SPA coil wagon Profile and Models

270112 at Toton Yard in January 2012. ©Dan Adkins

After modifying several SAA wagons into SPA steel carrying wagons, BR ordered two batches of production SPA wagons in the late 70s and early 80s. The wagons are generally used for the transport of steel coils and other metals. BR identified quickly that they had a surplus of SPAs and in 1983 a number were converted for departmental use. Several SPA wagons were also modified to feature a flexible hood to protect their steel coil loads, with some then being referred to as SEA wagons. A number of vehicles are still in service to this day.

Type of Vehicle	Open Plate Wagon
Builder	BR Shildon Works
Build Dates	1979 to 1981
Total Built	1,100
Wheel Configuration	4-wheel
Operated By	British Rail EWS DB Cargo UK Network Rail
Main Duties	Steel Coil & Pig Iron Transport Departmental Use
In Service Until	Present
Surviving Examples	Many still in use