diff --git a/src/ai/ai_gui.cpp b/src/ai/ai_gui.cpp
--- a/src/ai/ai_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/ai/ai_gui.cpp
@@ -479,12 +479,12 @@ struct AISettingsWindow : public Window 
 							this->clicked_dropdown = true;
 							this->closing_dropdown = false;
 
-							DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+							DropDownList list;
 							for (int i = config_item.min_value; i <= config_item.max_value; i++) {
-								list->push_back(new DropDownListCharStringItem(config_item.labels->Find(i)->second, i, false));
+								list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCharStringItem(config_item.labels->Find(i)->second, i, false));
 							}
 
-							ShowDropDownListAt(this, list, old_val, -1, wi_rect, COLOUR_ORANGE, true);
+							ShowDropDownListAt(this, std::move(list), old_val, -1, wi_rect, COLOUR_ORANGE, true);
 						}
 					}
 				} else if (IsInsideMM(x, 0, SETTING_BUTTON_WIDTH)) {
diff --git a/src/airport_gui.cpp b/src/airport_gui.cpp
--- a/src/airport_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/airport_gui.cpp
@@ -214,12 +214,12 @@ class BuildAirportWindow : public Picker
 	Scrollbar *vscroll;
 
 	/** Build a dropdown list of available airport classes */
-	static DropDownList *BuildAirportClassDropDown()
+	static DropDownList BuildAirportClassDropDown()
 	{
-		DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+		DropDownList list;
 
 		for (uint i = 0; i < AirportClass::GetClassCount(); i++) {
-			list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(AirportClass::Get((AirportClassID)i)->name, i, false));
+			list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(AirportClass::Get((AirportClassID)i)->name, i, false));
 		}
 
 		return list;
diff --git a/src/autoreplace_gui.cpp b/src/autoreplace_gui.cpp
--- a/src/autoreplace_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/autoreplace_gui.cpp
@@ -467,10 +467,10 @@ public:
 				break;
 
 			case WID_RV_TRAIN_ENGINEWAGON_DROPDOWN: {
-				DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_REPLACE_ENGINES, 1, false));
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_REPLACE_WAGONS, 0, false));
-				ShowDropDownList(this, list, this->replace_engines ? 1 : 0, WID_RV_TRAIN_ENGINEWAGON_DROPDOWN);
+				DropDownList list;
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_REPLACE_ENGINES, 1, false));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_REPLACE_WAGONS, 0, false));
+				ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), this->replace_engines ? 1 : 0, WID_RV_TRAIN_ENGINEWAGON_DROPDOWN);
 				break;
 			}
 
diff --git a/src/company_gui.cpp b/src/company_gui.cpp
--- a/src/company_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/company_gui.cpp
@@ -602,18 +602,18 @@ private:
 			}
 		}
 
-		DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+		DropDownList list;
 		if (default_livery != NULL) {
 			/* Add COLOUR_END to put the colour out of range, but also allow us to show what the default is */
 			default_col = (primary ? default_livery->colour1 : default_livery->colour2) + COLOUR_END;
-			list->push_back(new DropDownListColourItem(default_col, false));
+			list.emplace_back(new DropDownListColourItem(default_col, false));
 		}
 		for (uint i = 0; i < lengthof(_colour_dropdown); i++) {
-			list->push_back(new DropDownListColourItem(i, HasBit(used_colours, i)));
+			list.emplace_back(new DropDownListColourItem(i, HasBit(used_colours, i)));
 		}
 
 		byte sel = (default_livery == NULL || HasBit(livery->in_use, primary ? 0 : 1)) ? (primary ? livery->colour1 : livery->colour2) : default_col;
-		ShowDropDownList(this, list, sel, widget);
+		ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), sel, widget);
 	}
 
 	static int CDECL GroupNameSorter(const Group * const *a, const Group * const *b)
diff --git a/src/core/smallvec_type.hpp b/src/core/smallvec_type.hpp
--- a/src/core/smallvec_type.hpp
+++ b/src/core/smallvec_type.hpp
@@ -99,36 +99,6 @@ public:
 	}
 };
 
-/**
- * Simple vector template class, with automatic delete.
- *
- * @note There are no asserts in the class so you have
- *       to care about that you grab an item which is
- *       inside the list.
- *
- * @param T The type of the items stored, must be a pointer
- */
-template <typename T>
-class AutoDeleteSmallVector : public std::vector<T> {
-public:
-	~AutoDeleteSmallVector()
-	{
-		this->Clear();
-	}
-
-	/**
-	 * Remove all items from the list.
-	 */
-	inline void Clear()
-	{
-		for (T p : *this) {
-			delete p;
-		}
-
-		std::vector<T>::clear();
-	}
-};
-
 typedef AutoFreeSmallVector<char*> StringList; ///< Type for a list of strings.
 
 #endif /* SMALLVEC_TYPE_HPP */
diff --git a/src/date_gui.cpp b/src/date_gui.cpp
--- a/src/date_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/date_gui.cpp
@@ -68,21 +68,21 @@ struct SetDateWindow : Window {
 	void ShowDateDropDown(int widget)
 	{
 		int selected;
-		DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+		DropDownList list;
 
 		switch (widget) {
 			default: NOT_REACHED();
 
 			case WID_SD_DAY:
 				for (uint i = 0; i < 31; i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_DAY_NUMBER_1ST + i, i + 1, false));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_DAY_NUMBER_1ST + i, i + 1, false));
 				}
 				selected = this->date.day;
 				break;
 
 			case WID_SD_MONTH:
 				for (uint i = 0; i < 12; i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MONTH_JAN + i, i, false));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MONTH_JAN + i, i, false));
 				}
 				selected = this->date.month;
 				break;
@@ -91,13 +91,13 @@ struct SetDateWindow : Window {
 				for (Year i = this->min_year; i <= this->max_year; i++) {
 					DropDownListParamStringItem *item = new DropDownListParamStringItem(STR_JUST_INT, i, false);
 					item->SetParam(0, i);
-					list->push_back(item);
+					list.emplace_back(item);
 				}
 				selected = this->date.year;
 				break;
 		}
 
-		ShowDropDownList(this, list, selected, widget);
+		ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), selected, widget);
 	}
 
 	void UpdateWidgetSize(int widget, Dimension *size, const Dimension &padding, Dimension *fill, Dimension *resize) override
diff --git a/src/genworld_gui.cpp b/src/genworld_gui.cpp
--- a/src/genworld_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/genworld_gui.cpp
@@ -282,14 +282,14 @@ static void LandscapeGenerationCallback(
 	if (confirmed) StartGeneratingLandscape((GenerateLandscapeWindowMode)w->window_number);
 }
 
