Canadian RRP: $49.99   UK RRP: £32.95

Common features:

• SECR Diagram 1744 2 plank ballast wagon
• Straight-ended planks
• Injection moulded construction with metal detailing parts
• High level of detail above and below the floor line
• Split-spoked wheels running in metal bearings
• NEM coupler pockets
• 1/76 scale (OO gauge)

The South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) seven-plank wagon (Southern Railway Diagram 1355) and five-plank wagons (SR Diagram 1347 and 1349) shared the same 9ft 6in underframe. But these weren't the only SECR wagons to use this underframe.

The SECR introduced a 2-plank ballast wagon (Southern Railway Diagram 1744) in 1919 and 120 were built over the next four years, the last being completed by the newly formed Southern Railway.

These wagons were often seen in long rakes as they took ballast to wherever trackword required attention. They were so useful that BR didn't finally get rid of the last ones until 1971, which made them some of the last pre-Grouping vehicles in operation in the Southern Regions CCE's mainland fleet.

During their long lives, they carried a wide range of liveries including SECR grey, SR Engineer's red (with two different lettering styles) and BR Engineer's black.

Sadly, no Dia.1744 ballast wagons survived into preservation. However, because they used the standard SECR underframe (as modelled on the Rapido SECR five-plank and seven-plank open wagons), the Bluebell Railway has re-created one, No. 567, using the chassis from a seven-plank open wagon and original works drawings.

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