MGR wagons on coal staithes

[Bon Accord]

Gents,

Recently on a shipping Facebook page there was posted a photograph of a CEGB collier alongide in Blyth (the 4 disgraces being prominent), however interestingly said collier was being loaded from the usual wooden coal staithes - of Get Carter fame - and the wagons on top were quite blatantly HAA types rather than the usual 21t hoppers. I was otherwise unaware that MGR hoppers were used in this manner, would someone be able to confirm that this is correct and not just a visual trick/a senior moment on my part? Surely those MGR hoppers would have required alterations being made to the unloading equipment to activate the hopper doors etc?

[Mark Saunders]

The use of HAA at West Blyth became the norm for shipping industrial coal as the HEA's had all gone for Speedlink traffic. When the HUO's had been withdrawn and were used for all classes of coal both industrial and house.

 

There was no modification required on the Staiths but the empty line had Daleks installed at the Yard to close the doors!

 

Mark Saunders