25-ton steel ballast hopper wagons were specially constructed for the LNER Engineer’s Department to transport the ballast. At the bottom of the wagon, there were three hopper doors that were operated by the wheels at the platform end. As the train was being pulled forward, the outer doors would open and discharge in the ‘six foot’ on both sides of the track. The centre door would open into the ‘four foot’. The ballast plough brakes would then spread the ballast.

This NE Scottish Area Hopper wagon model features box sections in the vertical ribs. The hook couplings enable easier coupling of other rolling stock and locomotives on your layout. Stanchions support the wagon. A handbrake wheel is also featured. A legend stating ‘Empty to Cowlairs’ reflects these wagons emptying their ballast load at Cowlairs. This model comes complete in an LNER NE Scottish Area livery.