N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: port perran on January 19, 2026, 02:17:21 PM

Title: Wagon loads?
Post by: port perran on January 19, 2026, 02:17:21 PM
I like to run my goods trains loaded but I'm not sure about these?
I think that the rear two are pipe wagons, in which case I can cut some plastic or brass tubing to size and paint accordingly.
I guess they may also have been used for ballst or aggregates maybe?

However, I'm unsure what the first two, behind the locomotive, would have carried.
Maybe they have been used to carry vehicles or machinery?
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/157/230-190126141605.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=157401)
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Many thanks
Martin
Title: Re: Wagon loads?
Post by: Bob G on January 19, 2026, 02:39:34 PM
Hi Martin

Plate wagons were used for odd loads, like cable drums, bits of machinery,

tube steel https://PaulBartlett.zenfolio.com/brplaterunner/e21e731b4

Gun barrels https://PaulBartlett.zenfolio.com/lnerplate/e1023a3c2

Other wagon bogies https://PaulBartlett.zenfolio.com/brplate/e3d98bf49

and these things - large toilet roll holders  :D

https://PaulBartlett.zenfolio.com/lmsplate/e1567b63

The world seems to be your oyster when it comes to loads.

Bob
Title: Re: Wagon loads?
Post by: port perran on January 19, 2026, 02:58:28 PM
Thanks Bob

I rather like the look of that toilet roll holder  :D

It seems that I could put just about anything on those wagons.
Watch this space.

Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Wagon loads?
Post by: Newportnobby on January 19, 2026, 03:58:44 PM
Quote from: Bob G on Today at 02:39:34 PMand these things - large toilet roll holders  :D

https://PaulBartlett.zenfolio.com/lmsplate/e1567b63


I always thought a 'long low' was something a moo cow did :dunce:
Title: Re: Wagon loads?
Post by: Steven B on January 19, 2026, 04:50:27 PM
You've got plate and pipe wagons there. Tube wagons were usually shorter (refer to Farish Tube wagon).

As well as metal pipes, the pipe wagon could also be found loaded with casks of beer, aluminium slabs or crates of "stuff" for the military.

The plate wagons would normally carry metal plates - a low stack of thin card painted a steel colour would work. They'd also be used for a wide range of other loads, as mentioned above.

You'd find both in engineers use - sleepers, concrete cable troughs, signalling equipment, oil drums, gas bottles etc.

You could of course run them "empty" - a bit of left over wood packing and a couple of bits of sewing cotton for ropes would make for an interesting alternative.