Diagram 1 Open Goods Wagon - 9in sides - to carry 7tons

The photograph below shows wagon No.11821 photographed at Earlestown when it was new in 1885. The split-spoke wheels were 3ft 1½in diameter and the brake consisted of a single wooden block, which was operated on one wheel only by a single straight lever. The wheel journals, running in grease filled axleboxes, measured 6in x 3in. The Diagram Book gives a class tare weight of 4tons 4cwt 2qrs. Most photographs show vehicles fitted with a wooden brake block, as described above, but as the GA drawing shows, this design was replaced from 1896 onwards by a pushrod brake, with a cast iron block, on those wagons that needed heavy repairs.

By 1902 the oldest survivors were those that had been built in 1868, but the design had originated in 1859 as described above. Building of this type of wagon continued until 1887 by which time about 20,000 were in use. As age took its toll the numbers reduced to about 6000 by 1909. Initially, withdrawn vehicles were replaced by the 2-plank, Diagram 2 type and from 1894 onwards by the 4-plank, Diagram 4 type. After 1909, the replacements were the 18ft.1-plank, Diagram 103 type so as to maintain a sufficient stock of low-sided wagons. The type became extinct before 1923.

From photographs the following numbers are on record: 1563 [4.13.0], 11821 [4.10.0], 18391 [4.1.2], 24945 [4.4.1], 29747 [4.12.1], 31446 [4.3.1]. The numbers in brackets are the tare weights, which are visible in each photograph. Two Minute Book references list collections Diagram 1 wagons. Table 1 lists 30 such wagons designated for transfer to Crewe Works in 1907 and Table 2 lists 15 wagons, which were converted into small glass wagons in 1897. Since the 18ft. Diagram 103 wagons, described below, were direct replacements for the 15ft 6in Diagram 1 vehicles, the numbers recorded for the later design can equally be applied to the smaller version before 1909.

Diagram 1 No.11821 photographed when new at Earlestown in 1885. This shows the wooden brake block and direct action straight lever.

Source A G Ellis Collection 23990

The side elevation of drawing Earlestown GA.3, dated 4.2.1896, showing a later version of a Diagram 1 Open wagon fitted with a pushrod brake.

Source HMRS. Dwg No.1142