-static DropDownList *BuildMapsizeDropDown()
+static DropDownList BuildMapsizeDropDown()
 {
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+	DropDownList list;
 
 	for (uint i = MIN_MAP_SIZE_BITS; i <= MAX_MAP_SIZE_BITS; i++) {
 		DropDownListParamStringItem *item = new DropDownListParamStringItem(STR_JUST_INT, i, false);
 		item->SetParam(0, 1LL << i);
-		list->push_back(item);
+		list.emplace_back(item);
 	}
 
 	return list;
diff --git a/src/group_gui.cpp b/src/group_gui.cpp
--- a/src/group_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/group_gui.cpp
@@ -768,8 +768,7 @@ public:
 				break;
 
 			case WID_GL_MANAGE_VEHICLES_DROPDOWN: {
-				DropDownList *list = this->BuildActionDropdownList(true, Group::IsValidID(this->vli.index));
-				ShowDropDownList(this, list, 0, WID_GL_MANAGE_VEHICLES_DROPDOWN);
+				ShowDropDownList(this, this->BuildActionDropdownList(true, Group::IsValidID(this->vli.index)), 0, WID_GL_MANAGE_VEHICLES_DROPDOWN);
 				break;
 			}
 
diff --git a/src/industry_gui.cpp b/src/industry_gui.cpp
--- a/src/industry_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/industry_gui.cpp
@@ -2709,34 +2709,30 @@ struct IndustryCargoesWindow : public Wi
 				break;
 
 			case WID_IC_CARGO_DROPDOWN: {
-				DropDownList *lst = new DropDownList;
+				DropDownList lst;
 				const CargoSpec *cs;
 				FOR_ALL_SORTED_STANDARD_CARGOSPECS(cs) {
-					lst->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(cs->name, cs->Index(), false));
+					lst.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(cs->name, cs->Index(), false));
 				}
-				if (lst->size() == 0) {
-					delete lst;
-					break;
+				if (!lst.empty()) {
+					int selected = (this->ind_cargo >= NUM_INDUSTRYTYPES) ? (int)(this->ind_cargo - NUM_INDUSTRYTYPES) : -1;
+					ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(lst), selected, WID_IC_CARGO_DROPDOWN, 0, true);
 				}
-				int selected = (this->ind_cargo >= NUM_INDUSTRYTYPES) ? (int)(this->ind_cargo - NUM_INDUSTRYTYPES) : -1;
-				ShowDropDownList(this, lst, selected, WID_IC_CARGO_DROPDOWN, 0, true);
 				break;
 			}
 
 			case WID_IC_IND_DROPDOWN: {
-				DropDownList *lst = new DropDownList;
+				DropDownList lst;
 				for (uint i = 0; i < NUM_INDUSTRYTYPES; i++) {
 					IndustryType ind = _sorted_industry_types[i];
 					const IndustrySpec *indsp = GetIndustrySpec(ind);
 					if (!indsp->enabled) continue;
-					lst->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(indsp->name, ind, false));
+					lst.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(indsp->name, ind, false));
 				}
-				if (lst->size() == 0) {
-					delete lst;
-					break;
+				if (!lst.empty()) {
+					int selected = (this->ind_cargo < NUM_INDUSTRYTYPES) ? (int)this->ind_cargo : -1;
+					ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(lst), selected, WID_IC_IND_DROPDOWN, 0, true);
 				}
-				int selected = (this->ind_cargo < NUM_INDUSTRYTYPES) ? (int)this->ind_cargo : -1;
-				ShowDropDownList(this, lst, selected, WID_IC_IND_DROPDOWN, 0, true);
 				break;
 			}
 		}
diff --git a/src/music_gui.cpp b/src/music_gui.cpp
--- a/src/music_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/music_gui.cpp
@@ -571,8 +571,7 @@ struct MusicTrackSelectionWindow : publi
 
 			case WID_MTS_MUSICSET: {
 				int selected = 0;
-				DropDownList *dropdown = BuildMusicSetDropDownList(&selected);
-				ShowDropDownList(this, dropdown, selected, widget, 0, true, false);
+				ShowDropDownList(this, BuildMusicSetDropDownList(&selected), selected, widget, 0, true, false);
 				break;
 			}
 
diff --git a/src/newgrf_gui.cpp b/src/newgrf_gui.cpp
--- a/src/newgrf_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/newgrf_gui.cpp
@@ -376,12 +376,12 @@ struct NewGRFParametersWindow : public W
 							this->clicked_dropdown = true;
 							this->closing_dropdown = false;
 
-							DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+							DropDownList list;
 							for (uint32 i = par_info->min_value; i <= par_info->max_value; i++) {
-								list->push_back(new DropDownListCharStringItem(GetGRFStringFromGRFText(par_info->value_names.Find(i)->second), i, false));
+								list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCharStringItem(GetGRFStringFromGRFText(par_info->value_names.Find(i)->second), i, false));
 							}
 
-							ShowDropDownListAt(this, list, old_val, -1, wi_rect, COLOUR_ORANGE, true);
+							ShowDropDownListAt(this, std::move(list), old_val, -1, wi_rect, COLOUR_ORANGE, true);
 						}
 					}
 				} else if (IsInsideMM(x, 0, SETTING_BUTTON_WIDTH)) {
@@ -924,19 +924,19 @@ struct NewGRFWindow : public Window, New
 
 		switch (widget) {
 			case WID_NS_PRESET_LIST: {
-				DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+				DropDownList list;
 
 				/* Add 'None' option for clearing list */
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_NONE, -1, false));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_NONE, -1, false));
 
 				for (uint i = 0; i < _grf_preset_list.size(); i++) {
 					if (_grf_preset_list[i] != NULL) {
-						list->push_back(new DropDownListCharStringItem(_grf_preset_list[i], i, false));
+						list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCharStringItem(_grf_preset_list[i], i, false));
 					}
 				}
 
 				this->DeleteChildWindows(WC_QUERY_STRING); // Remove the parameter query window
-				ShowDropDownList(this, list, this->preset, WID_NS_PRESET_LIST);
+				ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), this->preset, WID_NS_PRESET_LIST);
 				break;
 			}
 
diff --git a/src/order_gui.cpp b/src/order_gui.cpp
--- a/src/order_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/order_gui.cpp
@@ -1295,11 +1295,11 @@ public:
 				break;
 
 			case WID_O_COND_VARIABLE: {
-				DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+				DropDownList list;
 				for (uint i = 0; i < lengthof(_order_conditional_variable); i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_ORDER_CONDITIONAL_LOAD_PERCENTAGE + _order_conditional_variable[i], _order_conditional_variable[i], false));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_ORDER_CONDITIONAL_LOAD_PERCENTAGE + _order_conditional_variable[i], _order_conditional_variable[i], false));
 				}
-				ShowDropDownList(this, list, this->vehicle->GetOrder(this->OrderGetSel())->GetConditionVariable(), WID_O_COND_VARIABLE);
+				ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), this->vehicle->GetOrder(this->OrderGetSel())->GetConditionVariable(), WID_O_COND_VARIABLE);
 				break;
 			}
 
diff --git a/src/rail_gui.cpp b/src/rail_gui.cpp
--- a/src/rail_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/rail_gui.cpp
@@ -1987,7 +1987,7 @@ void InitializeRailGUI()
  * @param all_option Whether to add an 'all types' item.
  * @return The populated and sorted #DropDownList.
  */
-DropDownList *GetRailTypeDropDownList(bool for_replacement, bool all_option)
+DropDownList GetRailTypeDropDownList(bool for_replacement, bool all_option)
 {
 	RailTypes used_railtypes;
 	RailTypes avail_railtypes;
@@ -2003,11 +2003,10 @@ DropDownList *GetRailTypeDropDownList(bo
 		used_railtypes  = GetRailTypes(true);
 	}
 
