Diagram 9 Open Goods Wagon - 36in sides, door on each side - to carry 10tons

The main dimensions and construction of Diagram 9 wagons was the same as for Diagram 4 vehicles but, to support 10ton loads, they were fitted with larger journals, 8in x 3¾in, running in grease filled axleboxes. Small numbers of this type of wagon were built throughout the 1890's for various specialised tasks but the type did not emerge in its own right until late in 1902 when 262 wagons were built on capital account. In 1903 a further 322 of the 10ton version were built on capital account alongside 1325 of the 7ton Diagram 4 wagons built on revenue account. Further building of new wagons in replacement of Diagram 1 & 2 vehicles continued on revenue account until 1907 by which time there was a total of about 9000 Diagram 9 wagons in stock. Additionally, more 10ton vehicles were created by upgrading many of the Diagram 4 wagons into the 10ton Diagram 9 vehicles. This programme added another 9000 to the stock by 1920. Although it seems likely that originally the brakes were of the iron block pushrod type, most photographs and the 1902 GA drawing [HMRS 1135] show vehicles fitted with double brakes both sides. In later days some were fitted with larger journals and oil filled axleboxes - see 23968 & 70228 below.

From photographs the following numbers are on record: 8087 [6.3.0], 10000 [5.11.0], 19162, 21371 [5.12.2] 23968 [6.4.1], 37153 [5.11.0], 43649 [5.19.1], 44772 [5.13.0], 68553 [5.5.3], 70228 [6.5.2].

Diagram 9, No.8087, is shown here in original condition when photographed at Earlestown in 1904. Note the pre-1908 livery, the 10ton version of the grease axleboxes and the double brakes on both sides. Most other aspects of the construction are the same as the Diagram 4 wagons, for example the sprung doorstop with its matching striker plate in the centre of the door and the standard 3-bolt round base buffers. The full brakes and larger journals have raised the tare weight to 6T 3cwt.

This side elevation of a Diagram 9 open goods wagon is taken from Earlestown GA Dwg No. 44 [HMRS Dwg 1135], dated 23rd June 1903. The curved brake lever seems to have been sketched in later. It may have been fitted to some of the earlier wagons but none of the known photographs show such a feature. However, it is to be seen on similar contemporary mineral wagons such as the Diagram 53, 8ton Traffic Coal Wagon.