KR Models Consett Hoppers for 'OO' gauge

The intensively used Consett iron ore hoppers are KR Models’ first piece of rolling stock and its second ever ready-to-run model to be released. MIKE WILD checks out a full rake.

THE TYNE DOCK-CONSETT iron ore trains were one of the most intensively operated freight circuits on the railway network. Introduced in 1953 to replace an ageing fleet of LNER designed 21ton hoppers, the new breed had air-operated hopper doors for rapid unloading and a higher 56ton capacity for greater efficiency. 30 were built at BR’s Shildon Works.

The new wagons were built for a 20 year contract between British Railways and the Consett Iron Ore Company in the North East for the movement of iron ore by rail. Iron ore arrived at Tyne Dock by ship and was unloaded into bunkers for transfer to the rail wagons to complete the journey to Consett.

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