After modifying several SAA wagons into SPA steel carrying wagons, BR ordered two batches of production SPA wagons in the late 70s and early 80s. The wagons are generally used for the transport of steel coils and other metals. BR identified quickly that they had a surplus of SPAs and in 1983 a number were converted for departmental use. Several SPA wagons were also modified to feature a flexible hood to protect their steel coil loads, with some then being referred to as SEA wagons. A number of vehicles are still in service to this day.
Type of Vehicle |
Open Plate Wagon |
Builder |
BR Shildon Works |
Build Dates |
1979 to 1981 |
Total Built |
1,100 |
Wheel Configuration |
4-wheel |
Operated By |
British Rail EWS DB Cargo UK Network Rail |
Main Duties |
Steel Coil & Pig Iron Transport Departmental Use |
In Service Until |
Present |
Surviving Examples |
Many still in use |
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Cambrian | Requires assembly | Not set |
C19Cambrian View |
SPA 31T steel bodied open wagon kit | Awaiting Categorisation | |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Kitbuilt (unknown brand) | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
KB095 View |
SPA open wagon 461052 in Railfreight red livery - built from Cambrian Kit | Railfreight grey (inc. Red Stripe) |