Steel-bodied mineral wagons were developed from the 1930s, with wagon builder Charles Roberts pioneering the slope-sided design. The first production wagons were outshopped in 1939, however the onset of World War Two halted private orders and so the bulk of the fleet was constructed to Ministry Of (War) Transport (MOT) orders. Designed to carry coal, the wagons had end, side, and sometimes bottom doors to aid their unloading. Construction continued until 1948 with all the MOT wagons in Britain transferring to British Railways following Nationalisation and most continued in service until the 1960s, joined by many that were repatriated from mainland Europe having been sent there to aid the war effort.

This Bachmann Branchline model depicts a wagon with pressed steel side doors and fabricated end door, along with bottom discharge doors. Double sided brakes are fitted, and the model employs 3-hole disc wheels which are of metal construction. The distinctive slope-sided appearance is expertly replicated, with this Branchline model boasting separately fitted metal door stops, brake gear, linkage and hand brake levers, along with metal buffer heads and cosmetic coupling hooks. Authentic colours and typefaces are employed during the livery application prototype, completing this high-fidelity model.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 4
• Weathered BR Grey livery
• Running No. B7433
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Length 83mm