Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Warehouse Wednesday: TEA wagon

TEA Wagon

Spotted at the Great Central Railway, and destined for preservation I hope, A TEA wagon. Sadly, not a wagon full of tea, but one introduced in 2001 to carry fuel. 

Because I am a bit thick, I don't know what TEA stands for, and digging around online hasn't helped much. There are lots of models, and it seems the prototypes vary a bit, but explain the acronym? No chance. 

Anyway, wagons like this are a vital part of the rail network, but preserving a block train would be a big ask. However, as the GCR seem to be able to run the Windcutter 16ton mineral set, and some oil tankers, maybe this will one day be thindering along the line behind a preserved Class 60?

6 comments:

Ian G said...

Hi Phil - this might help https://www.ltsv.com/w_ref_codes_tops.php

Phil Parker said...

Ian - Brilliant. I'm bookmarking this. Thanks!

James Finister said...

So an air braked private owner tank wagon weighing over 100t?

Nick Brad said...

I love the thought of having a few of these preserved, along with others of a similar vintage. All too often, freight gets ignored until it's too late, they have just as much history to tell as passenger stock and locos.

Phil Parker said...

The problem is there is no money in running a freight train, apart from photo specials. I agree though, that railways without freight only tells part of the story.

Anonymous said...

That is, sadly, where the problem lies, which is why some railways such as the Nene Valley has sidings full of rolling stock wasting away, simply because they aren't seen as an easy way to generate revenue