The British Railways LNER 13-ton steel hopper wagon was based on an LNER design but produced in the early British Railways era between 1949 and 1953. It marked a step forward from earlier wooden-bodied wagons by using an all-steel, welded construction, which offered improved durability and reduced maintenance needs. The design reflected the LNER’s long-standing experience with mineral wagons, but was adapted for post-war production methods in BR workshops such as those at Shildon, Faverdale, and York.

Over 2,600 of these wagons were built, and they became a common sight in the North Eastern Region. This was partly because many goods yards in the area had coal-drop staithes, making the bottom-discharge hopper design especially efficient for unloading bulk materials. While they were primarily intended for transporting coal, the hoppers proved versatile and were later used to carry stone, sand, and other aggregates.

The 13-ton steel hopper was a reliable and workmanlike vehicle that served across the UK for several decades. Its robust construction meant it could withstand heavy use, and it became a mainstay of freight traffic in the post-war period. Although newer wagon designs eventually replaced them, some examples remained in service into the early 1980s, making them one of the longer-lived mineral wagon types of the mid-20th century.

Inspired by one of Britain’s most beloved narrow-gauge railways – the Lynton & Barnstaple, these exclusive new packs feature the beautifully detailed KATO Large England locomotive “Exmoor Pony” paired with unique-liveried rolling stock – only available in these sets and not sold separately.

Each pack comes in a smart, collector-style presentation box, complete with custom packaging and a striking outer sleeve – perfect for displaying or gifting.

Inspired by one of Britain’s most beloved narrow-gauge railways – the Lynton & Barnstaple, these exclusive new packs feature the beautifully detailed KATO Large England locomotive “Exmoor Pony” paired with unique-liveried rolling stock – only available in these sets and not sold separately.

Each pack comes in a smart, collector-style presentation box, complete with custom packaging and a striking outer sleeve – perfect for displaying or gifting.

The PECO Streamline OO Bullhead track range has shaped up to be a very comprehensive system comprising flexible track, bullhead joiners, buffer stop, large radius, medium radius turnout, a crossing, double & single slips, Y turnouts and now Small Radius Turnouts. There's enough there already for modellers to build a truly authentic steam-to-diesel transition period layout.

• PECO Streamline OO Bullhead Small Radius Turnout, Unifrog
• Shares the same geometry as the existing Streamline Code 100, 75 flat bottom tracks systems
• Compatible with existing Bullhead system
• Uses standard SL-110 Code 75 rail joiner or the SL-114 Bullhead rail joiner
• Length 185mm
• Radius 610mm
• Frog angle 12 degrees
• Unifrog
• High quality nickel silver rail for all rail parts, for optimal electrical conductivity
• An excellent track component where space restrictions prevent standard turnouts being used.

The PECO Streamline OO Bullhead track range has shaped up to be a very comprehensive system comprising flexible track, bullhead joiners, buffer stop, large radius, medium radius turnout, a crossing, double & single slips, Y turnouts and now Small Radius Turnouts. There's enough there already for modellers to build a truly authentic steam-to-diesel transition period layout.

• PECO Streamline OO Bullhead Small Radius Turnout, Unifrog
• Shares the same geometry as the existing Streamline Code 100, 75 flat bottom tracks systems
• Compatible with existing Bullhead system
• Uses standard SL-110 Code 75 rail joiner or the SL-114 Bullhead rail joiner
• Length 185mm
• Radius 610mm
• Frog angle 12 degrees
• Unifrog
• High quality nickel silver rail for all rail parts, for optimal electrical conductivity
• An excellent track component where space restrictions prevent standard turnouts being used.

METHOD OF ENTRY:

The first step in entering our exciting and new RAIL200 Competition is the purchase of the dedicated RAIL200 Competition Baseboard. Our bespoke baseboard is designed for both the Modular Competition (OO Scale) and Standalone Competition (Any Scale). For the Modular Competition, the supplied track MUST be used and placed as instructed. Other gauge track can be used elsewhere on the board, but must not interfere with the mainline of track, as this will be used to operate if the entry makes it to the finals. For the Standalone Competition, the supplied track MAY be used, and wherever on the board, if desired. No specific tools will be required to assemble the baseboard, but a PVA glue will be required.

Upon purchase of this baseboard, you'll be contacted automatically via email with a useful video guide, showing you how to assemble your baseboard, as well as details on how to submit your entry for judging, to be in with a chance of making the finals and hopefully winning!

A printed hard copy of these instructions, as well as printed entry form will also be included with the baseboard that is sent to you.

Enjoy your build and good luck!

For more information or enquiries please e-mail: rail200competition@peco.co

The competition entry page can be found here.

ABOUT THE RAIL200 COMPETITION

The RAIL200 Competition aims to celebrate two centuries of railway heritage by engaging both seasoned and novice modellers and of all ages. Participants do not need prior experience in railway modelling, making this an inclusive opportunity for anyone that would like to take part of try their hand in modelling. The competition features two distinct categories, allowing entrants to choose based on their interests and skills.

These are:

1. The Modular Competition: Participants are tasked with creating a layout using a OO gauge piece of track provided by PECO. Strict guidelines ensure compatibility among entries, enabling the finalists’ layouts to be linked-together into a larger, cohesive exhibition at a special venue, to be announced. Finalists will have their layouts assembled by PECO technicians and showcased to the public, with features in Railway Modeller magazine and prizes for winners and runners-up.

2.The Standalone Competition: This category allows modellers to craft a scenic display in any scale or gauge, focusing solely on scenic creativity and imaginative design. Dioramas are standalone pieces and are not required to be connected operationally with other layouts. Finalists will have their work displayed publicly and featured in Railway Modeller magazine, with prizes awarded to winners and runners-up.

To enter the RAIL200 Competition, participants are required to purchase a specially designed RAIL200 baseboard, which grants automatic entry into the competition, and will be posted to them along with instructions on how to assemble their baseboard, as well as how to register their entry online, or if preferred by submitting in the post . Entrants are required to send high-quality photographs of their completed layouts or dioramas by the submission deadline, in order to be considered for the final. An independent panel of judges will evaluate the entries, selecting finalists for exhibition and publication opportunities.

POSTAGE & PACKING

UK (Scotland, England, Wales, N.Ireland) - £6.00
UK (Highlands & Islands) - £30.00

Please note: We apologise for any higher than expected delivery charges but these are the exact and direct costs from the courier that we cannot change.

KEY DATES

Competition Opens: Monday 7th April 2025
Submission Deadline: Tuesday 30th September 2025

Please note: This competition is a UK-based competition only

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.

A new set of Tracksetta templates are now available. Essential tools for ensuring the best track laying possible with PECO Streamline flexible track, the addition of TT:120 templates now provides modellers in this 'new' scale the opportunity to ensure kink-free, realistic-looking track. Combining different radii also allow the laying of transition curves and reverse curves to best effect. As with the N/OO-9 and OO/HO scale Tracksetta templates these are made from powder-coated steel.