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+	DropDownList list;
 
 	if (all_option) {
-		DropDownListStringItem *item = new DropDownListStringItem(STR_REPLACE_ALL_RAILTYPE, INVALID_RAILTYPE, false);
-		list->push_back(item);
+		list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_REPLACE_ALL_RAILTYPE, INVALID_RAILTYPE, false));
 	}
 
 	Dimension d = { 0, 0 };
@@ -2038,7 +2037,7 @@ DropDownList *GetRailTypeDropDownList(bo
 		}
 		item->SetParam(0, rti->strings.menu_text);
 		item->SetParam(1, rti->max_speed);
-		list->push_back(item);
+		list.emplace_back(item);
 	}
 	return list;
 }
diff --git a/src/rail_gui.h b/src/rail_gui.h
--- a/src/rail_gui.h
+++ b/src/rail_gui.h
@@ -19,6 +19,6 @@ struct Window *ShowBuildRailToolbar(Rail
 void ReinitGuiAfterToggleElrail(bool disable);
 bool ResetSignalVariant(int32 = 0);
 void InitializeRailGUI();
-DropDownList *GetRailTypeDropDownList(bool for_replacement = false, bool all_option = false);
+DropDownList GetRailTypeDropDownList(bool for_replacement = false, bool all_option = false);
 
 #endif /* RAIL_GUI_H */
diff --git a/src/settings_gui.cpp b/src/settings_gui.cpp
--- a/src/settings_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/settings_gui.cpp
@@ -122,20 +122,20 @@ static int GetCurRes()
 static void ShowCustCurrency();
 
 template <class T>
-static DropDownList *BuildSetDropDownList(int *selected_index, bool allow_selection)
+static DropDownList BuildSetDropDownList(int *selected_index, bool allow_selection)
 {
 	int n = T::GetNumSets();
 	*selected_index = T::GetIndexOfUsedSet();
 
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+	DropDownList list;
 	for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
-		list->push_back(new DropDownListCharStringItem(T::GetSet(i)->name, i, !allow_selection && (*selected_index != i)));
+		list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCharStringItem(T::GetSet(i)->name, i, !allow_selection && (*selected_index != i)));
 	}
 
 	return list;
 }
 
-DropDownList *BuildMusicSetDropDownList(int *selected_index)
+DropDownList BuildMusicSetDropDownList(int *selected_index)
 {
 	return BuildSetDropDownList<BaseMusic>(selected_index, true);
 }
@@ -200,12 +200,11 @@ struct GameOptionsWindow : Window {
 	 * @param selected_index Currently selected item
 	 * @return the built dropdown list, or NULL if the widget has no dropdown menu.
 	 */
-	DropDownList *BuildDropDownList(int widget, int *selected_index) const
+	DropDownList BuildDropDownList(int widget, int *selected_index) const
 	{
-		DropDownList *list = NULL;
+		DropDownList list;
 		switch (widget) {
 			case WID_GO_CURRENCY_DROPDOWN: { // Setup currencies dropdown
-				list = new DropDownList();
 				*selected_index = this->opt->locale.currency;
 				StringID *items = BuildCurrencyDropdown();
 				uint64 disabled = _game_mode == GM_MENU ? 0LL : ~GetMaskOfAllowedCurrencies();
@@ -213,18 +212,17 @@ struct GameOptionsWindow : Window {
 				/* Add non-custom currencies; sorted naturally */
 				for (uint i = 0; i < CURRENCY_END; items++, i++) {
 					if (i == CURRENCY_CUSTOM) continue;
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, HasBit(disabled, i)));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, HasBit(disabled, i)));
 				}
-				QSortT(list->data(), list->size(), DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc);
+				std::sort(list.begin(), list.end(), DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc);
 
 				/* Append custom currency at the end */
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListItem(-1, false)); // separator line
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GAME_OPTIONS_CURRENCY_CUSTOM, CURRENCY_CUSTOM, HasBit(disabled, CURRENCY_CUSTOM)));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListItem(-1, false)); // separator line
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GAME_OPTIONS_CURRENCY_CUSTOM, CURRENCY_CUSTOM, HasBit(disabled, CURRENCY_CUSTOM)));
 				break;
 			}
 
 			case WID_GO_ROADSIDE_DROPDOWN: { // Setup road-side dropdown
-				list = new DropDownList();
 				*selected_index = this->opt->vehicle.road_side;
 				const StringID *items = _driveside_dropdown;
 				uint disabled = 0;
@@ -237,13 +235,12 @@ struct GameOptionsWindow : Window {
 				}
 
 				for (uint i = 0; *items != INVALID_STRING_ID; items++, i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, HasBit(disabled, i)));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, HasBit(disabled, i)));
 				}
 				break;
 			}
 
 			case WID_GO_TOWNNAME_DROPDOWN: { // Setup townname dropdown
-				list = new DropDownList();
 				*selected_index = this->opt->game_creation.town_name;
 
 				int enabled_item = (_game_mode == GM_MENU || Town::GetNumItems() == 0) ? -1 : *selected_index;
@@ -251,71 +248,66 @@ struct GameOptionsWindow : Window {
 				/* Add and sort newgrf townnames generators */
 				for (int i = 0; i < _nb_grf_names; i++) {
 					int result = _nb_orig_names + i;
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(_grf_names[i], result, enabled_item != result && enabled_item >= 0));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(_grf_names[i], result, enabled_item != result && enabled_item >= 0));
 				}
-				QSortT(list->data(), list->size(), DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc);
+				std::sort(list.begin(), list.end(), DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc);
 
-				size_t newgrf_size = list->size();
+				size_t newgrf_size = list.size();
 				/* Insert newgrf_names at the top of the list */
 				if (newgrf_size > 0) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListItem(-1, false)); // separator line
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListItem(-1, false)); // separator line
 					newgrf_size++;
 				}
 
 				/* Add and sort original townnames generators */
 				for (int i = 0; i < _nb_orig_names; i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GAME_OPTIONS_TOWN_NAME_ORIGINAL_ENGLISH + i, i, enabled_item != i && enabled_item >= 0));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GAME_OPTIONS_TOWN_NAME_ORIGINAL_ENGLISH + i, i, enabled_item != i && enabled_item >= 0));
 				}
-				QSortT(list->data() + newgrf_size, list->size() - newgrf_size, DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc);
+				std::sort(list.begin() + newgrf_size, list.end(), DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc);
 				break;
 			}
 
 			case WID_GO_AUTOSAVE_DROPDOWN: { // Setup autosave dropdown
-				list = new DropDownList();
 				*selected_index = _settings_client.gui.autosave;
 				const StringID *items = _autosave_dropdown;
 				for (uint i = 0; *items != INVALID_STRING_ID; items++, i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, false));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, false));
 				}
 				break;
 			}
 
 			case WID_GO_LANG_DROPDOWN: { // Setup interface language dropdown
-				list = new DropDownList();
 				for (uint i = 0; i < _languages.size(); i++) {
 					if (&_languages[i] == _current_language) *selected_index = i;
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(SPECSTR_LANGUAGE_START + i, i, false));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(SPECSTR_LANGUAGE_START + i, i, false));
 				}
-				QSortT(list->data(), list->size(), DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc);
+				std::sort(list.begin(), list.end(), DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc);
 				break;
 			}
 
 			case WID_GO_RESOLUTION_DROPDOWN: // Setup resolution dropdown
 				if (_num_resolutions == 0) break;
 
