Volume Nine - Pre-Victorian to the present day - even more aspects - The Introduction of 20 ton Coal Wagons - 1923   . . .

The 20-ton wagons have been enthusiastically adopted by a large number of Colliery Proprietors, and it hoped that in due course the Colliery Companies will purchase their own wagons. When the necessity for new wagons arises, the cost of building two 10-ton wagons will be found to be 50% more than one 20-ton wagon.

The 20-ton four-wheeled wagon is not a new proposition, and the late North Eastern Railway had nearly 18,000 such vehicles, and they were found to be eminently satisfactory for the work upon which they were engaged, that is to say, export coal, although they cannot be used generally for internal working. Further, for many years past the Great Western Company have had in use a very large number of both 20 and 40-ton steel wagons for the conveyance of locomotive coal.

The dimensions of the 20-ton wagons are : -

A special feature is the provision of a tipping door at either end which will save turning the wagons at the Docks and help to accelerate the shipment of coal. The wagons are also fitted with brakes on either side.

Some years ago, Sir John Aspinall, speaking upon the wagon situation in relation to the coal traffic, said that in his opinion considerable saving would be effected if larger wagons were introduced, and he then advocated the 40-ton wagon as being the ideal, but considered that a start should be made by introducing the 20-ton wagons. He went on to say, however, that this step would require the co-operation of the Coalowner, the Railways, the Dockowner, and Shipowner and he summarised the advantages to all four of altering the coal shipping appliances and building larger wagons in the following manner : -