Description
RailEx 2024 – Coal Wagon Flowers & Co.
Introducing the meticulously crafted 00 gauge wagon, a faithful tribute to the historic Portsmouth, Fareham Winchester and Southampton coal wagons that played a crucial role in the transportation of coal during a bygone era. This exquisitely detailed model encapsulates the essence of the industrial past while offering enthusiasts a tangible connection to the rich history of railway coal delivery.
Wagon History.
Flowers, PortsmouthÂ
Albert Edward Flowers was born at Portsmouth in 1851, the son of a Greenwich Pensioner who began dealing in coals in the 1860s. Albert was established in the trade by 1875 at Flathouse Wharf, and he had retired by 1911 when his sons Edward and Stephen had taken over the reigns and by which time the business had been incorporated as a limited company.Â
The firm had a ledger account with the L&NWR in 1909 and were party to both the 1926 and 1933 RCH agreements.
If the directories are to be believed there was little expansion until the later 1920s when the Colliery Supply Co. were taken over giving the firm outlets elsewhere.
Step back in time to an era when steam locomotives ruled the tracks and coal was the lifeblood of industrial progress. Flowers & Co. wagons were emblematic of this era, designed to efficiently transport the vital fuel that powered factories, homes, and the heart of the economy. With a legacy dating back to the 19th century, these wagons were an integral part of the transport infrastructure along the southern coast of England.
These workhorses could be seen traversing the tracks, transporting the black gold from the bustling ports to destinations that depended on coal to power their engines and furnaces. The legacy of these wagons is not just in their functionality but in their contribution to shaping the landscape and prosperity of the communities they serve.
Whether you’re a dedicated railway enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the nostalgia of yesteryears, the 00 gauge wagon inspired by the Flowers & Co. coal wagons is a must-have addition to your collection.