-				list = new DropDownList();
 				*selected_index = GetCurRes();
 				for (int i = 0; i < _num_resolutions; i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(SPECSTR_RESOLUTION_START + i, i, false));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(SPECSTR_RESOLUTION_START + i, i, false));
 				}
 				break;
 
 			case WID_GO_GUI_ZOOM_DROPDOWN: {
-				list = new DropDownList();
 				*selected_index = ZOOM_LVL_OUT_4X - _gui_zoom;
 				const StringID *items = _gui_zoom_dropdown;
 				for (int i = 0; *items != INVALID_STRING_ID; items++, i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, _settings_client.gui.zoom_min > ZOOM_LVL_OUT_4X - i));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, _settings_client.gui.zoom_min > ZOOM_LVL_OUT_4X - i));
 				}
 				break;
 			}
 
 			case WID_GO_FONT_ZOOM_DROPDOWN: {
-				list = new DropDownList();
 				*selected_index = ZOOM_LVL_OUT_4X - _font_zoom;
 				const StringID *items = _font_zoom_dropdown;
 				for (int i = 0; *items != INVALID_STRING_ID; items++, i++) {
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, false));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(*items, i, false));
 				}
 				break;
 			}
@@ -331,9 +323,6 @@ struct GameOptionsWindow : Window {
 			case WID_GO_BASE_MUSIC_DROPDOWN:
 				list = BuildMusicSetDropDownList(selected_index);
 				break;
-
-			default:
-				return NULL;
 		}
 
 		return list;
@@ -429,17 +418,16 @@ struct GameOptionsWindow : Window {
 
 			default: {
 				int selected;
-				DropDownList *list = this->BuildDropDownList(widget, &selected);
-				if (list != NULL) {
+				DropDownList list = this->BuildDropDownList(widget, &selected);
+				if (!list.empty()) {
 					/* Find the biggest item for the default size. */
-					for (const DropDownListItem * const ddli : *list) {
+					for (const auto &ddli : list) {
 						Dimension string_dim;
 						int width = ddli->Width();
 						string_dim.width = width + padding.width;
 						string_dim.height = ddli->Height(width) + padding.height;
 						*size = maxdim(*size, string_dim);
 					}
-					delete list;
 				}
 			}
 		}
@@ -477,9 +465,9 @@ struct GameOptionsWindow : Window {
 
 			default: {
 				int selected;
-				DropDownList *list = this->BuildDropDownList(widget, &selected);
-				if (list != NULL) {
-					ShowDropDownList(this, list, selected, widget);
+				DropDownList list = this->BuildDropDownList(widget, &selected);
+				if (!list.empty()) {
+					ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), selected, widget);
 				} else {
 					if (widget == WID_GO_RESOLUTION_DROPDOWN) ShowErrorMessage(STR_ERROR_RESOLUTION_LIST_FAILED, INVALID_STRING_ID, WL_ERROR);
 				}
@@ -1952,28 +1940,25 @@ struct GameSettingsWindow : Window {
 		}
 	}
 
-	DropDownList *BuildDropDownList(int widget) const
+	DropDownList BuildDropDownList(int widget) const
 	{
-		DropDownList *list = NULL;
+		DropDownList list;
 		switch (widget) {
 			case WID_GS_RESTRICT_DROPDOWN:
-				list = new DropDownList();
-
 				for (int mode = 0; mode != RM_END; mode++) {
 					/* If we are in adv. settings screen for the new game's settings,
 					 * we don't want to allow comparing with new game's settings. */
 					bool disabled = mode == RM_CHANGED_AGAINST_NEW && settings_ptr == &_settings_newgame;
 
-					list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(_game_settings_restrict_dropdown[mode], mode, disabled));
+					list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(_game_settings_restrict_dropdown[mode], mode, disabled));
 				}
 				break;
 
 			case WID_GS_TYPE_DROPDOWN:
-				list = new DropDownList();
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_ALL, ST_ALL, false));
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(_game_mode == GM_MENU ? STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_GAME_MENU : STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_GAME_INGAME, ST_GAME, false));
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(_game_mode == GM_MENU ? STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_COMPANY_MENU : STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_COMPANY_INGAME, ST_COMPANY, false));
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_CLIENT, ST_CLIENT, false));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_ALL, ST_ALL, false));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(_game_mode == GM_MENU ? STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_GAME_MENU : STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_GAME_INGAME, ST_GAME, false));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(_game_mode == GM_MENU ? STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_COMPANY_MENU : STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_COMPANY_INGAME, ST_COMPANY, false));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_CONFIG_SETTING_TYPE_DROPDOWN_CLIENT, ST_CLIENT, false));
 				break;
 		}
 		return list;
@@ -2045,17 +2030,17 @@ struct GameSettingsWindow : Window {
 				break;
 
 			case WID_GS_RESTRICT_DROPDOWN: {
-				DropDownList *list = this->BuildDropDownList(widget);
-				if (list != NULL) {
-					ShowDropDownList(this, list, this->filter.mode, widget);
+				DropDownList list = this->BuildDropDownList(widget);
+				if (!list.empty()) {
+					ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), this->filter.mode, widget);
 				}
 				break;
 			}
 
 			case WID_GS_TYPE_DROPDOWN: {
-				DropDownList *list = this->BuildDropDownList(widget);
-				if (list != NULL) {
-					ShowDropDownList(this, list, this->filter.type, widget);
+				DropDownList list = this->BuildDropDownList(widget);
+				if (!list.empty()) {
+					ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), this->filter.type, widget);
 				}
 				break;
 			}
@@ -2128,12 +2113,12 @@ struct GameSettingsWindow : Window {
 					this->valuedropdown_entry = pe;
 					this->valuedropdown_entry->SetButtons(SEF_LEFT_DEPRESSED);
 
-					DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+					DropDownList list;
 					for (int i = sdb->min; i <= (int)sdb->max; i++) {
-						list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(sdb->str_val + i - sdb->min, i, false));
+						list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(sdb->str_val + i - sdb->min, i, false));
 					}
 
-					ShowDropDownListAt(this, list, value, -1, wi_rect, COLOUR_ORANGE, true);
+					ShowDropDownListAt(this, std::move(list), value, -1, wi_rect, COLOUR_ORANGE, true);
 				}
 			}
 			this->SetDirty();
diff --git a/src/settings_gui.h b/src/settings_gui.h
--- a/src/settings_gui.h
+++ b/src/settings_gui.h
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ void DrawArrowButtons(int x, int y, Colo
 void DrawDropDownButton(int x, int y, Colours button_colour, bool state, bool clickable);
 void DrawBoolButton(int x, int y, bool state, bool clickable);
 
