Covering system for a hopper wagon

The invention relates to a covering system for covering an inlet formed in a hopper wagon body of a hopper wagon, whereby the covering system comprises a cover that is configured to close the inlet when it is arranged in a closed position and open the inlet when it arranged in an open position and hinge means that is configured to mount the cover on the hopper wagon body such that the cover is hinged to an outer portion the hopper wagon body, adjacent the inlet and the cover is rotatable in a substantially vertical plane between the closed position and the open position. The hinge means may be configured to mount the cover in spaced relation above the inlet such that there is a gap space between the cover and the inlet when the cover is arranged in at least the closed position. The gap space may be formed between a hinged edge region of the cover and an adjacent edge of the inlet. The cover may comprise a single leaf door. The cover may comprise a double leaf door. The invention also relates to a hopper wagon comprising the covering system.