Speedlink was launched in 1977 as an attempt to arrest the decline in British Rail’s wagonload freight business. One of the things that distinguished Speedlink workings from almost all of the freight services that had preceded them was that all the wagons used were air braked. At its peak in the mid 1980s, it carried over 8 million tonnes annually. Despite this, Speedlink was never profitable, and in the run up to railway privatisation the service was abandoned in 1991. This is the second in a four-book series, each one complete in itself, which will provide a comprehensive survey of the whole Speedlink wagon fleet.
This volume looks at the types on order in 1977 and delivered subsequently. It will also cover existing stock either fully or partially converted to be compatible on these services and include their former identities. Full coverage of each type is given, particularly livery changes and conversions where appropriate.
Wagons produced under 15 Design Codes are covered in this second volume. Among the types included are; 100T Bogie Steel Carriers, 80T Bogie Plate Wagon, 49T Borail Wagon, Flatrol Nuclear Flask Wagon, 32.5T Hopper Coal Wagon, 31T Open Goods Wagon, 12T Pipe Wagon, 31T Plate Wagon, 45T Vanfit and14T Van (Ammunition).
Written by wagon expert David Larkin and heavily illustrated throughout, this series is an invaluable source of reference for all those interested in the post steam era on Britain’s railways. Those modeling the railway scene from the 1970s to the 1990s will also find these books essential reading.
