History

‘Demountable’ was the name given to a family of vehicles that featured a tank which could be removed (usually by means of a crane) from their chassis. But unlike container trains, there were several designs of both tanks and chassis, which weren’t interchangeable. This ‘square pegs into round holes’ conundrum led to a lack of flexibility but presents a fascinating opportunity when it comes to producing models.

Introduced from 1949, 114 Demountables eventually took to the rails. Construction was shared between Shildon, Derby and Earlestown, with many repurposed from older chassis. Their primary role was the carriage of beer, and they tended to be produced in small, bespoke batches for specific brewers. Household names such as Youngers, Whiteways, Aitchesons and Bass were among the first recipients, but other beverages were, of course, available – and Lemon Heart Rum, Guinness and Whiteways Cyder soon got in on the act. Demountables were also produced for Crossfields and ICI; these were put to work carrying decidedly less appetising fare such as paint, varnish and sodium silicate.

For modellers, the great thing about Demountables is that due to their limited numbers and different designs, they tended to turn up in ones or twos on all types of trains, from the traditional ‘pick-up goods’ to longer-distance passenger services, where their vacuum and steam-heat pipes were put to good use. So they make for eyecatching cameos on all sorts of layouts depicting all corners of the country – proving that it’s always Beer o’Clock somewhere!

Demountables continued in front-line use until the late 1970s, but some then drifted into internal  and departmental duties, with a few surviving into preservation.