WH DAVIS has completed construction of 46 JNA-U ‘Jumbo’open box wagons for Beacon Rail Leasing, Nos. 81 70 5932 105-6 to 150-2. Capacity is 75.0 cubic metres, which is 25% more than the standard JNA-T type. Overall length is 16.6 metres and tare 24 tonnes. Operated by GB Railfreight, terminals served include Small Heath yard, Birmingham.
Other JNAs to be seen at Small Heath are the‘Black Adder’type from the series Nos. GERS 4401-424. Dating from 2002, these are also a product of WH Davis, mating new bodies with refurbished bogies and other belowsolebar equipment. Originally owned by GE Rail Services, they are now part of the Touax fleet.
However, cancellation of the HS2 project north of Birmingham has not reduced demand for new rolling stock. Now underway at the Langwith Junction workshops is construction of a further 25 open box wagons, type JNA-V. Direct Rail Services is leasing the stock from owner VTG Rail UK. Amodified braking system supplied by Knorr-Bremse is being fitted. Maximum payload will be 79.6 tonnes and tare 24 tonnes. Capacity will be 60 cubic metres. Identities are Nos. 81 70 5932 812-7 to 836-6.