As a group we support the NYMRs Civil Engineering fleet.
A number of the wagons in there are from the period you are looking at and basically Black is the order of the day.
http://www.yorkareagroup.co.uk/wagons/wagon-photos/
From the list of our stock I reckon that
The Walrus hoppers, Dogfish Hopper, Shark Ballast plough, Grampus and Borail would suit.
The Borail does have a modern modification with the Side Rail lifters, easily removed though. (original offload by leaning bars against the wagon side and tipping rails off )
As for publications This might suit:-
Civil Engineers Wagons by David Larkin
Vol 1 British Railways 1948 - 1967
Kestrel Railway Books
ISBN 978-1-905505-23-4
£14