Types of container wagons

[GBDT]

Hi,

I'm thinking about putting a rake of container wagons together but I'm a bit confused at the various ternminology used. What is the difference between FFA, FEA spine, Tiphook and IKA? Could they be used in a mixed rake or should there be only one type used? 

Also, there are a few containers sold seperately. Can these be used on any of the above or only to specific types?

Finally, what are "inner" and "outer" wagons? Are the "outers" used at the front and end of the rake as they have the NEM couplings and the "inners" used inbetween?

George

[LCDR]

The three letter codes (e.g. FFA, FGA, IKA) are wagon type codes used by the computerised freight management system called TOPS (Total OPerations management System). which has been used in the UK since 1973.

 

The first letter (F) denotes the type Flat Wagon. The last letter (A) indicates the type of brake (A = air). The middle letter is a sub-type. FFA and FGA were the original wagons introduced by BR in 1964 onwards.FFA was the inner wagon which only has bar couplers, FGA were outer wagons with a bar coupler on the inner end and normal buffers and screw couplings on the outer. A normal formation of these was FGA - FFA- FFA- FFA- FGA,  5 wagons permanently coupled. Trains could then be made up into rakes of 5, 10 or 15 vehicles. 

 

As time went by these wagons became worn out and obsolete and new wagon types were made to replace them. These incorporated differences usually improvements. There were a number of different designs expecially after privatisation when EW&S, Freightliner, GB Railfreight and a number of Private Wagon Owners all purchased wagons from different makers. Some FFA/FGA wagons were specially converted for conveying houshold waste to landfill and were re-code FUA & FYA. 

 

Most modern container flats have extremely small wheels so the loading height could be reduced to take taller containers. When first introduced the containers were 8 foot wide and 8 foot high. Modern containers can be up to 9 foot 6 inches tall (but still 8 foot wide.) A 9 foot container (or even an 8 foot 6 inch tall one) may bash bridges if loaded on FFA or FGA wagons. A 9 foot 6 inch container certainly will.

 

Modern wagons tend to be marshalled in pairs and consist only of 'outer' wagons The FEA (or Spine wagon) is an example of this. The pair had bar couplers between the wagons and buffers and couplings only at the outer ends.

 

Some wagons are registered to run on to European railways through the Channel Tunnel.and have designs which comply with international standards. These can be identified by TOPS codes starting with the letter I.

 

Megafret wagons code IKA  are designed to take the very largest containers 9 foot 6 inches tall. These have exceptionally small wheels.

 

IGA and INA wagons are also bogie container carrying types.

 

A small number of bogie container flats are fitted with buffers and screw couplings at both ends and can run singly. In BR days some of these were attached to passenger trains in the North of Scotland.

 

As a general rule all types of air braked container wagon can be used in the same train, but usually wagons of one company does not run those of another. So EW&S wagons will not normally be in the same train as Freightliner vehicles. Refuse trains tend to run as block loads too.  

 

The size of the containers being carried is also important. 8 foot containers can be loaded on almost any wagon, but 9 foot and 9 foot 6 inch boxes must only be loaded on modern low height wagons.

 

Occasionally container flat wagons can be fitted with a deck structure to carry wheeled vehicles such as cars and lorries.Sometimes this is a permanent deck, or could be flat container pallets without ends. Wheeled loads MUST be chained down for safety.

 

There are also four wheel container wagons which are usually for carrying open containers for coal or similar goods. It would be unusual to find four wheel and bogie container wagons in the same train.

 

Containers nowadays  usually come in lengths of 20 feet, or 40 feet, but 30 foot was common in the early days.  So you got three 20 foot boxes or two 30 feet boxes on one wagon. A 40 footer is a nuisance because you can only get one on to a wagon, unless you can find a ten footer. Other lengths are occasionally to be found, but are usually multiples of ten feet. This is governed by the location of the twist lock attaching equipment on lorries and wagons.

 

The size of a container that fits on a road lorry is also a limiting factor. In the US larger containers may be used.

[VESPA]

Great explanation LC&DR, as usual. I am not a modern modeller but do have some modern items. My container train is based on the CONDOR with Metro Vick Co Bos and Bachmann small flats with containers. I still have the HD containers and flats as well.

[GBDT]

Thanks LC&DR for that info. Going to be very useful. 

One extra question referring to...

"Modern wagons tend to be marshalled in pairs and consist only of 'outer' wagons The FEA (or Spine wagon) is an example of this. The pair had bar couplers between the wagons and buffers and couplings only at the outer ends."

Does the bar coupling between the 2 wagons articulate as it goes around curves or is it fixed? Would it mean that certain curve radius are not suitable? Hope that that makes sense.

Cheers, George

[sxbiker]

Just as an aside, when modelling, bachmann containers and spine wagons, cannot be used with Hornby containers, Dapol spine wagons can accomodate the Hornby containers. This occurs becase the locating lugs are in different positions.

[GBDT]

Sxbiker, thanks for that info . Could have made an expensive mistake! Cheers.

[LCDR]

The intermediate (bar) couplers are flexible to allow the wagons to negotiate curves. Some may be be restricted to second radius and above, as most stuff is nowadays, except for the 'train set' items.