Wagon fleet news and discussion

[Adrian Barr]

I thought it would be useful to start a general thread for discussion of the current UK wagon fleet, covering wagon news and fleet changes. It's also intended as a place for minor wagon-related questions and observations that are slightly off topic for existing threads, but where it doesn't seem worthwhile to start a dedicated thread.

Intended topics:

• General discussion of current wagon fleet
• General questions about current wagon fleet
• Orders and deliveries of new wagons
• Wagon conversions / overhauls
• Storage / withdrawal / scrapping of wagons and associated movements
• Changes of wagon type on existing freight services
• Miscellaneous wagon movements on the network

N.B. This thread is intended for discussion relating primarily to the freight rolling stock itself - for discussion of current freight flows and workings, we have the Rail Freight Flows and News UK thread. For discussion related to the historical use of different wagon types, or types no longer in use, the "Railway History and Nostalgia" forum is the best place to start a thread.

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Some useful links for wagon info:
=======================

General photos of current fleet, sorted by wagon type:
https://gingespotting.smugmug.com/Wagons
https://ukrailwaypics.smugmug.com/UKRailRollingstock
https://wagons-library.weebly.com/

LTSV rail data site (wagon and other rolling stock news, photos, lists and various info)
https://www.ltsv.com/rd/index.php

These LTSV profiles of specific wagon types are very useful:
https://www.ltsv.com/rd/profile_list.php

Comprehensive source of photos for older wagon types:
https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/paulbartlettsrailwaywagons

VTG UK news (major wagon leasing company). Wagon hire contracts announced here. Newsletters can also be downloaded from this page:
https://uk.vtg.com/news

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Some previous wagon threads for reference:
===============================

Abandoned wagons and rolling stock on the network
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/abandoned-wagons-and-rolling-stock-on-the-network.230339/

New Wascosa wagons for Network Rail
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/new-wascosa-wagons-for-network-rail.225593/

Replacement of 1950s YKA "Osprey" track wagons
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/replacement-of-1950s-yka-osprey-track-wagons.269360/

Freight trains(excluding infrastructure) still using 4 wheeled wagons.
https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...tructure-still-using-4-wheeled-wagons.252317/

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Wagon fleet news and discussion:
========================

To kick things off with a bit of wagon news, this news snippet from October refers to a project to fit new frames to BAA wagons for Tata slab traffic to Port Talbot (this is in addition to the previous conversion of BYA covered coil wagons at Stoke to open coil and slab wagons):

DB Cargo UK and DB Cargo Polska are working together to refurbish 60 steel-carrying wagons for Tata Steel’s operations in South Wales. DB Cargo Polska will manufacture the new wagon frames at its advanced facility in Rybnik, Poland, with final assembly taking place at DB Cargo UK’s wagon maintenance site in Stoke-on-Trent.
https://www.railtarget.eu/technolog...or-tata-steels-green-transformation-9417.html

On the disposals side of things, this article refers to scrapping of DB Cargo wagons taking place at Cardiff Tidal and Warrington Arpley, with further dismantling also expected to take place at Tees Yard:

Wagon disposals stand at around 900 out of 1200 tagged for recycling. Primary dismantling operations are at sites in Arpley in Warrington, Northwest England, and Tidal Sidings in Cardiff, South Wales. DB Cargo also has also issued formal invitations to tender for the disposal and dismantling of a further 200 wagons, currently stored in North-East England.
https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2024/11/12/wagon-disposals-for-db-cargo-uk-operation/

It's accompanied by this video of wagon carnage at Cardiff Tidal, with various wagons cut up. In the case of these steel wagons (coil cradles from BCAs and BLAs are prominent in the scene) I think the disposals are related to BAA / BBA derivatives becoming life-expired and in poor condition. Coil and slab wagons are still in demand, resulting in the conversion programmes mentioned above for some BYAs and now BAAs.

Disposals: DB Cargo freight wagons at Cardiff Tidal in Splott | Simon Walton

 

[Jr_Vandalas]

One question about the IKAs themselves, there are 4 IKA types divided between the AARKND series of TOPS codes, (IKA-Fs, IKA-Hs, IKA-Js & IKA-Ks) other than the wheel cover, in which the IKA-Fs have all wheels covered to an extent while the rest have the wheel closest to the center a tad more visible, is there any other differences between the wagons themselves? I am also interested about where the IKA's mainly operate, mainly if they commonly run with IDAs on the Tesco trains out of Daventry.

 

[geordieblue]

There was a working from Willesden to Sunderland Ward Bros last Thursday (the 12th) - anyone know if that was wagons for scrapping, or wagons for scrap?

(https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R36240/2024-12-12/detailed)

 

[Adrian Barr]

I'm not too familiar with the detail differences between IKAs, the build dates for the fleet are shown as 1990-2004 so I'd expect some minor design differences between batches over the years.

TOPS shows comments for the IKA-H and IKA-J as follows, although I'm not quite sure what is meant by "diagonal buffering" or a "George Fisher coupling arrangement" (which could be the name of a jazz band for all I know). The only other difference visible in TOPS is that IKA-H and IKA-J have a tare weight of 39 tons, compared to 41 tons for IKA-F.

IKA F FLAT 2X2 BOGIE MEGAFRET (EURO TWIN) CAP 87.0T GLW 128.0T

IKA H FLAT 2X2 BOGIE MEGAFRET (EURO TWIN) CAP 87.0T GLW 126.0T
(DIAGONAL BUFFERING BETWEEN WAGONS)

IKA J FLAT 2X2 BOGIE MEGAFRET (EURO TWIN) CAP 87.0T GLW 126.0T
(GEORGE FISHER COUPLING ARRANGEMT)

The "Wagon Recognition" book (Martin Buck / Freightmaster publishing) lists the variants like this:

Number Range	Carkind	Design Code
68 4909 008 - 985	IKA-J	E887
	IKA-H	E886
	IKA-F	E884
68 4943 059 - 099	IKA-J	E908 / E909
80 4909 001 - 213	IKA-F	E884 / E885
	IKA-H	E886
	IKA-J	E887

With this from the LTSV website:

E884 IKE884 IKA-F ? 33.68.4909.800-919 87t Twin Bogie Megafret (ex E854)
E885 IKE885 IKA-F ? 33.68.4909.999 87t Twin Bogie Megafret (ex E855)
E886 IKE886 IKA-H ? 33.68.4909.300-349 87t Twin Bogie Megafret (ex E860)
E887 IKE887 IKA-J ? 33.68.4909.xxx 87t Twin Bogie Megafret (ex E861)

I'm not sure about the IKA-K variant though?

I am also interested about where the IKA's mainly operate, mainly if they commonly run with IDAs on the Tesco trains out of Daventry.

In terms of use in traffic, the IKAs dominate intermodal traffic out of Daventry, as with a 50ft deck they are one of the few designs that can accommodate the 45ft (and some 50ft) containers commonly used on domestic intermodal. DRS use them mixed in with their fleet of IDAs (which have a 45ft deck judging from photos). The low deck of the IKAs (and IDAs) also makes them useful for conveying high cubes on W8 or W9 routes, for example if the Scottish services need to be diverted via Dumfries or the ECML.

One thing that surprises me is that IFA multifrets now seem to be the dominant wagon type on the Coatbridge to Inverness train, as seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/191924368@N06/52985391916/
I think the route is W8 and the containers used on that train appear to be 8ft 6", so the deck height of the IFAs is adequate.

Freightliner also use IKAs for their Daventry services to Mossend, Grangemouth and Tilbury.

The low deck of the IKAs meant they were used on most channel tunnel intermodal services (ignoring the Transfesa services) before the end of that traffic. I think the routes via Maidstone East or Redhill to Dollands Moor are W9, meaning the IKAs are almost the only wagons able to convey high cube containers to Europe. The Novelis trains to Ditton can use IFAs (multifrets) because the swapbodies used are only 8ft 6 tall.

The other route where the low deck is useful is between Tees Dock and Mossend along the northern ECML (which is mostly W9 gauge I think). DB have dispensed with hired-in IKAs and use their own fleet of similar FKA/FOAs on this route. GBRF use a set of IKAs on the Doncaster Iport - Mossend service, which conveys a lot of 45ft high cubes. GBRF also use a set of IKAs for their Tilbury - Wakefield service, which mainly conveys 45ft high cubes.

