Until we commissioned Bachmann to manufacture a range of 24.5T mineral wagons, the only route for modellers and collectors to acquire a rake of these sizeable wagons for 'OO' was to construct kits. As we know, most kits are purchased with a view to "getting around to it... one day". And, to 'properly' finish a kit - painting, numbering and labelling each correctly, a steady and dextrous hand is required.

Our 24.5T mineral wagons are available ready-to-run - impeccably researched, with authentic detail variation, and come with a useful selection of running numbers to create further variety in a wagon rake.

Brief history

BR introduced these sizeable flat-bottomed mineral wagons in 1952, maximising the axle loadings available. It continued building them until 1962, until a total of 3395 was reached. None were vacuum braked and so the design went out of use in 1981. By 1968 some had lost their side doors and were branded 'NO DOORS'.

TMC 24.5T mineral wagon

Yellow triangles painted onto wagon sides from c.1959 clearly differentiate 24.5T wagons from 21T variants for workers when loading at collieries. NEM coupling housings allow rapid removal of tension-lock couplings for those wishing to fit instanter or three-link couplings.

The only diagram change was to record the later wagons having roller bearings from new and twin door stops. Later builds received Oleo hydraulic buffers and 'instanter' couplings from new, while occasionally, some 'generally repaired' wagons received these upgrades later.

In 1981, the last wagons moved to internal use in Yorkshire. Some of the number series continued in use for a few years as some underframes received new single door bodies.

Little 'detail wins'

Our tooling suite covers 'self-contained', BR 'spindle' and Oleo hydraulic buffer variants, pressed side or welded side doors, and roller bearing or oil axle boxes. Hence, with running numbers added to the mix, an esoteric collection of wagons can be obtained to build a rake filled with interest.

Weathered models are available off the shelf, but from more personalised versions, attach a photograph upon checkout and we'll replicate a custom wagon to create variety in your fleet - from rust-coloured additional panels to simulate repairs, to scribbled markings, or renumbering.

Explore our range of 24.5T wagons (now with 40% OFF RRP!) here