New production run of LBSC five plank open wagon range

Following the success of the wagons announced last May, a new production run of the three LBSC livery versions, that quickly sold out, is announced along with three new versions with different running numbers. These exclusive models are from tooling designed, developed, and owned by Kernow Model Rail Centre.

The KMRC tooling suite allows for the diagram 1369 with post-1912 diagonal strapping, rounded ends and fully posable sheet rail in any position between vertical or side positions; and the diagram 1364 square ended (as converted from D1369) and those built new between 1924-6; all on a wooden chassis, with either 8 open spoke or LBSC 4-hole disc wheels and either LB&SCR, SR lettered or plain axle box covers. Brake options allow for single inside or outside and double and middle Vee Hangers along with plain tapered or ribbed taper shank buffers.

The specification of the model includes prototypical brake gear and safety loops fitted, fully posable sheet rail (diagram 1369) sprung metal buffers, etched brake handles that can also be posed in the ‘on’ position complete with locking peg chains, coupling hooks and metal three link couplings.

The six new LBSC livery models are currently in production Priced at £32.99 and due to arrive during the summer. Other livery versions including the square-ended Diagram 1364 wagons are in stock and available to order now.

The new LBSC ‘Open A’, Diagram 1369 versions being produced are as follows:

• SB009A LBSC Diagram 1369 5 plank open wagon in LBSC Grey livery No. 4342
• SB009B LBSC Diagram 1369 5 plank open wagon in LBSC Grey livery No. 4206
• SB009R LBSC Diagram 1369 5 plank open wagon in LBSC Grey livery (As Preserved on Bluebell Railway) No. 3346
• SB009V LBSC Diagram 1369 5 plank open wagon in LBSC Grey livery No.4333
• SB009W LBSC Diagram 1369 5 plank open wagon in LBSC Grey livery No.6139
• SB009X LBSC Diagram 1369 5 plank open wagon in LBSC Grey livery No.966

About the prototype

The 10-ton five plank ‘Open A’ wagon later, SR Diagram 1369 on a wooden underframe became the most numerous LBSC wagon comprising of over 3,500 wagons built between 1905 and 1926. The distinctive curved ends allowed the fitting of a tarpaulin sheet rail.

The first versions built from 1905 had brake gear on one side only and ‘J’ / ‘hockey stick’ diagonal framing. They were soon fitted with ‘Freighter’ style brakes on each side with a single vee Hanger. From 1912 the diagonal strapping changed to be straight at the bottom end.

After approximately 1914 double vee hangers were fitted and these could either be mounted in front and immediately behind the solebar, or the rear pair hung from the middle longitudinal timbers with a short connecting rod between the two.

An example of this wagon in LBSC livery is preserved at the Bluebell Railway and version SB009R represents this wagon as preserved.

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