GBRF also use a sprinkling of IKAs in their regular intermodal services from Southampton and Felixstowe, with only a handful of IKAs on any particular train. They used to have more IKAs in general intermodal use, but some have been replaced by their new fleet of FEAs, and also by deliveries of FWA "Ecofret" wagons with 40ft platforms.
https://www.gbrailfreight.com/the-final-fea-g-intermodal-wagons-have-now-arrived-in-the-uk/
https://www.gbrailfreight.com/gb-ra...s-it-looks-to-expand-its-intermodal-business/

Some of the off-hire IKAs were sent back to Europe, as seen in this photo of a 4Z22 to Dollands Moor in April: https://www.flickr.com/photos/locohunter/53940725742/

Freightliner don't seem to have any IKAs in use on general intermodal services to the ports. They need low-deck wagons for their Wentloog services, but have their own fleet of KTA pocket wagons and low-deck FLA types.
They were using IKAs on some services, but like GBRF, new wagons have been delivered in the past couple of years: https://www.freightliner.co.uk/news/the-first-of-freightliners-new-ffa-g-wagons-arrive-in-the-uk/
Some IKAs off-hired by Freightliner congregated at York Yard and were moved by DB to Dollands Moor in May last year. The regular 6D06 trip from York to Doncaster was used to move 17 IKAs on 17/05/23, which went forwards to Dollands Moor as 4O28 the next day for onward movement through the tunnel.

The IKAs are one of those ubiquitous types of wagon that don't really draw a lot of attention, but it's interesting to focus on their current usage. It's also worth commenting on the unusual "68" country code. These wagons are often referred to as "AAE megafrets." Apparently AAE was a wagon leasing company which bought a short branch line for the purposes of acquiring various railway operating rights, one result of which was the allocation of their own operator code 68, where you would normally see 70 for the UK, 80 for Germany, 87 for France and so on. From German Wikipedia via google translate:

In February 1989, Ahaus-Alstätter Eisenbahn GmbH (AAE) was founded by Andreas Goer for the purpose of leasing wagons; for this purpose, the concession of the Ahaus-Enscheder Eisenbahn, a 9-kilometer-long branch line, was acquired, which gave the company access to the railway system and thus to all technical guidelines and contracts in European rail transport.

AAE Ahaus Alstätter Eisenbahn AG, based in Baar (Switzerland), was one of the largest private freight wagon lessors in Europe with 30,000 freight wagons. It has been part of VTG AG since the beginning of 2015. Initially, the wagons were given a new logo combination of the VTG and the AAE characters. In 2018, the integration into VTG was largely completed, and the wagons are rented out through VTG. However, wagons still bear the owner's abbreviation AAEC. The AAE is also a member of the international railway association UIC.

There was a working from Willesden to Sunderland Ward Bros last Thursday (the 12th) - anyone know if that was wagons for scrapping, or wagons for scrap?

6L03 10:00 Willesden to Sunderland conveyed 23 JNAs in the VTG34xx and VTG35xx number series - more details on the type in the caption of this photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/36034969@N08/44422274224/
The 6L03 service is seen here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/91977133@N04/54199814371/

The wagons will be for scrapping - there have been other services conveying the same type of wagons from Wembley to Sunderland over the past year or two (displaced from southern region aggregate work by newer JNA-T types). The wagons on 6L03 from Willesden were previously used on the HS2 spoil trains, but have also no doubt been displaced by new-build wagons.

 

[Jr_Vandalas]

I'm not sure about the IKA-K variant though?

Having a look at the LTSV website, it has design code E905 with only one wagon as part of the IKA-K sub-code (33.68.4909.723-1), could it be an IKA-J with some sort of modifications?

 

[marty56110]

There was a working from Willesden to Sunderland Ward Bros last Thursday (the 12th) - anyone know if that was wagons for scrapping, or wagons for scrap?

(https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R36240/2024-12-12/detailed)

Store until the New Year then an assessment to be completed when the wagons will either be disposed or reinstated, a light engine move will be required to move them once taken place. The wagons are in-fact at the Port of Sunderland not Ward Bros.

 

[geordieblue]

Thanks both for the info.

 

[Dunfanaghy Rd]

37.68.4909.723-1 is/was DESCDE IKE905, CARKND IKA-K. Converted for the minimodal trial.
Also 33.87.4908.507-6; DESCDE IFE904, CARKND IFA-M. Minimodal as well.
AAE Megafrets:
I have IKE884 - Arbel, 16 spigot, diagonal intermediate buffers (1 buffer on each platform, giving close coupling. Eurotwins and Multifrets are the same.)
IKE885 - Remafer, 14 spigot, diagonal intermediate buffers. prototype wagon, was once 33.68.4909.999-7, later 37.80.4909.019-4.
IKE886 - Remafer, 16 spigot, diagonal intermediate buffers. production version until Remafer went bust. Arbel finished them off and then went on to -
IKE887 - Arbel, 16 spigot, Georg Fischer intermediate drawgear (a cylindrical drawbar, no buffers). The main production run.
Attached photos show the Remafer shape over the bogies. (Apologies for the quality, it was about 2 in the morning, So'ton West Dox, 2016.)
Pat

 

[Jr_Vandalas]

Cheers for the info!

 

[Amlag]

Salmons

These BR/British built Engineers Dept. bogie flats mostly used for carrying new or old track sections have been in use for approx 60 years.
The fleet of at one time a couple hundred is now being withdrawn and replaced by new yellow Wascosa foreign built bogie flats.
I saw some Salmons at Westbury a few weeks ago but wonder how many still survive and when withdrawal of them is likely to be completed ?

 

[Adrian Barr]

37.68.4909.723-1 is/was DESCDE IKE905, CARKND IKA-K. Converted for the minimodal trial.
Also 33.87.4908.507-6; DESCDE IFE904, CARKND IFA-M. Minimodal as well.
AAE Megafrets:
I have IKE884 - Arbel, 16 spigot, diagonal intermediate buffers (1 buffer on each platform, giving close coupling. Eurotwins and Multifrets are the same.)
IKE885 - Remafer, 14 spigot, diagonal intermediate buffers. prototype wagon, was once 33.68.4909.999-7, later 37.80.4909.019-4.
IKE886 - Remafer, 16 spigot, diagonal intermediate buffers. production version until Remafer went bust. Arbel finished them off and then went on to -
IKE887 - Arbel, 16 spigot, Georg Fischer intermediate drawgear (a cylindrical drawbar, no buffers). The main production run.
Attached photos show the Remafer shape over the bogies. (Apologies for the quality, it was about 2 in the morning, So'ton West Dox, 2016.)
Pat

Thanks... I was thinking we needed some input from someone who actually worked with the wagons.

This is how the different variants look in TOPS:

Apart from a minor difference in tare weights (39 or 41 tons) and capacity (87 or 89 tons), the only thing that stands out is a big increase in brake force for the E887 design.

336849098619 IKAF IKE884 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.240M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 087.0T ACTL 087.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 41.000T ACTL 41.000T
42BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF14 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF46 BUILT: 03 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE WAA
Brake force with 50 ton of containers: 32.860

378049090194 IKAF IKE885 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.240M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 087.0T ACTL 087.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 41.000T ACTL 41.000T
42BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF14 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF46 BUILT: 98 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE WAA
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 32.860

336849093461 IKAH IKE886 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 087.0T ACTL 087.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF12 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW126.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF48 BUILT: 00 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 33.183

336849090368 IKAJ IKE887 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 089.0T ACTL 089.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF30 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF93 BUILT: 00 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE DBIM
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 65.698

336849097231 IKAK IKE905 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 087.0T ACTL 087.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF12 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW126.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF48 BUILT: 98 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH ( 34.000T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 33.183

336849430598 IKAJ IKE908 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 089.0T ACTL 089.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF22 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF59 BUILT: 99 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE DBIM
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 43.107

336849430606 IKAJ IKE909 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 089.0T ACTL 089.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF22 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF59 BUILT: 00 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 43.107

Store until the New Year then an assessment to be completed when the wagons will either be disposed or reinstated, a light engine move will be required to move them once taken place. The wagons are in-fact at the Port of Sunderland not Ward Bros.

Thanks for the clarification, I'd heard they were for scrap and assumed they were just cutting them up on the dock.

Do you know if the wagons from the previous couple of moves to Sunderland are still there?

