Rapido Trains UK announce ex LBSC/SR 8 ton Diagram D8 (D1433) covered vans in 00 gauge

Rapido trains UK  have announced they are to produce the London Brighton and South Coast (LBSC) Diagram D8,  8 ton, SR Diagram 1433 covered van in 00 Gauge.

The LBSC D8, later SR Diagram 1433 8 ton covered vans with 9’ 9” wheelbase and an overall length of 18’ 4”, were built between 1878 and 1915 with some variations in planking, ventilators, roofs, louvers and brake gear single block, single sided double block and later ending up with double sided SR Freighter style. Approximately 430 D1433 vans entered SR stock with many ending up in departmental service during the 1930s. Nearly 50 LBSC covered vans, including some D1434 and D1436 (a 10 ton version of the D1433) were transferred to the Isle of Wight where many remained in service until the early 1950s, with a small number lasting to the end of steam in 1966.

British Railways had several examples of Diagram 1433 still in service when the railways were nationalised in 1948. Most were used as Departmental vans, one of which was allocated to the Chief Mechanical Engineer at Ashford Works. Despite their age, several examples avoided the scrap yard and made it into preservation. All three now reside at appropriately Southern locations, the Bluebell Railway, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Chatham Dockyard.

The models includes the usual wealth of external, and underframe detail,  including different brakes, axle boxes, through fitted and unfitted, and stepped and unstepped versions on one body style. All models feature either 8-spoke, 9-spoke, or 3-hole disc wheels and are finished off with brass bearings and NEM coupling pockets.

Initially 18 main range versions are being produced:

• 979001: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – LB&SCR Grey from 1903 No.3758 – Single-sided brakes with single V-hanger
• 979002: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – LB&SCR Grey from 1903 No.3820 – Single-sided brakes with single V-hanger
• 979003: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – LBSC Grey from 1911 No.8095 – Single-sided brakes with double V-hangers
• 979004: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – LBSC Grey from 1911 No.8091 – Single-sided brakes with single V-hanger
• 979005: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – LBSC Grey from 1911 No.8145 (weight testing machine) – Single-sided brakes with double V-hangers
• 979006: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – SR Brown (pre-36) No.46293 – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers and wooden door stops
• 979007: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – SR Brown (pre-36) No.46537 – Double-sided brakes with single V-hangers and wooden door stops
•  979008: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – SR Brown (pre-36) No.46966 (Isle of Wight) – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers, Through-piped and side steps
• 979009: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – SR Brown (as preserved) No.46923 (Isle of Wight Fish Traffic) – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers, wooden door stops and side steps
• 979010: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – SR Grey (post-36) Departmental No.01246S Southampton Docks – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers and wooden door stops
• 979011: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – SR Brown (post-36) Departmental No.1984S – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers and wooden door stops
• 979012: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – SR Brown (post-36) No.46954 (Isle of Wight) – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers, Through-piped and wooden door stops
• 979013: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – SR Brown (post-36) No.46192 – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers and wooden door stops
• 979014: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – BR No.S46966 (Isle of Wight) “SR Brown Faded” – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers, Through-piped, wooden door stops and side steps
• 979015: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – BR Grey No.S46680 – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers and wooden door stops
• 979016: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – BR Grey Departmental No.DS1913 – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers and wooden door stops
• 979017: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – BR Departmental No.ES081373 (Isle of Wight) “SR Brown Faded” – Double-sided brakes with double V-hangers, Through-piped and wooden door stops
• 979018: LB&SCR Dia.8 Van – MOD Internal user black No.590 – Double-sided brakes with single V-hangers and wooden door stops

The Bluebell Railway Goods Division have also commissioned an exclusive run of No.8196 as it is preserved on the Bluebell, click here to order.

The RRP will be £34.95 or discounted at official retailers such as Kernow Model Rail Centre here.  The expected availability is during 2025. Rapido trains UK have been assisted by our friends at the Brighton Circle, the historical Society for the LBSC. 

These LBSC D1433 vans will compliment the Kernow Model Rail Centre LBSC Diagram 1369 & 1364 five plank open wagon range in 00 Gauge that have now arrived at Southampton. 

Rapido trains UK  have also announced Great Eastern Railway Diagram 17 5 Plank and Diagram 48 7 Plank Open Wagons.