Rapido Trains UK has revealed a new range of SER/SECR five-plank, 10T 'opens' for 'OO'. The newly-tooled range just unveiled builds on its growing SECR portfolio, with models in tooling and available to pre-order from us now.

What's being made?

Two key Southern Railway diagrams (D1340 and D1341), cover a variety of historically accurate body styles including round-ended, low 'D', and square-ended variants. In total, 25 versions are proposed, spanning liveries from the South Eastern Railway (SER), South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR), and Southern Railway (SR) eras.

These wagons trace their origins back to the late 19th century, when rising freight demand forced the SER to rapidly expand its wagon fleet. Around 1,250 examples were built between 1897 and 1901 by contractors and at Ashford Works, later passing into SECR and SR ownership. Differences between the diagrams included the distinctive low-D ends and Williams Pattern sheet rail on D1341 coal wagons, while D1340 wagons featured round ends.

Rapido’s models faithfully capture these variations, with high levels of detail inside and out, including split-spoked wheels, Stone’s Patent brakes, SER axleboxes, and ribbed buffers. D1341 versions also include optional Williams Pattern sheet rails in both operational and stowed positions. All models feature metal bearings and NEM coupling pockets for smooth running.

A prototype rooted in expansion

The origins of these wagons date back to the late 19th century, when increasing freight demand forced the SER to rapidly expand its fleet. Between 1897 and 1901, approximately 1,250 wagons were constructed by a mix of private contractors and the railway’s own Ashford Works.

Two closely related diagrams emerged:

  • D1340 – round-ended open goods wagons
  • D1341 – coal wagons featuring distinctive low-D ends and Williams Pattern sheet rails

Over time, variations developed, including square-ended conversions, adding further diversity to the fleet.

 

Model features and details

Rapido’s new models capture these variations with an impressive level of fidelity, featuring:

  • Highly detailed body, interior, and underframe
  • Split-spoked wheels and ribbed buffers
  • Stone’s Patent either-side brakes
  • SER Type 'D' axleboxes
  • Metal bearings for smooth running
  • NEM coupling pockets for easy integration

D1341 variants also include optional Williams Pattern sheet rails, supplied in both operational and stowed positions.

 

Availability

The new range is priced at an RRP of £33.95, or £28.86 each through TMC.

With its breadth of liveries and tooling options, this release provides a rich and flexible addition to any OO gauge goods fleet, spanning multiple eras of British railway history. Explore the range now.