There was a 6Z90 from Tyne Yard to Sunderland Docks (wagons ex Wembley) on 18th June - https://www.flickr.com/photos/northbritonrailways/53799810309/
It had 15 wagons in total - mostly VTG 34xx / VTG 35xx JNA-A types but also VTG 3259, probably the last surviving JNA-G (originally PXA - https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/trlpxatml)
The TML Roundel is still visible in this picture of another wagon from the 3248-3259 batch, VTG 3254 in 2019 - https://wagons-library.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/2/9/6929845/jna-vtg-3254-03-04-19-6m76_orig.jpg

There was another 6Z90 from Tees Yard to Sunderland Docks (20 more wagons ex Wembley) on 18th September.
Can't find any pictures but it was noted as a sighting on the LTSV website - https://www.ltsv.com/rd/sighting_detail.php?id=41999
In addition to some more JNA-As there were some JXAs, including VTG 3144 pictured here when in traffic: https://wagons-library.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/2/9/6929845/jxa-vtg-3144-07-11-13-6z57_orig.jpg
That type of JXA (3140-3149) were originally PXAs for Yeoman: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/pxapxo29c

Another type of JXA on the train was VTG 3157, seen here when in traffic: https://ukrailwaypics.smugmug.com/U...ex-Sheerness-Steel-newbuild-boxes/i-m9kMdVT/A
Those JXAs in the 3150-3159 batch were originally PXAs for Sheerness steel, and slightly different to the other JXA type (3100-3139) which were originally POAs: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/sheernesssteelpxa

There were also some KEAs on the train, including VTG 3246 seen here when in traffic: https://wagons-library.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/2/9/6929845/kea-vtg-3246-21-12-18-6c12_orig.jpg
Those were PXAs originally, and you could just about make out the TML Roundels under the dirt on some of them... https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/pxatmlyeoman

Salmons

These BR/British built Engineers Dept. bogie flats mostly used for carrying new or old track sections have been in use for approx 60 years.
The fleet of at one time a couple hundred is now being withdrawn and replaced by new yellow Wascosa foreign built bogie flats.
I saw some Salmons at Westbury a few weeks ago but wonder how many still survive and when withdrawal of them is likely to be completed ?

There are very few actual salmon (YWA) left in active use, maybe half a dozen in active use as Kirow crane support vehicles (runners).

The Osprey derivative (YKA with "goalposts" for carrying recovered track panels off engineering worksites) are more numerous, I would guess there are roughly 100 in active use.

6S31 (Doncaster - Millerhill infrastructure trip) on Monday had a YWA on it (with a Kirow crane) plus a dozen Osprey, so they still get about!

There was some discussion about the future of the YKAs in this thread - it's not clear how long they will stay in traffic or what will replace them:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/replacement-of-1950s-yka-osprey-track-wagons.269360/

 

[eastwestdivide]

COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B

Might be worth turning off auto-emojis for this! Type: D, the colon followed immediately by a D gets converted.
Edit: I’m sure there was a way to do this, but can I find it?

 

[Oxfordblues]

I wonder if anyone with inside knowledge can advise what the plans are for the numerous WIAs and VGA/VKAs which have been in store for many years at Didcot Yard? Thee is no road access for breaking-up on site and they look too woebegone to safely move to a scrapyard elsewhere.

 

[Dunfanaghy Rd]

From a dig-around in the nether regions of my PC:
Coupling Codes

1	BSI auto (outer)	Bar (inner)
2	UIC Screw	Fixed-head Tightlock
3	BR Screw	Fixed-head Tightlock
4	UIC Screw	AAR E/F
5	AAR E/F	AAR E/F
6	Drop-head buckeye	BR Screw
7	Instanter	Permanent Screw
8	BR Screw	AAR E/F
9	D & M Compact
A	Not fitted
B	Instanter	Instanter
C	Instanter	Bar (rigid)
D	UIC Screw	UIC Screw
E	BR Screw	BR Screw
F	Emergency Screw	Emergency Screw
G	BR Screw	Bar (rigid)
H	Bar (rigid)	Bar (rigid)
I	UIC Screw	Rotary
J	Drop-head buckeye	Fixed-head buckeye
K	Drop-head buckeye	Fixed-head Tightlock
L	Drop-head buckeye	Fixed-head Alliance
M	Fixed-head Alliance	Emergency drawbar
N	Drop-head buckeye	Drop-head buckeye
O	Fixed-head Tightlock	Fixed-head Tightlock
P	Fixed-head Alliance	Fixed-head Alliance
Q	Fixed-head Alliance	BR Screw
R	Fixed-head Tightlock	Bar (rigid)
S	UIC Screw	Bar (rigid)
S	UIC Screw	Dellner/Scharfenberg
T	Rotary	Non-rotary
U	Drop-head buckeye	Instanter
V	BR Screw	Permanent Screw
W	Waterloo & City
X	Fixed-head Tightlock	BR Screw
Y	Drop-head buckeye	Bar (rigid)
Z	Type not known

Coupling strength:

A	22.0t
B	34.5t
C	56.0t
D	34.0t
E	20.3t

Pat
PS: I should add that these are from 8-10 years ago. There may have been updates since.

 

[Amlag]

Thanks... I was thinking we needed some input from someone who actually worked with the wagons.

This is how the different variants look in TOPS:

Apart from a minor difference in tare weights (39 or 41 tons) and capacity (87 or 89 tons), the only thing that stands out is a big increase in brake force for the E887 design.

336849098619 IKAF IKE884 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.240M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 087.0T ACTL 087.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 41.000T ACTL 41.000T
42BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF14 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF46 BUILT: 03 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE WAA
Brake force with 50 ton of containers: 32.860

378049090194 IKAF IKE885 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.240M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 087.0T ACTL 087.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 41.000T ACTL 41.000T
42BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF14 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF46 BUILT: 98 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE WAA
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 32.860

336849093461 IKAH IKE886 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 087.0T ACTL 087.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF12 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW126.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF48 BUILT: 00 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 33.183

336849090368 IKAJ IKE887 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 089.0T ACTL 089.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF30 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF93 BUILT: 00 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE DBIM
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 65.698

336849097231 IKAK IKE905 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 087.0T ACTL 087.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF12 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW126.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF48 BUILT: 98 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE STRENGTH ( 34.000T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 33.183

336849430598 IKAJ IKE908 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 089.0T ACTL 089.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF22 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF59 BUILT: 99 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE DBIM
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 43.107

336849430606 IKAJ IKE909 OL:120FT/36.440M IL:32.210M OW:2.604M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.825M
CP: DSGN 089.0T ACTL 089.0T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 39.000T ACTL 39.000T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF22 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG: 00.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW128.000T MS 75MPH RA3 VBF00 ABF59 BUILT: 00 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 27AAE
Brake force with 50 ton of containers = 43.107



Thanks for the clarification, I'd heard they were for scrap and assumed they were just cutting them up on the dock.

Do you know if the wagons from the previous couple of moves to Sunderland are still there?

There was a 6Z90 from Tyne Yard to Sunderland Docks (wagons ex Wembley) on 18th June - https://www.flickr.com/photos/northbritonrailways/53799810309/
It had 15 wagons in total - mostly VTG 34xx / VTG 35xx JNA-A types but also VTG 3259, probably the last surviving JNA-G (originally PXA - https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/trlpxatml)
The TML Roundel is still visible in this picture of another wagon from the 3248-3259 batch, VTG 3254 in 2019 - https://wagons-library.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/2/9/6929845/jna-vtg-3254-03-04-19-6m76_orig.jpg

There was another 6Z90 from Tees Yard to Sunderland Docks (20 more wagons ex Wembley) on 18th September.
Can't find any pictures but it was noted as a sighting on the LTSV website - https://www.ltsv.com/rd/sighting_detail.php?id=41999
In addition to some more JNA-As there were some JXAs, including VTG 3144 pictured here when in traffic: https://wagons-library.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/2/9/6929845/jxa-vtg-3144-07-11-13-6z57_orig.jpg
That type of JXA (3140-3149) were originally PXAs for Yeoman: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/pxapxo29c

Another type of JXA on the train was VTG 3157, seen here when in traffic: https://ukrailwaypics.smugmug.com/U...ex-Sheerness-Steel-newbuild-boxes/i-m9kMdVT/A
Those JXAs in the 3150-3159 batch were originally PXAs for Sheerness steel, and slightly different to the other JXA type (3100-3139) which were originally POAs: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/sheernesssteelpxa

There were also some KEAs on the train, including VTG 3246 seen here when in traffic: https://wagons-library.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/2/9/6929845/kea-vtg-3246-21-12-18-6c12_orig.jpg
Those were PXAs originally, and you could just about make out the TML Roundels under the dirt on some of them... https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/pxatmlyeoman



There are very few actual salmon (YWA) left in active use, maybe half a dozen in active use as Kirow crane support vehicles (runners).

The Osprey derivative (YKA with "goalposts" for carrying recovered track panels off engineering worksites) are more numerous, I would guess there are roughly 100 in active use.

6S31 (Doncaster - Millerhill infrastructure trip) on Monday had a YWA on it (with a Kirow crane) plus a dozen Osprey, so they still get about!

