Three-Plank Wagons H.1 (i) - H.20
This was the first batch of twenty identical wagons were supplied for the opening of the Peel Line in 1873; of particular note, the Association constructed a replica of H.1 in 2000 and this remains as sole sole surviving example of the series today.
Further detail of this particular batch include that H.20 was noted in the records as having been rebuilt as early as 1894, with H.2 being dismantled and stripped for spare parts in 1954 prior to its scrapping, likely to provide spare parts for the similar drop-side wagons.
The use of these wagons dwindled as it was found the that “M” series offered more versatility due to their drop-sides as opposed to the smaller central aperture on these three-plank versions. There were a total of seventy eight of this type, being supplied up to 1925.
When delivered they were described as being capable of offering third class passenger accommodation and indeed were used to transport the military band on opening day with rails attached; no evidence has come to light of this use being made of the wagons subsequently.
Scrapping Dates
H.1 & H.17 - 1955
H.2 & H.20 - 1954
H.3 & H.10 - 1958
H.4 & H.8 - 1959
H.5 & H.9 - 1961
H.6 & H.12 - 1960
H.7 & H.11 - 1962
H.13 - 1949
H.14 & H.16 - 1961
H.15 & H.18- 1958
H.19 - 1962
Fleet Nos.:
Builders:
Year:
Length:
Width:
H.1 (i) - H.20
Metropolitan
1873
14’ 6”
6’ 6”
A fine study of H.18 at Peel Station with the ancient castle in the background from Henry Casserley, April 1950.
One of the earlier series of wagons showing its tare details unusually on the bulkhead at St. John’s Station in 1938.
Coupling details on one of the early batch of three-plank wagons which was standard across all the rolling stock.