OO Gauge SECR 20t 6-Wheel Brake Van New Batch

In 1898, the SER built a brand new type of brake van, which was very similar to the designs found on the Midland Railway. This first batch of 20-ton six-wheeled Goods Brake had a single enclosed veranda at one end. A total of 40 were built. The design would later be designated as Diagram 1558 by the Southern Railway.

The amalgamation of the South Eastern Railway and the London Chatham and Dover Railway into the South Eastern and Chatham Railway occurred the year after the first D1558 Brake vans were built. 

In 1910, the SECR decided to use the design to build a second batch. However, they tweaked the design so that both ends had enclosed verandas. Another 50 were built to this amended design.

Then, between 1914 and 1920, the SECR also converted the single veranda versions into dual-ended examples. There were subtle differences between the ones newly built in 1910 and the converted examples. However, they were similar enough for the Southern Railway to group them by the same diagram number. 

All 90 passed into Southern Railway ownership (where they received the diagram 1558) and, incredibly, BR inherited 86. Withdrawals took place between 1949 and 1960, although a number of vehicles were transferred into departmental use.

Only one of these vans survives. It was one of the 1898 batch that was rebuilt in 1910. BR sold it to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnbrough, Hampshire, where it was bought for preservation on the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

The Rapido Trains UK latest batch of the OO Gauge SECR 20t 6-Wheel Brake Van are the perfect addition to the newly announced OO Gauge SER/SECR 5-Plank 10 Ton Open Wagons.

This latest batch of Brake Vans includes the dual veranda versions that were built new in 1910, dual-ended versions that were rebuilt, and single-ended versions that were built by the SER in 1898.

These different versions will then be available in liveries covering the vans, SER, SECR, SR, BR, and preservation history, including some liveries that were not included in the original run of the model. Plain grey and brown liveries have also been added to the range for those who may wish to create their own ‘what if’ liveries.

Each model will have a multitude of separately fitted parts, including highly detailed brake gear, running boards, rails, lamp irons, internal bracing and a chimney. 

The van's interior contains a guard’s desk, chair, stove, and handbrake. All versions are fitted with metal bearings and spoked wheels. Finally, there is a selection of label clips in the polybag so you can personalise your model as desired. 

The coupling sockets on the new brake vans will be updated to NEM 363 standard, great if you are using aftermarket knuckle couplers that are now available in NEM 363 size.