There was some discussion about the future of the YKAs in this thread - it's not clear how long they will stay in traffic or what will replace them:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/replacement-of-1950s-yka-osprey-track-wagons.269360/

An amusing little song we railway clerks used to sing in the Bristol Division Engineering notices section in the 1970’s …
…Dogfish of ballast and grampus of spoil, Salmons of track sections tied up with string, these are a few of my favourite things !

 

[Adrian Barr]

I wonder if anyone with inside knowledge can advise what the plans are for the numerous WIAs and VGA/VKAs which have been in store for many years at Didcot Yard? Thee is no road access for breaking-up on site and they look too woebegone to safely move to a scrapyard elsewhere.

The VGAs and VKAs there have been out of traffic since ~2017 or so and are earmarked for scrap, like pretty much all DB's remaining 2-axle wagons in storage (although some VGA and VKAs remain in use on MoD services, and also on movements of wire rod from Cardiff Tidal to Burton).

The WIAs... are in storage, that's about all I know. Some of them have been out of traffic for 12 years and it seems unlikely those would ever be reinstated, but DB seem reluctant to dispose of them!

If scrapping on site is not a realistic option, if and when they do move, they might need a bit of attention to make them fit for a one-journey-only movement.

====================================================================================================

I was puzzling over this photo of 70002 navigating the Crewe Independent lines with the 4K66 trip from Guide Bridge earlier this year, which normally conveys wagons off maintenance: https://www.flickr.com/photos/actonwellsjunction/53784456363/

It took me a little while to recognise those are the cradles used on the Hartlepool - Willesden HS2 concrete segment trains:

608142 (FSA) with empty cradles: https://www.flickr.com/photos/northbritonrailways/53782814837/
FSAs loaded with segments: https://www.flickr.com/photos/darrenjb/53811063034/
Low-height box on 608227 (FSA), most likely used as storage for the numerous straps needed to secure the loaded segments.

Those low-height boxes remind me of some other low-height containers owned by Freightliner, seen here at Up Decoy in 2022 after being used to assist in the recovery of damaged FLAs from the Doncaster collision.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tayrail/52268794111/

While my thoughts are meandering onto this extremely niche topic of low-height containers, I am also reminded of the small blue boxes sometimes seen on the Tinsley - Immingham slab trains.
A fleeting glimpse of them here, stacked 3 high heading through Barnetby: https://www.flickr.com/photos/class_153/20627382988/
And this is an interesting photo from the Weebly Wagons website, showing 952029 stacked 6-high with flat cassettes that are presumably used by DFDS on their ships from Immingham:
https://wagons-library.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/2/9/6929845/bva-952029-17-06-14-6d03_orig.jpg

The slightly odd thing here is that the BVA itself is already mounted with a "cassette" that can be lifted off the wagon, making the flow of stainless steel slab to Sweden a type of intermodal operation.
https://www.dfds.com/en/freight-ferries-and-logistics/case-studies/outokumpu
These BVA images by Paul Bartlett show the BVA both "naked" (with a deck similar to an intermodal wagon) and with the cassettes in place: https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/bva

In this YouTube video, pause at 0:43 for a very brief shot of one of these cassettes about to be lifted onto an empty BVA wagon to the left of the crane (at the Nordic terminal, Immingham).
The coils from Sweden are no longer transported to Tinsley, but presumably the same thing happens with the slabs in the other direction (cassette lifted off the wagon rather than the individual slabs). The crane must have a hefty lifting capacity to do that...

VisionFilmsLtd | HumberPort - At the Heart of Britain's International Trade (2012)

 

[Class15]

I was puzzling over this photo of 70002 navigating the Crewe Independent lines with the 4K66 trip from Guide Bridge earlier this year, which normally conveys wagons off maintenance: https://www.flickr.com/photos/actonwellsjunction/53784456363/

It took me a little while to recognise those are the cradles used on the Hartlepool - Willesden HS2 concrete segment trains:

I am curious as to why the Hartlepool - Willesden wagons would be being taken from Guide Bridge to Crewe? Clearly they were on maintenance at Guide Bridge but why would they head to Crewe I wonder? Can they be forwarded as part of a Freightliner train to Wembley?

 

[markglos]

I am not into wagons in a big way but I do collect the numbers when I see them. Is there an up to date list of the channel tunnel wagons. It is good to read about the wagons on here thanks

 

[littledude]

I am not into wagons in a big way but I do collect the numbers when I see them. Is there an up to date list of the channel tunnel wagons. It is good to read about the wagons on here thanks

By Channel Tunnel wagons do you mean all freight wagons authorised to operate via the tunnel (which is a huge can of worms and the short answer is not really), or do you mean wagons used on the car and lorry shuttles between Cheriton and Coquelles?

 

[markglos]

the wagons used on the lorry shuttles.

 

[marty56110]

Thanks for the clarification, I'd heard they were for scrap and assumed they were just cutting them up on the dock.

Do you know if the wagons from the previous couple of moves to Sunderland are still there?

There was a 6Z90 from Tyne Yard to Sunderland Docks (wagons ex Wembley) on 18th June - https://www.flickr.com/photos/northbritonrailways/53799810309/
It had 15 wagons in total - mostly VTG 34xx / VTG 35xx JNA-A types but also VTG 3259, probably the last surviving JNA-G (originally PXA - https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/trlpxatml)
The TML Roundel is still visible in this picture of another wagon from the 3248-3259 batch, VTG 3254 in 2019 - https://wagons-library.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/2/9/6929845/jna-vtg-3254-03-04-19-6m76_orig.jpg

There was another 6Z90 from Tees Yard to Sunderland Docks (20 more wagons ex Wembley) on 18th September.

All scrapped. All taken out by road to a scrap yard in Bishop Auckland more or less soon as there arrived, all gone within a week.

Parts from these wagons did reappear a few weeks later at Celsa in Sunderland, such as buffers, bogies and frames that then got loaded onto the DB service to Cardiff…….

 

[Adrian Barr]

All scrapped. All taken out by road to a scrap yard in Bishop Auckland more or less soon as there arrived, all gone within a week.

Parts from these wagons did reappear a few weeks later at Celsa in Sunderland, such as buffers, bogies and frames that then got loaded onto the DB service to Cardiff…….

Interesting, thanks. The wagons that came from Wembley had been there a while and been shunted around (previously used on DB spoil and aggregate workings around London), so the condition of them had probably already been assessed there, with many of the KEAs being separated out for onward movement to Shirebrook for conversion to slab wagons. The wagons from Willesden were off the HS2 spoil workings, and 6L03 cleared out all of the VTG 34xx and VTG35xx (JNA-A) there. They were last used on the Willesden to Cliffe circuit, all stored at Willesden since the arrival of 6M33 from Cliffe on 08/02/23.

TOPS shows 3 KEAs and 28 of the VTG 34xx / VTG 35xx JNA-As still at Wembley, plus VTG 3166, a JNA-N from the 3160-3169 batch for Foster Yeoman (originally PXA): https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/prpxayeoman

There were some slightly odd KEA movements out of Wembley last week. On Mon 16th Dec there was a 6E01 04:02 Wembley - Doncaster Down Decoy, and 6N02 Down Decoy to Shirebrook, which appear to have taken a single KEA wagon VTG 3198. The same thing happened the following day, with a 6Z16 03:23 Wembley - Doncaster Down Decoy and 6N02 10:01 onward to Shirebrook, with VTG 3211. The third working was 6Z16 03:14 Wembley - Doncaster Down Decoy on Wed 18/12, with VTG 3210. All these workings were hauled by 66789 in large logo BR blue. A possible reason for the three separate movements might have been the couplings - I think these were all "outer" wagons. If the wagons were all oriented the same way (conventional couplings all facing the London end of the yard for example) I suspect it would cause issues trying to run them as a single train of 3 wagons.

