BR inherited hundreds of thousands of mineral wagons that were previously privately owned. From 1949 they renumbered them randomly in the P series - allocating blocks of numbers to numerous wagon works. Many were the RCH standard designs of 1923 and 1907. Note that P numbers are usually read from the number stamped into the wooden frame, and after many years these were worn and are easily mis read. The Fictitious private trader finish on conserved wagons probably existed, but not on the wagon they are now on.
Guestbook for ex Private trader wooden & steel mineral & Coke hopper
Alan Payne.(non-registered)
This group, though small at the present time, is of considerable interest, as my initial interest in wagons was aroused by the sight of wood bodied former Private Owner wagons, with the remains of the original livery. Clearly they were painted in the days when the quality of the paints used was much better than what is available nowadays. I assume that such vehicles would have been repainted in the late 1930's, at the latest, yet despite being out in all weathers for thirty years or more, were still reasonably clear.
![5 Mostyn Iron Works 3 plank dropside OOU @ Mostyn Docks 81-06-27 © Paul Bartlett [1w]](/img/s/v-10/p954442610-11.jpg)
![5 Mostyn Iron Works 3 plank dropside OOU @ Mostyn Docks 81-06-27 © Paul Bartlett [2w]](/img/s/v-10/p949341937-11.jpg)
