K suffix behind number

I have a model of a 21 ton mineral wagon made by Hornby (R6161C). It has the number B310437K on it. Can anyone tell me what the K stands for?

Reply to
Jim Northolland
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The K suffix is pukkah - it was something specific to mineral stock, only ever seen it on steel wagons, possibly only on 21 tonners, think I have seen it on hoppers as well. Thought I had noted its function but cannot find the note.

Reply to
Mike Smith

'K' denoted 21t capacity, 'N', I believe, indicating 24.5t capacity. There may have been others, but these are the ones that spring to mind. Brian

Reply to
BH Williams

Thanks for that - I was heading for a sleepless night. Annoying when you can half remember something but cannot quite call it to mind!

Mike

Reply to
Mike Smith

Found it - The 'boxed' markings came in in 1957, the 'coal 21' code came in

1964 and went into the top frame above the load and tare markings. The K suffix was added to the end of the numbers in 1967 to assist staff at coal mines. The 24.5 tonners had the N suffix added at this time. The suffix was dropped after the introduction of TOPS.
Reply to
Mike Smith

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