66789 also brought out a couple of MLAs (falcon wagons for ballast / spoil) from Shirebrook as 6N03 12:19 to Doncaster Belmont on 16th Dec, to go back into traffic on engineer's trains. I think WH Davis are doing some type of overhaul on wagons from the MLA fleet at Shirebrook, with a few similar movements this year, such as this 6N66 from Shirebrook to Doncaster Up Decoy on 14th August: https://www.flickr.com/photos/197671115@N03/53952772644/

Also at Shirebrook, there was this recent news piece from Freightliner about the conversion of coal wagons to box wagons: https://www.freightliner.co.uk/news/wagon-fleet-re-purposing-project/
There was a movement of stored HHAs from York to Shirebrook recently, quite likely in connection with this. 66502 hauled 16 HHAs from storage at York on 9th December as 4D66 08:56 York Up Yard - Shirebrook. This particular set was last used on Immingham - Earles coal workings when Freightliner had the contract. 4D66 is seen here at Maltby - https://www.flickr.com/photos/75892080@N06/54192127937/
Some HHAs have previously been cut down from 65ft to 50ft (changing from HHA-A to HHA-E) for use on aggregate trains, but there are still quite a few unaltered HHAs stored at York, and a set at Barassie sidings.
The cut-down version (aggregate being more dense than coal and needing less space to fill the wagon to max weight) is represented by 370400 seen here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/queenfanjohn/52993343637/
The aggregate HHAs are mainly used on Tarmac workings from Moreton-On-Lugg, but there are also a few used on Mendip workings.

the wagons used on the lorry shuttles.

The HGV shuttle wagons briefly appeared in the Platform 5 combined volume (shown in the 1997 one) but then I think they stopped listing them (just the locos). The shuttle fleet doesn't appear in TOPS either and I don't know anywhere with an up-to-date list.

The current fleet is described by Eurotunnel here but it doesn't list any numbers: https://www.getlinkgroup.com/en/our-group/eurotunnel/rolling-stock/

Eurotunnel has a fleet of 15 Truck Shuttles : 6 new WBN Shuttles of 3rd generation and 9 Arbel-type Shuttles and 3 Breda-Fiat Shuttles. Each of these shuttles is made up of 2 locomotives, 3 loading/unloading wagons and 32 or 31 carrier wagons and each able to accommodate the same number of 44-tonne trucks. All the Breda-Fiat shuttles have been dismantled. Truck drivers travel in an amenity carriage called Club Car during the Tunnel crosssing.

I am curious as to why the Hartlepool - Willesden wagons would be being taken from Guide Bridge to Crewe? Clearly they were on maintenance at Guide Bridge but why would they head to Crewe I wonder? Can they be forwarded as part of a Freightliner train to Wembley?

The Friday night empties from Willesden usually recess at York Holgate, but I think they sometimes go to Hunslet if required, like this 4E52 on 20/12:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H45264/2024-12-20/detailed

There's a regular Wednesday-only 6M25 Hunslet to Basford Hall and 6E53 return, used to move locos and wagons as required - I suspect they would have moved from Crewe to Hunslet on that.
70011 coming off Stockport viaduct with 6M25 in 2023: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ddurrant-photography/52622532497/
6E53 with 3 locos and a few wagons in 2020: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ddurrant-photography/52622532497/

 

[Rhysdabeast]

the wagons used on the lorry shuttles.

The HGV shuttle wagons briefly appeared in the Platform 5 combined volume (shown in the 1997 one) but then I think they stopped listing them (just the locos). The shuttle fleet doesn't appear in TOPS either and I don't know anywhere with an up-to-date list.

The current fleet is described by Eurotunnel here but it doesn't list any numbers: https://www.getlinkgroup.com/en/our-group/eurotunnel/rolling-stock/

I'll try and list what I've got from my book
Double Deck Carrier:
1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036
1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218, 1219, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1228, 1229, 1230, 1231, 1232, 1233, 1234, 1235, 1236

Double Deck Carrier & Toilet:
1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1415, 1416, 1417, 1418, 1419, 1420, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425, 1426, 1427, 1428, 1429, 1430, 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434, 1435, 1436

Double Deck Loader:
1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819

Single Deck Carrier:
3001, 3002, 3003, 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007, 3008, 3009, 3010, 3011, 3012, 3013, 3014, 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019, 3020, 3021, 3022, 3023, 3024, 3025, 3026, 3027, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3031, 3032, 3033, 3034, 3035, 3036
3201, 3202, 3203, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3207, 3208, 3209, 3210, 3211, 3212, 3213, 3214, 3215, 3216, 3217, 3218, 3219, 3220, 3221, 3222, 3223, 3224, 3225, 3226, 3227, 3228, 3229, 3230, 3231, 3232, 3233, 3234, 3235, 3236

Single Deck Carrier & Toilet:
3401, 3402, 3403, 3404, 3405, 3406, 3407, 3408, 3409, 3410, 3411, 3412, 3413, 3414, 3415, 3416, 3417, 3418, 3419, 3420, 3421, 3422, 3423, 3424, 3425, 3426, 3427, 3428, 3429, 3430, 3431, 3432, 3433, 3434, 3435, 3436

Single Deck Loader:
3801, 3802, 3803, 3804, 3805, 3806, 3807, 3808, 3809, 3810, 3811, 3812, 3813, 3814, 3815, 3816, 3817, 3818, 3819

HGV Carrier:
4001, 4002, 4003, 4004, 4005, 4006, 4007, 4008, 4009, 4010, 4011, 4012, 4013, 4014, 4015, 4016, 4017, 4018, 4019, 4020, 4021, 4022, 4023, 4024, 4025, 4026, 4027, 4028, 4029, 4030, 4031, 4032, 4033, 4034, 4035, 4036, 4037, 4038, 4039, 4040, 4041, 4042, 4043, 4044, 4045, 4046, 4047, 4048, 4049, 4050, 4051, 4052, 4053, 4054, 4055, 4056, 4057, 4058, 4059, 4060, 4061, 4062, 4063, 4064, 4065, 4066, 4067, 4068, 4069, 4070, 4071, 4072, 4073, 4074, 4075, 4076, 4077, 4078, 4079, 4080, 4081, 4082, 4083, 4084, 4085, 4086, 4087, 4088, 4089, 4090, 4091, 4092, 4093, 4094, 4095, 4096

HGV Loader:
4801, 4802, 4803, 4804, 4805, 4806

Amenity Coach:
4851, 4852, 4853

Light HGV Carrier:
5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, 5007, 5008, 5009, 5010, 5011, 5012, 5013, 5014, 5015, 5016, 5017, 5018, 5019, 5020
5101, 5102, 5103, 5104, 5105, 5106, 5107, 5108, 5109, 5110, 5111, 5112, 5113, 5114, 5115, 5116, 5117, 5118, 5119, 5120, 5121, 5122, 5123, 5124, 5125, 5126, 5127, 5128, 5129, 5130, 5131, 5132
5201, 5202, 5203, 5204, 5205, 5206, 5207, 5208, 5209, 5210, 5211, 5212, 5213, 5214, 5215, 5216, 5217, 5218, 5219, 5220, 5221, 5222, 5223, 5224, 5225, 5226, 5227, 5228, 5229, 5230, 5231, 5232
5301, 5302, 5303, 5304, 5305, 5306, 5307, 5308, 5309, 5310, 5311, 5312, 5313, 5314, 5315, 5316, 5317, 5318, 5319, 5320, 5321, 5322, 5323, 5324, 5325, 5326, 5327, 5328, 5329, 5330, 5331, 5332
5401, 5402, 5403, 5404, 5405, 5406, 5407, 5408, 5409, 5410, 5411, 5412, 5413, 5414, 5415, 5416, 5417, 5418, 5419, 5420, 5421, 5422, 5423, 5424, 5425, 5426, 5427, 5428, 5429, 5430, 5431, 5432
5501, 5502, 5503, 5504, 5505, 5506, 5507, 5508, 5509, 5510, 5511, 5512, 5513, 5514, 5515, 5516, 5517, 5518, 5519, 5520, 5521, 5522, 5523, 5524, 5525, 5526, 5527, 5528, 5529, 5530, 5531, 5532
5601, 5602, 5603, 5604, 5605, 5606, 5607, 5608, 5609, 5610, 5611, 5612, 5613, 5614, 5615, 5616, 5617, 5618, 5619, 5620, 5621, 5622, 5623, 5624, 5625, 5626, 5627, 5628, 5629, 5630, 5631, 5632, 5633
5701, 5702, 5703, 5704, 5705, 5706, 5707, 5708, 5709, 5710, 5711, 5712, 5713, 5714, 5715, 5716, 5717, 5718, 5719, 5720, 5721, 5722, 5723, 5724, 5725, 5726, 5727, 5728, 5729, 5730, 5731, 5732
5801, 5802, 5803, 5804, 5805, 5806, 5807, 5808, 5809, 5810, 5811, 5812, 5813, 5814, 5815, 5816, 5817, 5818, 5819, 5820

