Beginning in the mid 1970s, when the TOPS numbering system was first introduced, David Ratcliffe now takes readers on a new journey through the private owner wagon era, bringing the story of this important part of the railways up to date. With an informative introduction which puts the modern private owner wagon scene in context with the recent trends, the author explains everything from two-axle to bogie vehicles. Also included are two useful tables detailing the changes and current classification used by the TOPS numbering system, and examples relevant to explaining the decline of mixed freight services, the growth of block trains, and the consequent influence on the private wagons industry.The wagons are presented in the following broad groupings: 1. Covered hoppers and bulk powder wagons 2. Open hoppers, minerals, opens and tipplers 3. Car carriers 4. Miscellaneous (including vans and specials) 5. Flats and conflats 6. Tanks (all types)This split reflects the balance of types within the domestic wagon fleet, although not all groups are given equal prominence. For example, there were not many batches of purely British vans. As with other volumes in the series, this brilliant new book includes a fantastic array of colour illustrations supplemented by detailed captions to inspire modellers to enhance their layouts. This is the reference source that railway modellers across the country have been waiting for!