As part of the January 2022 catalogue launch, Hornby announced that it was planning to re-issue the 'OO' gauge wagons in the latest Drax Renewable Pioneers colour scheme. Four wagons were confirmed, which were to be offered in two twin wagon packs, exclusive to Hornby tier 1 retailers. In late December, the completed wagons arrived with these retailers.
Our review samples include both packs of wagons containing vehicles 83 70 0698 068-9 and 83 70 0698 048-1 (R60176) together with 83 70 0698 070-5 and 83 70 0698 160-4…