HGV Loader:
5851, 5852, 5853, 5854, 5855, 5856, 5857, 5858

Amenity Coach:
5901, 5902, 5903, 5904, 5905, 5906, 5907, 5908, 5909

HGV Carrier:
7001, 7002, 7003, 7004, 7005, 7006, 7007, 7008, 7009, 7010, 7011, 7012, 7013, 7014, 7015, 7016, 7017, 7018, 7019, 7020, 7021, 7022, 7023, 7024, 7025, 7026, 7027, 7028, 7029, 7030, 7031, 7032, 7033, 7034, 7035, 7036, 7037, 7038, 7039, 7040, 7041, 7042, 7043, 7044, 7045, 7046, 7047, 7048, 7049, 7050, 7051, 7052, 7053, 7054, 7055, 7056, 7057, 7058, 7059, 7060, 7061, 7062, 7063, 7064, 7065, 7066, 7067, 7068, 7069, 7070, 7071, 7072, 7073, 7074, 7075, 7076, 7077, 7078, 7079, 7080, 7081, 7082, 7083, 7084, 7085, 7086, 7087, 7088, 7089, 7090, 7091, 7092, 7093, 7094, 7095, 7096, 7097, 7098, 7099, 7100, 7101, 7102, 7103, 7104, 7105, 7106, 7107, 7108, 7109, 7110, 7111, 7112, 7113, 7114, 7115, 7116, 7117, 7118, 7119, 7120, 7121, 7122, 7123, 7124, 7125, 7126, 7127, 7128, 7129, 7130, 7131, 7132, 7133, 7134, 7135, 7136, 7137, 7138, 7139, 7140, 7141, 7142, 7143, 7144, 7145, 7146, 7147, 7148, 7149, 7150, 7151, 7152, 7153, 7154, 7155, 7156, 7157, 7158, 7159, 7160, 7161, 7162, 7163, 7164, 7165, 7166, 7167, 7168, 7169, 7170, 7171, 7172, 7173, 7174, 7175, 7176, 7177, 7178, 7179, 7180, 7181, 7182, 7183, 7184, 7185, 7186, 7187, 7188, 7189, 7190, 7191, 7192, 7193, 7194, 7195, 7196, 7197, 7198, 7199, 7200, 7201, 7202, 7203, 7204, 7205, 7206, 7207, 7208, 7209, 7210, 7211, 7212, 7213, 7214, 7215, 7216, 7217, 7218, 7219, 7220, 7221, 7222, 7223, 7224, 7225, 7226, 7227, 7228, 7229, 7230, 7231, 7232, 7233, 7234, 7235, 7236, 7237, 7238, 7239, 7240, 7241, 7242, 7243, 7244, 7245, 7246, 7247, 7248, 7249, 7250, 7251, 7252, 7253, 7254, 7255, 7256, 7257, 7258, 7259, 7260, 7261, 7262, 7263, 7264, 7265, 7266, 7267, 7268, 7269, 7270, 7271, 7272, 7273, 7274, 7275, 7276, 7277, 7278, 7279, 7280, 7281, 7282, 7283, 7284, 7285, 7286, 7287, 7288, 7289, 7290, 7291, 7292

HGV Loader:
7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, 7805, 7806, 7807, 7808, 7809, 7810, 7811, 7812, 7813, 7814, 7815, 7816, 7817, 7818, 7819
7851, 7852, 7853, 7854, 7855, 7856, 7857, 7858, 7859, 7860

HGV Amenity Coach:
7901, 7902, 7903, 7904, 7905, 7906, 7907, 7908, 7909, 7910

 

[DBS92042]

Also at Shirebrook, there was this recent news piece from Freightliner about the conversion of coal wagons to box wagons: https://www.freightliner.co.uk/news/wagon-fleet-re-purposing-project/
There was a movement of stored HHAs from York to Shirebrook recently, quite likely in connection with this. 66502 hauled 16 HHAs from storage at York on 9th December as 4D66 08:56 York Up Yard - Shirebrook. This particular set was last used on Immingham - Earles coal workings when Freightliner had the contract. 4D66 is seen here at Maltby - https://www.flickr.com/photos/75892080@N06/54192127937/
Some HHAs have previously been cut down from 65ft to 50ft (changing from HHA-A to HHA-E) for use on aggregate trains, but there are still quite a few unaltered HHAs stored at York, and a set at Barassie sidings.
The cut-down version (aggregate being more dense than coal and needing less space to fill the wagon to max weight) is represented by 370400 seen here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/queenfanjohn/52993343637/
The aggregate HHAs are mainly used on Tarmac workings from Moreton-On-Lugg, but there are also a few used on Mendip workings.

I've seen a few of these shortened HHAs on the GBRF operated Peak Forest to Bletchley Cemex workings recently as well, mixed in with the usual shortened HYAs

 

[60maniac]

I'm not too familiar with the detail differences between IKAs, the build dates for the fleet are shown as 1990-2004 so I'd expect some minor design differences between batches over the years.

TOPS shows comments for the IKA-H and IKA-J as follows, although I'm not quite sure what is meant by "diagonal buffering" or a "George Fisher coupling arrangement" (which could be the name of a jazz band for all I know). The only other difference visible in TOPS is that IKA-H and IKA-J have a tare weight of 39 tons, compared to 41 tons for IKA-F.

IKA F FLAT 2X2 BOGIE MEGAFRET (EURO TWIN) CAP 87.0T GLW 128.0T

IKA H FLAT 2X2 BOGIE MEGAFRET (EURO TWIN) CAP 87.0T GLW 126.0T
(DIAGONAL BUFFERING BETWEEN WAGONS)

IKA J FLAT 2X2 BOGIE MEGAFRET (EURO TWIN) CAP 87.0T GLW 126.0T
(GEORGE FISHER COUPLING ARRANGEMT)

The "Wagon Recognition" book (Martin Buck / Freightmaster publishing) lists the variants like this:

Number Range	Carkind	Design Code
68 4909 008 - 985	IKA-J	E887
	IKA-H	E886
	IKA-F	E884
68 4943 059 - 099	IKA-J	E908 / E909
80 4909 001 - 213	IKA-F	E884 / E885
	IKA-H	E886
	IKA-J	E887

With this from the LTSV website:

E884 IKE884 IKA-F ? 33.68.4909.800-919 87t Twin Bogie Megafret (ex E854)
E885 IKE885 IKA-F ? 33.68.4909.999 87t Twin Bogie Megafret (ex E855)
E886 IKE886 IKA-H ? 33.68.4909.300-349 87t Twin Bogie Megafret (ex E860)
E887 IKE887 IKA-J ? 33.68.4909.xxx 87t Twin Bogie Megafret (ex E861)

I'm not sure about the IKA-K variant though?



In terms of use in traffic, the IKAs dominate intermodal traffic out of Daventry, as with a 50ft deck they are one of the few designs that can accommodate the 45ft (and some 50ft) containers commonly used on domestic intermodal. DRS use them mixed in with their fleet of IDAs (which have a 45ft deck judging from photos). The low deck of the IKAs (and IDAs) also makes them useful for conveying high cubes on W8 or W9 routes, for example if the Scottish services need to be diverted via Dumfries or the ECML.

One thing that surprises me is that IFA multifrets now seem to be the dominant wagon type on the Coatbridge to Inverness train, as seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/191924368@N06/52985391916/
I think the route is W8 and the containers used on that train appear to be 8ft 6", so the deck height of the IFAs is adequate.

Freightliner also use IKAs for their Daventry services to Mossend, Grangemouth and Tilbury.

The low deck of the IKAs meant they were used on most channel tunnel intermodal services (ignoring the Transfesa services) before the end of that traffic. I think the routes via Maidstone East or Redhill to Dollands Moor are W9, meaning the IKAs are almost the only wagons able to convey high cube containers to Europe. The Novelis trains to Ditton can use IFAs (multifrets) because the swapbodies used are only 8ft 6 tall.

The other route where the low deck is useful is between Tees Dock and Mossend along the northern ECML (which is mostly W9 gauge I think). DB have dispensed with hired-in IKAs and use their own fleet of similar FKA/FOAs on this route. GBRF use a set of IKAs on the Doncaster Iport - Mossend service, which conveys a lot of 45ft high cubes. GBRF also use a set of IKAs for their Tilbury - Wakefield service, which mainly conveys 45ft high cubes.

