NormalforFife

Hi there, A qualification on the allocation of 'Prestwin' hoppers on the British Aluminium Burntisland traffic; although nominally allocated to the "alumina" pool, it is my understanding that these wagons were only used for transporting Dried Hydrate of Alumina, (abbreviated to "Dried Hydrate" in common usage). This product only became available from BACo's Burntisland works after 1972, (however, it was formerly produced by them at Newport, South Wales). Dried Hydrate contained no free moisture, but still retained water in chemical combination. Alumina proper contained no water and was produced by firing alumina hydrate at high temperature in a kiln. While the hydrate was transported in 'Prestwins', alumina was transported in 'Presflo' wagons, (or grain hoppers). I have no idea, however, as to whether some design attribute of these different wagon types dictated this pattern of usage. In both instances, the wagons were top loaded by gravity from overhead bunkers. Regards, David B