N Gauge NER P7 & LNER D12 Coal Hopper Wagons from Graham Farish

N Gauge News
Jul 31
3 min read

Updated: Sep 13

Bachmann Europe have revealed that the Graham Farish range will see the addition of the NER P7 and LNER D12 types of coal hopper wagons in N Gauge.

graham farish n gauge ner p7 & lner 12 coal hopper wagon

Two hundred years ago in 1825 the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) opened, heralding the age of the train and kickstarting rail travel as we know it today. Established deep within the rich coal fields of North East England, the S&DR connected collieries and docks, ports and pitheads, to move coal faster than ever before, fuelling the industrial revolution. Later, the North Eastern Railway (NER) would take over the S&DR and would go on to further revolutionise the movement of coal with the introduction of large, 20-Ton Wooden Hopper Wagons.

The new Graham Farish models depict both the NER-built P7 and LNER-built Diagram 12 wagons with their wooden end pillars or steel uprights respectively. Several of the variations seen amongst the P7 fleet are also captured accurately, including options for double or single axle guards, wooden end pillars that extend either to buffer beam level or below, and with or without safety chains, plus the cutout for incline ropes and single or double handrails at either end of the hopper.

The Model features a highly detailed, injection moulded chassis which includes the distinctive footsteps that were mounted to opposite corners of the underframe. The brakes and brake levers are added separately, along with the metal brake link and turned metal buffer heads. Even the ‘monkey tails’ that operated the hopper door latches have are included. Full rivet and strapping detail, plank engraving and a fully detailed interior with the planking, bottom discharge doors and internal transverse support feathers are all represented.

Each body is finished with a set of individually fitted, metal wire handrails added to the sides and ends with a single model sporting up to ten separate handrails.

Sandwiched between the chassis and body is a metal weight providing a low centre of gravity to produce a smooth, free-running wagon which runs on metal wheelsets with either spoked or 3-hole disc wheels. Couplings are fitted into NEM coupling pockets for easy removal or replacement.

The models are in production now and are due to arrive at the start of 2026. Priced at £29.95 each, the first production run of these impressive hoppers includes two examples that have been selected for our Railway Celebrations range, highlighting their connection to the birthplace of the railways.

Engineering Prototypes

NER P7

Extended End Pillars
Single Axle Guards
Twin Horizontal Handrails on the Ends
Spoked Wheels

NER P7

Extended End Pillars
Safety Chains
Single Axle Guards
Single Horizontal Handrails on the Ends
Spoked Wheels

NER P7

Extended End Pillars
Safety Chains
Cutout for Rope Incline Working
Double Axle Guards
Spoked Wheels
Twin Horizontal Handrails on the Ends

NER P7

Extended End Pillars
Double Axle Guards
Twin Horizontal Handrails on the Ends
Spoked Wheels

NER P7

Extended End Pillars
Cutout for Rope Incline Working
Single Axle Guards
Twin Horizontal Handrails on the Ends
Spoked Wheels

NER P7

Short End Pillars
Single Axle Guards
Twin Horizontal Handrails on the Ends

LNER D12

3-Hole Disc Wheels

LNER D12

Spoked Wheels

The initial selection of models includes both P7s and D12 wagons and spans their working lives through NER, LNER and BR operation and into their final years with an example in NCB Black and a second in use with British Sugar Corporation (BSC Ltd.).

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NER P7 Coal Hopper North Eastern Railway Grey (ND)