-DropDownList *BuildMusicSetDropDownList(int *selected_index);
+DropDownList BuildMusicSetDropDownList(int *selected_index);
 
 /* Actually implemented in music_gui.cpp */
 void ChangeMusicSet(int index);
diff --git a/src/story_gui.cpp b/src/story_gui.cpp
--- a/src/story_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/story_gui.cpp
@@ -228,9 +228,9 @@ protected:
 	/**
 	 * Builds the page selector drop down list.
 	 */
-	DropDownList *BuildDropDownList() const
+	DropDownList BuildDropDownList() const
 	{
-		DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+		DropDownList list;
 		uint16 page_num = 1;
 		for (const StoryPage *p : this->story_pages) {
 			bool current_page = p->index == this->selected_page_id;
@@ -245,16 +245,10 @@ protected:
 				item = str_item;
 			}
 
-			list->push_back(item);
+			list.emplace_back(item);
 			page_num++;
 		}
 
-		/* Check if list is empty. */
-		if (list->size() == 0) {
-			delete list;
-			list = NULL;
-		}
-
 		return list;
 	}
 
@@ -611,8 +605,8 @@ public:
 	{
 		switch (widget) {
 			case WID_SB_SEL_PAGE: {
-				DropDownList *list = this->BuildDropDownList();
-				if (list != NULL) {
+				DropDownList list = this->BuildDropDownList();
+				if (!list.empty()) {
 					/* Get the index of selected page. */
 					int selected = 0;
 					for (uint16 i = 0; i < this->story_pages.size(); i++) {
@@ -621,7 +615,7 @@ public:
 						selected++;
 					}
 
-					ShowDropDownList(this, list, selected, widget);
+					ShowDropDownList(this, std::move(list), selected, widget);
 				}
 				break;
 			}
diff --git a/src/toolbar_gui.cpp b/src/toolbar_gui.cpp
--- a/src/toolbar_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/toolbar_gui.cpp
@@ -181,9 +181,9 @@ public:
  * @param list List of items
  * @param def Default item
  */
-static void PopupMainToolbMenu(Window *w, int widget, DropDownList *list, int def)
+static void PopupMainToolbMenu(Window *w, int widget, DropDownList &&list, int def)
 {
-	ShowDropDownList(w, list, def, widget, 0, true, true);
+	ShowDropDownList(w, std::move(list), def, widget, 0, true, true);
 	if (_settings_client.sound.click_beep) SndPlayFx(SND_15_BEEP);
 }
 
@@ -196,11 +196,11 @@ static void PopupMainToolbMenu(Window *w
  */
 static void PopupMainToolbMenu(Window *w, int widget, StringID string, int count)
 {
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+	DropDownList list;
 	for (int i = 0; i < count; i++) {
-		list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(string + i, i, false));
+		list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(string + i, i, false));
 	}
-	PopupMainToolbMenu(w, widget, list, 0);
+	PopupMainToolbMenu(w, widget, std::move(list), 0);
 }
 
 /** Enum for the Company Toolbar's network related buttons */
@@ -217,37 +217,37 @@ static const int CTMN_SPECTATOR   = -4; 
  */
 static void PopupMainCompanyToolbMenu(Window *w, int widget, int grey = 0)
 {
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+	DropDownList list;
 
 	switch (widget) {
 		case WID_TN_COMPANIES:
 			if (!_networking) break;
 
 			/* Add the client list button for the companies menu */
-			list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_NETWORK_COMPANY_LIST_CLIENT_LIST, CTMN_CLIENT_LIST, false));
+			list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_NETWORK_COMPANY_LIST_CLIENT_LIST, CTMN_CLIENT_LIST, false));
 
 			if (_local_company == COMPANY_SPECTATOR) {
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_NETWORK_COMPANY_LIST_NEW_COMPANY, CTMN_NEW_COMPANY, NetworkMaxCompaniesReached()));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_NETWORK_COMPANY_LIST_NEW_COMPANY, CTMN_NEW_COMPANY, NetworkMaxCompaniesReached()));
 			} else {
-				list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_NETWORK_COMPANY_LIST_SPECTATE, CTMN_SPECTATE, NetworkMaxSpectatorsReached()));
+				list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_NETWORK_COMPANY_LIST_SPECTATE, CTMN_SPECTATE, NetworkMaxSpectatorsReached()));
 			}
 			break;
 
 		case WID_TN_STORY:
-			list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_STORY_BOOK_SPECTATOR, CTMN_SPECTATOR, false));
+			list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_STORY_BOOK_SPECTATOR, CTMN_SPECTATOR, false));
 			break;
 
 		case WID_TN_GOAL:
-			list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GOALS_SPECTATOR, CTMN_SPECTATOR, false));
+			list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GOALS_SPECTATOR, CTMN_SPECTATOR, false));
 			break;
 	}
 
 	for (CompanyID c = COMPANY_FIRST; c < MAX_COMPANIES; c++) {
 		if (!Company::IsValidID(c)) continue;
-		list->push_back(new DropDownListCompanyItem(c, false, HasBit(grey, c)));
+		list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCompanyItem(c, false, HasBit(grey, c)));
 	}
 
-	PopupMainToolbMenu(w, widget, list, _local_company == COMPANY_SPECTATOR ? (widget == WID_TN_COMPANIES ? CTMN_CLIENT_LIST : CTMN_SPECTATOR) : (int)_local_company);
+	PopupMainToolbMenu(w, widget, std::move(list), _local_company == COMPANY_SPECTATOR ? (widget == WID_TN_COMPANIES ? CTMN_CLIENT_LIST : CTMN_SPECTATOR) : (int)_local_company);
 }
 
