First GBRf is ordering up to 50 extra new bogie coal hopper wagons to meet the expected growth in demand for the movement of coal during the next financial year.

The 50 are due to arrive in March 2008 coinciding with the next Class 66 delivery, with further orders pending.

John Smith, First GBRf’s Managing Director said: “We expect to be hauling more coal in 2008 and our existing coal wagon fleet will be 100% utilised by July this year so we need to order more wagons. After just two months operation the HYA is already proving to be a success for us in terms of its efficiency and reliability and so we are very pleased with our investment in this wagon design. Further investment will help us to meet the growth we are expecting in the coal market next year.”

The high capacity HYA wagons will be built by IRS in Arad, Romania and are capable of carrying up to 74.5 tonnes each.