GBRF also use a sprinkling of IKAs in their regular intermodal services from Southampton and Felixstowe, with only a handful of IKAs on any particular train. They used to have more IKAs in general intermodal use, but some have been replaced by their new fleet of FEAs, and also by deliveries of FWA "Ecofret" wagons with 40ft platforms.
https://www.gbrailfreight.com/the-final-fea-g-intermodal-wagons-have-now-arrived-in-the-uk/
https://www.gbrailfreight.com/gb-ra...s-it-looks-to-expand-its-intermodal-business/

Some of the off-hire IKAs were sent back to Europe, as seen in this photo of a 4Z22 to Dollands Moor in April: https://www.flickr.com/photos/locohunter/53940725742/

Freightliner don't seem to have any IKAs in use on general intermodal services to the ports. They need low-deck wagons for their Wentloog services, but have their own fleet of KTA pocket wagons and low-deck FLA types.
They were using IKAs on some services, but like GBRF, new wagons have been delivered in the past couple of years: https://www.freightliner.co.uk/news/the-first-of-freightliners-new-ffa-g-wagons-arrive-in-the-uk/
Some IKAs off-hired by Freightliner congregated at York Yard and were moved by DB to Dollands Moor in May last year. The regular 6D06 trip from York to Doncaster was used to move 17 IKAs on 17/05/23, which went forwards to Dollands Moor as 4O28 the next day for onward movement through the tunnel.

The IKAs are one of those ubiquitous types of wagon that don't really draw a lot of attention, but it's interesting to focus on their current usage. It's also worth commenting on the unusual "68" country code. These wagons are often referred to as "AAE megafrets." Apparently AAE was a wagon leasing company which bought a short branch line for the purposes of acquiring various railway operating rights, one result of which was the allocation of their own operator code 68, where you would normally see 70 for the UK, 80 for Germany, 87 for France and so on. From German Wikipedia via google translate:





6L03 10:00 Willesden to Sunderland conveyed 23 JNAs in the VTG34xx and VTG35xx number series - more details on the type in the caption of this photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/36034969@N08/44422274224/
The 6L03 service is seen here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/91977133@N04/54199814371/

The wagons will be for scrapping - there have been other services conveying the same type of wagons from Wembley to Sunderland over the past year or two (displaced from southern region aggregate work by newer JNA-T types). The wagons on 6L03 from Willesden were previously used on the HS2 spoil trains, but have also no doubt been displaced by new-build wagons.

I understand that there is also some IKA 'multifrets' used by Groupe CAT (STVA) on the Ford flows (6X41/6X43) with car decks fitted, I believe they are owned / maintained by Touax but might be wrong.

 

[66701GBRF]

I understand that there is also some IKA 'multifrets' used by Groupe CAT (STVA) on the Ford flows (6X41/6X43) with car decks fitted, I believe they are owned / maintained by Touax but might be wrong.

They are IFA wagons unless things have changed.

33 87 4908 075-4 Kingsthorpe 040715

STVA IFA twin intermodal flat wagon 33 87 4908 075-4, fitted with car carrying modules, at Wilson's Crossing, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, in the consist of 6L48; Garston to Dagenham empty vehicle carriers, 4th July 2015.

www.flickr.com

Credit: Dan Adkins

 

[markglos]

I'll try and list what I've got from my book
Double Deck Carrier:
1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036
1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218, 1219, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1228, 1229, 1230, 1231, 1232, 1233, 1234, 1235, 1236

Double Deck Carrier & Toilet:
1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1415, 1416, 1417, 1418, 1419, 1420, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425, 1426, 1427, 1428, 1429, 1430, 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434, 1435, 1436

Double Deck Loader:
1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819

Single Deck Carrier:
3001, 3002, 3003, 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007, 3008, 3009, 3010, 3011, 3012, 3013, 3014, 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019, 3020, 3021, 3022, 3023, 3024, 3025, 3026, 3027, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3031, 3032, 3033, 3034, 3035, 3036
3201, 3202, 3203, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3207, 3208, 3209, 3210, 3211, 3212, 3213, 3214, 3215, 3216, 3217, 3218, 3219, 3220, 3221, 3222, 3223, 3224, 3225, 3226, 3227, 3228, 3229, 3230, 3231, 3232, 3233, 3234, 3235, 3236

Single Deck Carrier & Toilet:
3401, 3402, 3403, 3404, 3405, 3406, 3407, 3408, 3409, 3410, 3411, 3412, 3413, 3414, 3415, 3416, 3417, 3418, 3419, 3420, 3421, 3422, 3423, 3424, 3425, 3426, 3427, 3428, 3429, 3430, 3431, 3432, 3433, 3434, 3435, 3436

Single Deck Loader:
3801, 3802, 3803, 3804, 3805, 3806, 3807, 3808, 3809, 3810, 3811, 3812, 3813, 3814, 3815, 3816, 3817, 3818, 3819

HGV Carrier:
4001, 4002, 4003, 4004, 4005, 4006, 4007, 4008, 4009, 4010, 4011, 4012, 4013, 4014, 4015, 4016, 4017, 4018, 4019, 4020, 4021, 4022, 4023, 4024, 4025, 4026, 4027, 4028, 4029, 4030, 4031, 4032, 4033, 4034, 4035, 4036, 4037, 4038, 4039, 4040, 4041, 4042, 4043, 4044, 4045, 4046, 4047, 4048, 4049, 4050, 4051, 4052, 4053, 4054, 4055, 4056, 4057, 4058, 4059, 4060, 4061, 4062, 4063, 4064, 4065, 4066, 4067, 4068, 4069, 4070, 4071, 4072, 4073, 4074, 4075, 4076, 4077, 4078, 4079, 4080, 4081, 4082, 4083, 4084, 4085, 4086, 4087, 4088, 4089, 4090, 4091, 4092, 4093, 4094, 4095, 4096

HGV Loader:
4801, 4802, 4803, 4804, 4805, 4806

Amenity Coach:
4851, 4852, 4853

Light HGV Carrier:
5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, 5007, 5008, 5009, 5010, 5011, 5012, 5013, 5014, 5015, 5016, 5017, 5018, 5019, 5020
5101, 5102, 5103, 5104, 5105, 5106, 5107, 5108, 5109, 5110, 5111, 5112, 5113, 5114, 5115, 5116, 5117, 5118, 5119, 5120, 5121, 5122, 5123, 5124, 5125, 5126, 5127, 5128, 5129, 5130, 5131, 5132
5201, 5202, 5203, 5204, 5205, 5206, 5207, 5208, 5209, 5210, 5211, 5212, 5213, 5214, 5215, 5216, 5217, 5218, 5219, 5220, 5221, 5222, 5223, 5224, 5225, 5226, 5227, 5228, 5229, 5230, 5231, 5232
5301, 5302, 5303, 5304, 5305, 5306, 5307, 5308, 5309, 5310, 5311, 5312, 5313, 5314, 5315, 5316, 5317, 5318, 5319, 5320, 5321, 5322, 5323, 5324, 5325, 5326, 5327, 5328, 5329, 5330, 5331, 5332
5401, 5402, 5403, 5404, 5405, 5406, 5407, 5408, 5409, 5410, 5411, 5412, 5413, 5414, 5415, 5416, 5417, 5418, 5419, 5420, 5421, 5422, 5423, 5424, 5425, 5426, 5427, 5428, 5429, 5430, 5431, 5432
5501, 5502, 5503, 5504, 5505, 5506, 5507, 5508, 5509, 5510, 5511, 5512, 5513, 5514, 5515, 5516, 5517, 5518, 5519, 5520, 5521, 5522, 5523, 5524, 5525, 5526, 5527, 5528, 5529, 5530, 5531, 5532
5601, 5602, 5603, 5604, 5605, 5606, 5607, 5608, 5609, 5610, 5611, 5612, 5613, 5614, 5615, 5616, 5617, 5618, 5619, 5620, 5621, 5622, 5623, 5624, 5625, 5626, 5627, 5628, 5629, 5630, 5631, 5632, 5633
5701, 5702, 5703, 5704, 5705, 5706, 5707, 5708, 5709, 5710, 5711, 5712, 5713, 5714, 5715, 5716, 5717, 5718, 5719, 5720, 5721, 5722, 5723, 5724, 5725, 5726, 5727, 5728, 5729, 5730, 5731, 5732
5801, 5802, 5803, 5804, 5805, 5806, 5807, 5808, 5809, 5810, 5811, 5812, 5813, 5814, 5815, 5816, 5817, 5818, 5819, 5820