 
@@ -317,27 +317,27 @@ enum OptionMenuEntries {
  */
 static CallBackFunction ToolbarOptionsClick(Window *w)
 {
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_GAME_OPTIONS,             OME_GAMEOPTIONS, false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_CONFIG_SETTINGS_TREE,     OME_SETTINGS, false));
+	DropDownList list;
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_GAME_OPTIONS,             OME_GAMEOPTIONS, false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_CONFIG_SETTINGS_TREE,     OME_SETTINGS, false));
 	/* Changes to the per-AI settings don't get send from the server to the clients. Clients get
 	 * the settings once they join but never update it. As such don't show the window at all
 	 * to network clients. */
-	if (!_networking || _network_server) list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_SCRIPT_SETTINGS, OME_SCRIPT_SETTINGS, false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_NEWGRF_SETTINGS,          OME_NEWGRFSETTINGS, false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_TRANSPARENCY_OPTIONS,     OME_TRANSPARENCIES, false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListItem(-1, false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_TOWN_NAMES_DISPLAYED,    OME_SHOW_TOWNNAMES, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_TOWN_NAMES)));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_STATION_NAMES_DISPLAYED, OME_SHOW_STATIONNAMES, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_STATION_NAMES)));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_WAYPOINTS_DISPLAYED,     OME_SHOW_WAYPOINTNAMES, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_WAYPOINT_NAMES)));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_SIGNS_DISPLAYED,         OME_SHOW_SIGNS, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_SIGNS)));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_SHOW_COMPETITOR_SIGNS,   OME_SHOW_COMPETITOR_SIGNS, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_COMPETITOR_SIGNS)));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_FULL_ANIMATION,          OME_FULL_ANIMATION, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_FULL_ANIMATION)));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_FULL_DETAIL,             OME_FULL_DETAILS, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_FULL_DETAIL)));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_TRANSPARENT_BUILDINGS,   OME_TRANSPARENTBUILDINGS, false, IsTransparencySet(TO_HOUSES)));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_TRANSPARENT_SIGNS,       OME_SHOW_STATIONSIGNS, false, IsTransparencySet(TO_SIGNS)));
+	if (!_networking || _network_server) list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_SCRIPT_SETTINGS, OME_SCRIPT_SETTINGS, false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_NEWGRF_SETTINGS,          OME_NEWGRFSETTINGS, false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_TRANSPARENCY_OPTIONS,     OME_TRANSPARENCIES, false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListItem(-1, false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_TOWN_NAMES_DISPLAYED,    OME_SHOW_TOWNNAMES, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_TOWN_NAMES)));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_STATION_NAMES_DISPLAYED, OME_SHOW_STATIONNAMES, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_STATION_NAMES)));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_WAYPOINTS_DISPLAYED,     OME_SHOW_WAYPOINTNAMES, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_WAYPOINT_NAMES)));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_SIGNS_DISPLAYED,         OME_SHOW_SIGNS, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_SIGNS)));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_SHOW_COMPETITOR_SIGNS,   OME_SHOW_COMPETITOR_SIGNS, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_SHOW_COMPETITOR_SIGNS)));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_FULL_ANIMATION,          OME_FULL_ANIMATION, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_FULL_ANIMATION)));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_FULL_DETAIL,             OME_FULL_DETAILS, false, HasBit(_display_opt, DO_FULL_DETAIL)));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_TRANSPARENT_BUILDINGS,   OME_TRANSPARENTBUILDINGS, false, IsTransparencySet(TO_HOUSES)));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListCheckedItem(STR_SETTINGS_MENU_TRANSPARENT_SIGNS,       OME_SHOW_STATIONSIGNS, false, IsTransparencySet(TO_SIGNS)));
 
-	ShowDropDownList(w, list, 0, WID_TN_SETTINGS, 140, true, true);
+	ShowDropDownList(w, std::move(list), 0, WID_TN_SETTINGS, 140, true, true);
 	if (_settings_client.sound.click_beep) SndPlayFx(SND_15_BEEP);
 	return CBF_NONE;
 }
@@ -463,24 +463,24 @@ enum MapMenuEntries {
 
 static CallBackFunction ToolbarMapClick(Window *w)
 {
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_MAP_OF_WORLD,            MME_SHOW_SMALLMAP,          false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_EXTRA_VIEW_PORT,         MME_SHOW_EXTRAVIEWPORTS,    false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_LINGRAPH_LEGEND,         MME_SHOW_LINKGRAPH,         false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_SIGN_LIST,               MME_SHOW_SIGNLISTS,         false));
-	PopupMainToolbMenu(w, WID_TN_SMALL_MAP, list, 0);
+	DropDownList list;
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_MAP_OF_WORLD,            MME_SHOW_SMALLMAP,          false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_EXTRA_VIEW_PORT,         MME_SHOW_EXTRAVIEWPORTS,    false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_LINGRAPH_LEGEND,         MME_SHOW_LINKGRAPH,         false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_SIGN_LIST,               MME_SHOW_SIGNLISTS,         false));
+	PopupMainToolbMenu(w, WID_TN_SMALL_MAP, std::move(list), 0);
 	return CBF_NONE;
 }
 
 static CallBackFunction ToolbarScenMapTownDir(Window *w)
 {
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_MAP_OF_WORLD,            MME_SHOW_SMALLMAP,          false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_EXTRA_VIEW_PORT,         MME_SHOW_EXTRAVIEWPORTS,    false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_SIGN_LIST,               MME_SHOW_SIGNLISTS,         false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_TOWN_MENU_TOWN_DIRECTORY,         MME_SHOW_TOWNDIRECTORY,     false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_INDUSTRY_MENU_INDUSTRY_DIRECTORY, MME_SHOW_INDUSTRYDIRECTORY, false));
-	PopupMainToolbMenu(w, WID_TE_SMALL_MAP, list, 0);
+	DropDownList list;
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_MAP_OF_WORLD,            MME_SHOW_SMALLMAP,          false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_EXTRA_VIEW_PORT,         MME_SHOW_EXTRAVIEWPORTS,    false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_MAP_MENU_SIGN_LIST,               MME_SHOW_SIGNLISTS,         false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_TOWN_MENU_TOWN_DIRECTORY,         MME_SHOW_TOWNDIRECTORY,     false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_INDUSTRY_MENU_INDUSTRY_DIRECTORY, MME_SHOW_INDUSTRYDIRECTORY, false));
+	PopupMainToolbMenu(w, WID_TE_SMALL_MAP, std::move(list), 0);
 	return CBF_NONE;
 }
 
@@ -894,10 +894,10 @@ static CallBackFunction MenuClickBuildRa
 static CallBackFunction ToolbarBuildRoadClick(Window *w)
 {
 	const Company *c = Company::Get(_local_company);
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+	DropDownList list;
 
 	/* Road is always visible and available. */
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListIconItem(SPR_IMG_ROAD_X_DIR, PAL_NONE, STR_ROAD_MENU_ROAD_CONSTRUCTION, ROADTYPE_ROAD, false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListIconItem(SPR_IMG_ROAD_X_DIR, PAL_NONE, STR_ROAD_MENU_ROAD_CONSTRUCTION, ROADTYPE_ROAD, false));
 
 	/* Tram is only visible when there will be a tram, and available when that has been introduced. */
 	Engine *e;
@@ -905,10 +905,10 @@ static CallBackFunction ToolbarBuildRoad
 		if (!HasBit(e->info.climates, _settings_game.game_creation.landscape)) continue;
 		if (!HasBit(e->info.misc_flags, EF_ROAD_TRAM)) continue;
 
