SE&CR Dia. 1744 two-plank open wagon

The SECR used its standard 9ft 6in wheelbase steel underframe for a two-plank ballast wagon that was introduced in 1919. Some 120 were built over the next four years, the last being completed by the Southern.

These wagons were often seen in long rakes as they took ballast to wherever trackwork required attention. They were so useful that BR didn’t finally get rid of the last ones until 1971, which made them some of the last pre-Grouping vehicles in operation in the Southern Region CCE’s mainland fleet.

Sadly, no Dia. 1744 ballast wagons survived into preservation. However, because they used the standard SECR underframe (as modelled on the Rapido five- and seven-plank open wagons), the Bluebell Railway has re-created one, No. 567, using the chassis from a seven-plank open and original works drawings.

This ready-to-run model in 00 gauge is produced by Rapido Trains UK.

Specification

• Two types of floor planking
• Split-spoked wheels running in metal bearings
• NEM coupler pockets
• Designed in the UK
• Fine detailed plastic bodies/chassis with metal parts