Rapido trains UK have announced they are to produce the RCH 1907 specification 7 plank 16’6″ long private owner wagons. The South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) ordered, between 1910 and 1914, a large number of these RCH 7 plank wagons that became SR Diagram 1357. The London and South Coast Railway (LBSC) purchased a further 225 that were built to the same SECR drawings. Despite being the same design as the SECR versions the LBSC versions became SR Diagram 1373.
Seven SECR Diagram 1357 versions are initially being produced:
- 967401 D1357 No. 13578 in SECR small lettered light grey
- 967402 D1357 No. 1354o in SECR small lettered light grey
- 967403 D1357 No. 1326 in SECR large lettered dark gre
- 967404 D1357 No. 14517 in SECR large lettered dark grey
- 967405 D1357 No. 14373 in SECR large lettered dark grey
- 967408 D1357 No. 17065 in SR Pre 1936 large lettered brown
- 967410 D1357 No. 10560 in SR Post 1936 small lettered brown
Four LBSC Diagram 1373 versions are initially being produced:
- 967406 D1373 No. 10972 in LBSC grey
- 967407 D1373 No. 10880 in LBSC grey
- 967409 D1373 No. 27461 in SR Pre 1936 large lettered brown
- 967411 D1373 No. 27320 in SR Post 1936 small lettered brown
Whilst it is believed that a small number of both diagrams of wagons survived past 1948 there is no evidence any carried BR livery.
As well as the above a Rapido trains UK are also producing a number of the RCH 7 plank wagon in private owner, War Department, GNR and 1940s ‘Pooled’ with unpainted replacement planks liveries.
The RRP will be £32.95 or discounted at official retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre here. The expected availability is late 2024/early 2025.
Well done to Rapido – a most welcomed announcement!