-		list->push_back(new DropDownListIconItem(SPR_IMG_TRAMWAY_X_DIR, PAL_NONE, STR_ROAD_MENU_TRAM_CONSTRUCTION, ROADTYPE_TRAM, !HasBit(c->avail_roadtypes, ROADTYPE_TRAM)));
+		list.emplace_back(new DropDownListIconItem(SPR_IMG_TRAMWAY_X_DIR, PAL_NONE, STR_ROAD_MENU_TRAM_CONSTRUCTION, ROADTYPE_TRAM, !HasBit(c->avail_roadtypes, ROADTYPE_TRAM)));
 		break;
 	}
-	ShowDropDownList(w, list, _last_built_roadtype, WID_TN_ROADS, 140, true, true);
+	ShowDropDownList(w, std::move(list), _last_built_roadtype, WID_TN_ROADS, 140, true, true);
 	if (_settings_client.sound.click_beep) SndPlayFx(SND_15_BEEP);
 	return CBF_NONE;
 }
diff --git a/src/vehicle_gui.cpp b/src/vehicle_gui.cpp
--- a/src/vehicle_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/vehicle_gui.cpp
@@ -164,17 +164,17 @@ Dimension BaseVehicleListWindow::GetActi
  * @param show_group If true include group-related stuff.
  * @return Itemlist for dropdown
  */
-DropDownList *BaseVehicleListWindow::BuildActionDropdownList(bool show_autoreplace, bool show_group)
+DropDownList BaseVehicleListWindow::BuildActionDropdownList(bool show_autoreplace, bool show_group)
 {
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
-
-	if (show_autoreplace) list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_VEHICLE_LIST_REPLACE_VEHICLES, ADI_REPLACE, false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_VEHICLE_LIST_SEND_FOR_SERVICING, ADI_SERVICE, false));
-	list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(this->vehicle_depot_name[this->vli.vtype], ADI_DEPOT, false));
+	DropDownList list;
+
+	if (show_autoreplace) list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_VEHICLE_LIST_REPLACE_VEHICLES, ADI_REPLACE, false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_VEHICLE_LIST_SEND_FOR_SERVICING, ADI_SERVICE, false));
+	list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(this->vehicle_depot_name[this->vli.vtype], ADI_DEPOT, false));
 
 	if (show_group) {
-		list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GROUP_ADD_SHARED_VEHICLE, ADI_ADD_SHARED, false));
-		list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GROUP_REMOVE_ALL_VEHICLES, ADI_REMOVE_ALL, false));
+		list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GROUP_ADD_SHARED_VEHICLE, ADI_ADD_SHARED, false));
+		list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(STR_GROUP_REMOVE_ALL_VEHICLES, ADI_REMOVE_ALL, false));
 	}
 
 	return list;
@@ -1636,8 +1636,7 @@ public:
 				break;
 
 			case WID_VL_MANAGE_VEHICLES_DROPDOWN: {
-				DropDownList *list = this->BuildActionDropdownList(VehicleListIdentifier::UnPack(this->window_number).type == VL_STANDARD, false);
-				ShowDropDownList(this, list, 0, WID_VL_MANAGE_VEHICLES_DROPDOWN);
+				ShowDropDownList(this, this->BuildActionDropdownList(VehicleListIdentifier::UnPack(this->window_number).type == VL_STANDARD, false), 0, WID_VL_MANAGE_VEHICLES_DROPDOWN);
 				break;
 			}
 
diff --git a/src/vehicle_gui_base.h b/src/vehicle_gui_base.h
--- a/src/vehicle_gui_base.h
+++ b/src/vehicle_gui_base.h
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ struct BaseVehicleListWindow : public Wi
 	void SortVehicleList();
 	void BuildVehicleList();
 	Dimension GetActionDropdownSize(bool show_autoreplace, bool show_group);
-	DropDownList *BuildActionDropdownList(bool show_autoreplace, bool show_group);
+	DropDownList BuildActionDropdownList(bool show_autoreplace, bool show_group);
 };
 
 uint GetVehicleListHeight(VehicleType type, uint divisor = 1);
diff --git a/src/widgets/dropdown.cpp b/src/widgets/dropdown.cpp
--- a/src/widgets/dropdown.cpp
+++ b/src/widgets/dropdown.cpp
@@ -51,11 +51,11 @@ void DropDownListStringItem::Draw(int le
  * @return true if \a first precedes \a second.
  * @warning All items in the list need to be derivates of DropDownListStringItem.
  */
-/* static */ int DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc(const DropDownListItem * const *first, const DropDownListItem * const * second)
+/* static */ int DropDownListStringItem::NatSortFunc(std::unique_ptr<const DropDownListItem> const &first, std::unique_ptr<const DropDownListItem> const &second)
 {
 	char buffer1[512], buffer2[512];
-	GetString(buffer1, static_cast<const DropDownListStringItem*>(*first)->String(), lastof(buffer1));
-	GetString(buffer2, static_cast<const DropDownListStringItem*>(*second)->String(), lastof(buffer2));
+	GetString(buffer1, static_cast<const DropDownListStringItem*>(first.get())->String(), lastof(buffer1));
+	GetString(buffer2, static_cast<const DropDownListStringItem*>(second.get())->String(), lastof(buffer2));
 	return strnatcmp(buffer1, buffer2);
 }
 
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ struct DropdownWindow : Window {
 	WindowClass parent_wnd_class; ///< Parent window class.
 	WindowNumber parent_wnd_num;  ///< Parent window number.
 	int parent_button;            ///< Parent widget number where the window is dropped from.
-	const DropDownList *list;     ///< List with dropdown menu items.
+	const DropDownList list;      ///< List with dropdown menu items.
 	int selected_index;           ///< Index of the selected item in the list.
 	byte click_delay;             ///< Timer to delay selection.
 	bool drag_mode;
@@ -148,10 +148,10 @@ struct DropdownWindow : Window {
 	 * @param wi_colour     Colour of the parent widget.
 	 * @param scroll        Dropdown menu has a scrollbar.
 	 */
-	DropdownWindow(Window *parent, const DropDownList *list, int selected, int button, bool instant_close, const Point &position, const Dimension &size, Colours wi_colour, bool scroll)
-			: Window(&_dropdown_desc)
+	DropdownWindow(Window *parent, DropDownList &&list, int selected, int button, bool instant_close, const Point &position, const Dimension &size, Colours wi_colour, bool scroll)
+			: Window(&_dropdown_desc), list(std::move(list))
 	{
-		assert(list->size() > 0);
+		assert(this->list.size() > 0);
 
 		this->position = position;
 
@@ -174,18 +174,17 @@ struct DropdownWindow : Window {
 
 		/* Total length of list */
 		int list_height = 0;
-		for (const DropDownListItem *item : *list) {
+		for (const auto &item : this->list) {
 			list_height += item->Height(items_width);
 		}
 
 		/* Capacity is the average number of items visible */
-		this->vscroll->SetCapacity(size.height * (uint16)list->size() / list_height);
-		this->vscroll->SetCount((uint16)list->size());
+		this->vscroll->SetCapacity(size.height * (uint16)this->list.size() / list_height);
+		this->vscroll->SetCount((uint16)this->list.size());
 
 		this->parent_wnd_class = parent->window_class;
 		this->parent_wnd_num   = parent->window_number;
 		this->parent_button    = button;
-		this->list             = list;
 		this->selected_index   = selected;
 		this->click_delay      = 0;
 		this->drag_mode        = true;
@@ -207,7 +206,6 @@ struct DropdownWindow : Window {
 			pt.y -= w2->top;
 			w2->OnDropdownClose(pt, this->parent_button, this->selected_index, this->instant_close);
 		}
-		delete this->list;
 	}
 
 	virtual Point OnInitialPosition(int16 sm_width, int16 sm_height, int window_number)
@@ -229,7 +227,7 @@ struct DropdownWindow : Window {
 		int width = nwi->current_x - 4;
 		int pos   = this->vscroll->GetPosition();
 
