Description
The Model
The Drax 50 gold biomass IIA-D hopper was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Drax Power Station. The wagon was unveiled on 31 July 2024 at Drax Power Station and then ran to Tyne dock via the Settle & Carlisle line with a scheduled stop on Ribblehead Viaduct to mark the occasion.
Revolution Trains was commissioned by Drax to produce commemorative models of this unique wagon and we are pleased to be able to offer a limited number of the wagon to our customers. Sales of the Drax 50 gold biomass hopper will include a donation to Martin House Hospice.
Please note that sales are limited to 1 wagon per order and that wagons will be sent out week beginning 12 August 2024. The standard livery versions are available exclusively from Rails of Sheffield.
All models feature NEM couplers, highly detailed bodies with a host of separately fitted details including hopper roof door opening rams, control gear and brake equipment.
Background
These giant wagons – volumetrically the largest on the network until recently – were introduced in 2013 and a fleet of 225 are now in service ferrying imported biomass to the UK’s largest power station, Drax in North Yorkshire.
Using biomass has allowed Drax, which generates 6% of the UK’s electricity, to reduce emissions by more than 80%.
Unlike coal, biomass has to be kept dry. It’s also much lighter, so far more can be carried per wagon. To maximise efficiency and reduce the risk of wastage Drax ordered specially designed wagons from builders WH Davis of Nottinghamshire.
The revolutionary design has four hoppers – two in the centre and two outside each bogie – and a body profile designed to make maximum use of the British loading gauge. The wagons were originally outshopped with eye-catching Drax power vinyls in two versions (‘A’ and ‘B’) and some have since received ‘Northern Powerhouse’ versions of the scheme.
In use they operate between bulk terminals at the ports of Liverpool, Immingham, Tyne, Redcar and Hull with Class 60 and 66 locomotives in EWS/DB, GBRf and Colas liveries.
