Peco BRT Whisky Covhops

[Bob G]

Hi

I've just seen that Peco are reintroducing a limited run of their 1966 BRT Whisky Covhops.

I've always had a soft spot for these. I know these models were first made in 1969, so almost at the start of Peco in N gauge, and they have the standard 15' wheelbase chassis from the early BP TTA tanker that everything had in those days. I have no idea if this wheelbase is correct but the models do look the part.

Being a southerner I dont know where they ran from and to. I've always guessed East Anglia to Scotland but is that correct? And from and to where? Did they run in rakes or singly? And did they all have the advertising nameplates, as the Paul Bartlett site shows them without advertising plates. https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/brtgraincovhop

I understand there is an NRP-501 pair also, but that is not showing at Hattons or Rails (Hattons are £5 cheaper BTW).





Hope someone can shed light on these lovely (if maybe not quite as accurate as some of todays standards) wagons.
Bob

[crewearpley40]

Operational wise these attractive wagons had a higher capacity than the usual 20 tonnes whisky grain wagons  they had an immediate handling and operational advantage  were vacuum brakes throughout so could be used in a block working with a brake van so suited that. Seen nationwide and travelled widely as dictated by the geographic nature of grain cultivation and storage. Including where the regional specialisation of whisky distillation eg Speyside. I have seen examples on Anglo Scottish workings Carlisle Kingmoor  Edinburgh Millerhill, Perth, Craiginches and in East Anglia, the Cumbrian Coast to Warrington
.

[woodbury22uk]

In later life the final batch of these wagons were re-engineered into the air-braked the Grainflow PAA with BSC pedestal suspension, air brakes and modified bracing on the hopper. The wagons were also used for alumina traffic in Scotland.

https://paulbartlett.zenfolio.com/brtgraincovhop

Bachmann produced the Grainflow version some time back in 00 gauge..

https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product/category/155/35-ton-paa-ex-bulk-grain-wagon-'grainflow'---weathered/33-132

[NGS-PO]

Destinations at this end of the world included Burghead, Elgin and Muir of Ord; In other words, where there are/were concentrations of distilleries.

Best

Scott

[martyn]

I think some may have been used loaded from Edme's plant at Mistley, on the Harwich branch, to Scotland with malt, via March/Whitemoor; but I don't remember the big advertising hoardings on the side. IIRC, there were also some ex LNER grain wagons in use at the time (early 70s) as well as the Dapol style hoppers.

But I'd have to dig out photos buried in the loft to be sure......

Martyn