Moving coal by rail is a traditional operation, and one which has evolved to enhance customer service.

EWS is the market leader for delivering innovative customer service to the coal sector, and has done so through new high capacity wagons, electronic customer ordering systems, track and trace operations and the creation of a specific customer focused business unit for the electricity supply industry called EWS Energy.

In the 1960s, the movement of coal by rail in Britain was revolutionised through the introduction of new coal hoppers, called ‘Merry-Go-Round’ wagons. They received their name as the wagons operated on an almost non-stop basis from colliery to power station delivering coal to power stations in a manner that maximised the efficiency of the wagon fleet.

The first prototype of the ‘Merry-Go-Round’ wagon (HCA No. 350000) resides with the National Railway Museum.

EWS has now made the second prototype (HCA No. 350001) in this historic fleet available for sale. Due to the historic nature of this wagon EWS has decided that it should be offered for sale to preservation societies and enthusiasts. It is the intention of EWS that No. 350001 will be sold to a buyer who will ensure it is kept complete.

Wagon 350001 was built as the second of two prototype ‘Merry Go Round’ coal hoppers at Darlington Works in 1964.

Further details can be found on the wagons page of the disposals section of the EWS website. www.ews-railway. co.uk Bids should be submitted by Wednesday 5 March 2008.