The UK has relatively few covered hoppers compared to the US, most are used to transport minerals such as Kaolin, Potash and Lime. Down my way, Kaolin ones rule the roost! Here are two 4 axle designs for long distance work, both date from the late 70's/early 80's, the blue variants are currently being replaced by more modern wagons and scrapped, whilst the green ones have moved on to other traffics...
Cornwall produces large amounts of Kaolin, lots of it for export. There are plenty of local freight workings that move the mineral from clay driers down to the docks, relatively short distances, but the local roads are poor... The local Cornish workings use these CDA covered hoppers, the design is based on the old 1960's HAA coal hopper pictured earlier!!
Found on a siding on the Georgetown Loop last year... [ March 14, 2006, 01:34 PM: Message edited by: Stourbridge Lion ]
Spotted in Longmont Friday afternoon: One UGLY BNSF covered hopper: What's left of a CNW covered hopper: Apasco covered hopper - Extreme telephoto.Need to see if I can get a better shot of this car! And for Paul and other MoPac fans, A loaded coal hopper, with Screaming Eagle Logo: Did a bit of railfanning after filling out new job application today! A nice way to waste a hot(99*) afternoon!!
An empty coal train drifts past an original B&O Color- Position signal at MP 34.8 on the Appalachian & Ohio.
Now I know there are more HOPPER Cars out there given all the coal trains that run around the US these days...