Britain’s Railways were developed primarily to move freight and by the early twentieth century, hundreds of independent companies were operating their own wagons to transport their goods around the UK by rail. Fleet sizes ranged from small concerns with a single wagon to large enterprises whose wagon count could run into the hundreds. The majority of wagons in private ownership were wooden bodied open wagons and by far the most common commodity that they carried was coal, although other materials, including coke, minerals and aggregates might also be transported depending on the nature of business conducted by the wagon’s owner. Following Nationalisation in 1948, most wagons would be absorbed into British Railways ownership.

Various types of 5 Plank Wagon were built, and this Bachmann Branchline model depicts one with side doors to aid loading and unloading, and a wooden floor. These details are faithfully replicated on the model, with neatly engraved plank lines and finely moulded metal work and rivets. Below the solebar the W irons, axleboxes and springs are all reproduced to great effect, with separate brakes and brake levers and metal door stops completing the look. The model runs on split spoked wheels which are of metal construction whilst metal buffer heads and cosmetic coupling hooks adorn the bufferbeams. Authentic colours and typefaces are employed during the livery application process, completing this high-fidelity model.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 4
• Pristine BR Grey (Early) livery
• Running No. M360579
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Length 83mm (over couplings)