-		for (const DropDownListItem *item : *this->list) {
+		for (const auto &item : this->list) {
 			/* Skip items that are scrolled up */
 			if (--pos >= 0) continue;
 
@@ -255,7 +253,7 @@ struct DropdownWindow : Window {
 
 		int y = r.top + 2;
 		int pos = this->vscroll->GetPosition();
-		for (const DropDownListItem *item : *this->list) {
+		for (const auto &item : this->list) {
 			int item_height = item->Height(r.right - r.left + 1);
 
 			/* Skip items that are scrolled up */
@@ -357,8 +355,7 @@ struct DropdownWindow : Window {
 /**
  * Show a drop down list.
  * @param w        Parent window for the list.
- * @param list     Prepopulated DropDownList. Will be deleted when the list is
- *                 closed.
+ * @param list     Prepopulated DropDownList.
  * @param selected The initially selected list item.
  * @param button   The widget which is passed to Window::OnDropdownSelect and OnDropdownClose.
  *                 Unless you override those functions, this should be then widget index of the dropdown button.
@@ -368,7 +365,7 @@ struct DropdownWindow : Window {
  * @param instant_close Set to true if releasing mouse button should close the
  *                      list regardless of where the cursor is.
  */
-void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, const DropDownList *list, int selected, int button, Rect wi_rect, Colours wi_colour, bool auto_width, bool instant_close)
+void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, DropDownList &&list, int selected, int button, Rect wi_rect, Colours wi_colour, bool auto_width, bool instant_close)
 {
 	DeleteWindowById(WC_DROPDOWN_MENU, 0);
 
@@ -384,7 +381,7 @@ void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, const
 	/* Total height of list */
 	uint height = 0;
 
-	for (const DropDownListItem *item : *list) {
+	for (const auto &item : list) {
 		height += item->Height(width);
 		if (auto_width) max_item_width = max(max_item_width, item->Width() + 5);
 	}
@@ -412,7 +409,7 @@ void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, const
 		/* If the dropdown doesn't fully fit, we need a dropdown. */
 		if (height > available_height) {
 			scroll = true;
-			uint avg_height = height / (uint)list->size();
+			uint avg_height = height / (uint)list.size();
 
 			/* Check at least there is space for one item. */
 			assert(available_height >= avg_height);
@@ -435,7 +432,7 @@ void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, const
 
 	Point dw_pos = { w->left + (_current_text_dir == TD_RTL ? wi_rect.right + 1 - (int)width : wi_rect.left), top};
 	Dimension dw_size = {width, height};
-	DropdownWindow *dropdown = new DropdownWindow(w, list, selected, button, instant_close, dw_pos, dw_size, wi_colour, scroll);
+	DropdownWindow *dropdown = new DropdownWindow(w, std::move(list), selected, button, instant_close, dw_pos, dw_size, wi_colour, scroll);
 
 	/* The dropdown starts scrolling downwards when opening it towards
 	 * the top and holding down the mouse button. It can be fooled by
@@ -446,8 +443,7 @@ void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, const
 /**
  * Show a drop down list.
  * @param w        Parent window for the list.
- * @param list     Prepopulated DropDownList. Will be deleted when the list is
- *                 closed.
+ * @param list     Prepopulated DropDownList.
  * @param selected The initially selected list item.
  * @param button   The widget within the parent window that is used to determine
  *                 the list's location.
@@ -456,7 +452,7 @@ void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, const
  * @param instant_close Set to true if releasing mouse button should close the
  *                      list regardless of where the cursor is.
  */
-void ShowDropDownList(Window *w, const DropDownList *list, int selected, int button, uint width, bool auto_width, bool instant_close)
+void ShowDropDownList(Window *w, DropDownList &&list, int selected, int button, uint width, bool auto_width, bool instant_close)
 {
 	/* Our parent's button widget is used to determine where to place the drop
 	 * down list window. */
@@ -483,7 +479,7 @@ void ShowDropDownList(Window *w, const D
 		}
 	}
 
-	ShowDropDownListAt(w, list, selected, button, wi_rect, wi_colour, auto_width, instant_close);
+	ShowDropDownListAt(w, std::move(list), selected, button, wi_rect, wi_colour, auto_width, instant_close);
 }
 
 /**
@@ -499,21 +495,15 @@ void ShowDropDownList(Window *w, const D
  */
 void ShowDropDownMenu(Window *w, const StringID *strings, int selected, int button, uint32 disabled_mask, uint32 hidden_mask, uint width)
 {
-	DropDownList *list = new DropDownList();
+	DropDownList list;
 
 	for (uint i = 0; strings[i] != INVALID_STRING_ID; i++) {
 		if (!HasBit(hidden_mask, i)) {
-			list->push_back(new DropDownListStringItem(strings[i], i, HasBit(disabled_mask, i)));
+			list.emplace_back(new DropDownListStringItem(strings[i], i, HasBit(disabled_mask, i)));
 		}
 	}
 
-	/* No entries in the list? */
-	if (list->size() == 0) {
-		delete list;
-		return;
-	}
-
-	ShowDropDownList(w, list, selected, button, width);
+	if (!list.empty()) ShowDropDownList(w, std::move(list), selected, button, width);
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/widgets/dropdown_type.h b/src/widgets/dropdown_type.h
--- a/src/widgets/dropdown_type.h
+++ b/src/widgets/dropdown_type.h
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ public:
 	void Draw(int left, int right, int top, int bottom, bool sel, Colours bg_colour) const override;
 	virtual StringID String() const { return this->string; }
 
-	static int CDECL NatSortFunc(const DropDownListItem * const *first, const DropDownListItem * const *second);
+	static int NatSortFunc(std::unique_ptr<const DropDownListItem> const &first, std::unique_ptr<const DropDownListItem> const &second);
 };
 
 /**
@@ -98,10 +98,10 @@ public:
 /**
  * A drop down list is a collection of drop down list items.
  */
-typedef AutoDeleteSmallVector<const DropDownListItem *> DropDownList;
+typedef std::vector<std::unique_ptr<const DropDownListItem>> DropDownList;
 
-void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, const DropDownList *list, int selected, int button, Rect wi_rect, Colours wi_colour, bool auto_width = false, bool instant_close = false);
+void ShowDropDownListAt(Window *w, DropDownList &&list, int selected, int button, Rect wi_rect, Colours wi_colour, bool auto_width = false, bool instant_close = false);
 
-void ShowDropDownList(Window *w, const DropDownList *list, int selected, int button, uint width = 0, bool auto_width = false, bool instant_close = false);
+void ShowDropDownList(Window *w, DropDownList &&list, int selected, int button, uint width = 0, bool auto_width = false, bool instant_close = false);
 
 #endif /* WIDGETS_DROPDOWN_TYPE_H */