HGV Loader:
5851, 5852, 5853, 5854, 5855, 5856, 5857, 5858

Amenity Coach:
5901, 5902, 5903, 5904, 5905, 5906, 5907, 5908, 5909

HGV Carrier:
7001, 7002, 7003, 7004, 7005, 7006, 7007, 7008, 7009, 7010, 7011, 7012, 7013, 7014, 7015, 7016, 7017, 7018, 7019, 7020, 7021, 7022, 7023, 7024, 7025, 7026, 7027, 7028, 7029, 7030, 7031, 7032, 7033, 7034, 7035, 7036, 7037, 7038, 7039, 7040, 7041, 7042, 7043, 7044, 7045, 7046, 7047, 7048, 7049, 7050, 7051, 7052, 7053, 7054, 7055, 7056, 7057, 7058, 7059, 7060, 7061, 7062, 7063, 7064, 7065, 7066, 7067, 7068, 7069, 7070, 7071, 7072, 7073, 7074, 7075, 7076, 7077, 7078, 7079, 7080, 7081, 7082, 7083, 7084, 7085, 7086, 7087, 7088, 7089, 7090, 7091, 7092, 7093, 7094, 7095, 7096, 7097, 7098, 7099, 7100, 7101, 7102, 7103, 7104, 7105, 7106, 7107, 7108, 7109, 7110, 7111, 7112, 7113, 7114, 7115, 7116, 7117, 7118, 7119, 7120, 7121, 7122, 7123, 7124, 7125, 7126, 7127, 7128, 7129, 7130, 7131, 7132, 7133, 7134, 7135, 7136, 7137, 7138, 7139, 7140, 7141, 7142, 7143, 7144, 7145, 7146, 7147, 7148, 7149, 7150, 7151, 7152, 7153, 7154, 7155, 7156, 7157, 7158, 7159, 7160, 7161, 7162, 7163, 7164, 7165, 7166, 7167, 7168, 7169, 7170, 7171, 7172, 7173, 7174, 7175, 7176, 7177, 7178, 7179, 7180, 7181, 7182, 7183, 7184, 7185, 7186, 7187, 7188, 7189, 7190, 7191, 7192, 7193, 7194, 7195, 7196, 7197, 7198, 7199, 7200, 7201, 7202, 7203, 7204, 7205, 7206, 7207, 7208, 7209, 7210, 7211, 7212, 7213, 7214, 7215, 7216, 7217, 7218, 7219, 7220, 7221, 7222, 7223, 7224, 7225, 7226, 7227, 7228, 7229, 7230, 7231, 7232, 7233, 7234, 7235, 7236, 7237, 7238, 7239, 7240, 7241, 7242, 7243, 7244, 7245, 7246, 7247, 7248, 7249, 7250, 7251, 7252, 7253, 7254, 7255, 7256, 7257, 7258, 7259, 7260, 7261, 7262, 7263, 7264, 7265, 7266, 7267, 7268, 7269, 7270, 7271, 7272, 7273, 7274, 7275, 7276, 7277, 7278, 7279, 7280, 7281, 7282, 7283, 7284, 7285, 7286, 7287, 7288, 7289, 7290, 7291, 7292

HGV Loader:
7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, 7805, 7806, 7807, 7808, 7809, 7810, 7811, 7812, 7813, 7814, 7815, 7816, 7817, 7818, 7819
7851, 7852, 7853, 7854, 7855, 7856, 7857, 7858, 7859, 7860

HGV Amenity Coach:
7901, 7902, 7903, 7904, 7905, 7906, 7907, 7908, 7909, 7910

thanks for that
I have also seen 4105 to 4136
I thought 4851, 4852, 4853 are Loaders
7855 is a Coach
4808, 4809 Loader

 

[Adrian Barr]

I understand that there is also some IKA 'multifrets' used by Groupe CAT (STVA) on the Ford flows (6X41/6X43) with car decks fitted

The IKAs are "Megafrets" with a low deck height of 0.825 metres above rail (not used on car traffic), the "Multifrets" are IFAs and FIAs with a fairly standard deck height of 0.945 metres.

They are IFA wagons unless things have changed.

Yes, still using IFAs on the car traffic. There are two slightly different types, with the 874908xxx being slightly longer than the 874909xxxx wagons.

I think STVA (or Groupe CAT as they are now) refer to them as Q80 (874908xxxx) and S76 (874909xxxx) - I suppose it makes sense to use their own codes when an IPA can refer to single or double-deck wagons of various types and lengths!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Q80 vs S76. Intermodal flats with car decks fitted

8749086116 – IFAE – IFE824 - 37.34 metres / 123 feet (S76)

8749093864 – IFAE - IFE910 - 35.74 metres / 118 feet (Q80)
---------------------------------------------------------------------

338749086116 IFAE IFE824 OL:123FT/37.340M IL:33.160M OW:2.590M IW:2.552M
DW:00.000M HT:0.945M
CP: DSGN 108.9T ACTL 108.9T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 35.020T ACTL 35.020T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF27 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG:136.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW143.920T MS 60MPH RA5 VBF00 ABF99 BUILT: 97 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE: D STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 23ERME 29STVA


338749093864 IFAE IFE910 OL:118FT/35.740M IL:31.540M OW:2.590M IW:0.000M
DW:00.000M HT:0.945M
CP: DSGN 107.5T ACTL 107.5T CU:00.0 TARE: DSGN 36.500T ACTL 36.500T
40BSU MS 75MPH RA1 VBF00 ABF30 BKEFCE CHG: 00.000T SPDCHG:136.000T
GROSS DATA: GLW144.000T MS 60MPH RA5 VBF00 ABF95 BUILT: 91 CCS00
COUPLING DETAILS: TYPE: D STRENGTH:B ( 34.500T) AXLES: 8.0 NO. UNITS: 2
*BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR DATA NOT AVAILABLE* REG.DTLS: 87SNCF
CURRENT DATA:- 36.500T MS 75 RA1 VBF 0.000 ABF 30.253

I've seen a few of these shortened HHAs on the GBRF operated Peak Forest to Bletchley Cemex workings recently as well, mixed in with the usual shortened HYAs

That's interesting, they must be short of a few Cemex HYAs after the Audenshaw derailment. At first I thought it was odd that GBRF would be using HHAs, but then I remembered they previously used a set on Rylstone workings, as seen here in 2022: https://www.flickr.com/photos/martynhilbert/52311164780/

Those HHAs ended up in storage at Gascoigne Wood - I think GBRF must have converted enough HYAs to dispense with them. 370274 seen at Gas Wood in 2023 (one of the wagons now in use at Peak). https://www.flickr.com/photos/class_58050_toton_traction_depot/53146517287/

Searching for photos of HHAs leaving Gas Wood, 69009 was captured on 08/11/24 with a 6Z60 taking ten HHAs to Doncaster Down Decoy - the caption mentions them replacing wagons damaged at Audenshaw.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/72334387@N03/54125867934/

I also found this shot of the HHAs on delivery to Gascoigne Wood in 2020 behind 56103, after conversion at Shirebrook: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37923727@N04/50509336481/
The DCR loco matches the wagons quite nicely!

 

[DBS92042]

That's interesting, they must be short of a few Cemex HYAs after the Audenshaw derailment. At first I thought it was odd that GBRF would be using HHAs, but then I remembered they previously used a set on Rylstone workings, as seen here in 2022: https://www.flickr.com/photos/martynhilbert/52311164780/

Those HHAs ended up in storage at Gascoigne Wood - I think GBRF must have converted enough HYAs to dispense with them. 370274 seen at Gas Wood in 2023 (one of the wagons now in use at Peak). https://www.flickr.com/photos/class_58050_toton_traction_depot/53146517287/

Searching for photos of HHAs leaving Gas Wood, 69009 was captured on 08/11/24 with a 6Z60 taking ten HHAs to Doncaster Down Decoy - the caption mentions them replacing wagons damaged at Audenshaw.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/72334387@N03/54125867934/

I also found this shot of the HHAs on delivery to Gascoigne Wood in 2020 behind 56103, after conversion at Shirebrook: https://www.flickr.com/photos/37923727@N04/50509336481/
The DCR loco matches the wagons quite nicely!

Yes, I've just checked and mostly all of the HHAs I saw on the Bletchley stone working (252/267/273/280/282/398/404) were in the 6Z60 consist on 08/11/24

 

[Adrian Barr]

Of interest today- 66789 (in large logo blue livery) ran from Doncaster to Barnetby this morning as 0Z66, arriving around 10am.

It's now showing consisted to a 4Z66 15:44 Barnetby - Wrenthorpe Sidings (Wakefield) with 18 stored HTAs previously used on the Ratcliffe coal workings.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R38758/2024-12-31/detailed#allox_id=0

If anyone living locally wants to brave the wind and rain this might be of interest - but I wouldn't be surprised if it runs early!

The 18 HTAs had moved back to Barnetby from Collyhurst (as 6Z37 on 20th September) after a period of storage there (see post #11 in the "Old HTA Wagons" thread).

There have been some other interesting HTA movements this year - I'm currently preparing a sort of "wagon review of the year" to highlight some of the more interesting moves and fleet developments that I noted down.