Rapido Trains UK has expanded its growing ‘Evolution’ range with the announcement of an all-new OO gauge Open Carriage Truck (OCT), offering modellers a highly-detailed slice of pre-grouping railway operation. A total of 22 versions have been revealed, covering an impressive spread of pre-grouping, Big Four and later-era liveries to complement the firm’s popular Evolution coach range.

Based on a prototypical 16ft four-wheel design, the new models recreate the versatile carriage trucks once used to transport horse-drawn carriages, commercial vehicles and specialist loads across Britain’s rail network. Built to passenger-rated standards with continuous brakes, the real vehicles could operate within fast goods and passenger trains and were frequently paired with horseboxes for end-to-end journeys.

Rapido’s models feature extensive separately fitted detail parts, including removable crossbars, metal floor strips and three distinct side-panel tooling variations: Open Frame, Panelled and Plain designs. Each model also includes a removable carriage load, available in Covered Cupboard Door, Covered Drop-Flap and Open Drop-Flap styles for additional operational variety.

A London & South Western Railway (LSWR) Open Carriage Truck (OCT) and matching newly-announced LSWR 'Evolution' horse box. Many pairings of similar liveries are possible throughout both new ranges. Get yours, here.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with the wider Evolution range, the OCTs are ideal companions for pre-grouping and grouping-era layouts alike. Further specification highlights include NEM 362 coupling pockets, optional close-coupling bars modelled on vacuum pipes, and metal bearings for smooth, free-running performance.

The range spans a broad variety of railway companies including SECR, GWR, LNWR, LMS, SR, LNER and many more.

All models are currently in tooling and available to pre-order at TMC now for £33.96 each.