Britain's railways were developed primarily to move freight and over time, a wide range of wagons were developed to suit the varied cargo that the railway companies had been contracted to transport. Among them were short wheelbase, flat bed wagons with a single plank along each edge which was hinged and so could be lowered to allow cargo to be rolled on and off. Such wagons were employed to move things like tractors, motor cars and other relatively small machinery that was happy being exposed to the elements during the journey. Anchor points were provided on the wagon floor so that loads could be tied down, and the cargo could be sheeted if necessary to offer some protection from weather and general railway dirt.

These short, flat wagons were also used to transport containers, as depicted by this Bachmann Branchline model which is carrying a container that was used by the LMS to move furniture for house removals. Both the wagon and container featured in this ensemble are highly detailed, employing sophisticated injection moulding techniques to replicate details like planking, hinges and the door locking mechanism on the container. Below the solebar of the wagon the W irons, axleboxes and springs are all reproduced to great effect, with separate brakes and brake leavers, brake linkage and a vacuum cylinder all present and correct. 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 prototype, completing this high-fidelity model.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 3
• Weathered LMS Grey/LMS ‘Furniture Removal Service’ Crimson livery
• Running No. 209343 (Container No. K201)
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Length 88mm (over couplings)