MDO 21t Mineral Wagon Set (3) BR Grey

MDO 21t Mineral Wagon Set (3) BR Grey

Details

Features:

• 1:120 Scale Model
• Metal Wheels
• Highly Detailed Body and Chassis Design
• Pristine Paint Finish
• NEM Couplings

Historical Background

Introduced by British Railways in the early 1950s, the 21-ton Mineral Wagon was developed to increase the capacity and efficiency of Britain's coal traffic. Based on the successful 16-ton mineral wagon, the new design featured a longer 21 ft 6 in body on a 12 ft wheelbase chassis, allowing it to carry significantly larger loads while retaining the familiar twin side doors and end door for unloading. Built in several variants, including the MDO and vacuum-braked MDV, these wagons became a common sight in block coal trains, particularly in the South Wales coalfields. They often worked alongside 16-ton mineral wagons and hopper wagons before gradually being replaced by Merry-Go-Round coal hoppers. Remarkably, the robust 21-ton mineral wagons remained in front-line service until the early 1990s, making them one of British Rail's longest-lived standard freight wagon designs.