Beginning in the mid 1970s, when the TOPS numbering system was first introduced, David Ratcliffe now takes readers on a new journey through the private owner wagon era, bringing the story of this important part of the railways up to date. With an informative introduction which puts the modern private owner wagon scene in context with the recent trends, the author explains everything from two-axle to bogie vehicles. Also included are two useful tables detailing the changes and current classification used by the TOPS numbering system, and examples relevant to explaining the decline of mixed freight services, the growth of block trains, and the consequent influence on the private wagons industry.
