These vehicles were, in effect, a more enclosed version of the standard Great Western cattle wagon, and were used for the carriage of prize cows and bulls. The modifications made to the standard vehicle were the replacement of the bars at the top of the vehicle with louvres. More louvres were fitted in the lower part of the vehicle which could be closed by sliding shutters.
The vehicles represented by this kit cover the 18' 6" version of special cattle wagons built by the GWR in 1896 & 1897. They were originally numbered in the goods stock series, but during World War 1, they were renumbered in the passenger stock series. Some vehicles are thought to have survived to the early British Railways period.
Forty vehicles were built altogether, the differences between the lots being the type of braking system fitted. The table below gives a list of the lots, type of brake and the running numbers.
|
Lot No |
Date built |
1 st number |
2 nd number |
Type of brake |
|
87 |
May 1896 |
38803-22 |
950-969 |
Vacuum & Westinghouse |
|
134 |
August 1897 |
38953-62 |
970-979 |
Vacuum & Westinghouse through pipe |
|
168 |
June 1897 |
38204-06 38214-20 |
931-933 941-947 |
Vacuum only Vacuum only |
Further details can be found in the book “A Pictorial Record of Great Western Coaches" - part 1, page 143, by J. Russell, published by OPC/Ian Allan.
The MSC Models Kit
The MSC Models kit enables vehicles to be built covering the variations, and care must be taken to select the correct version before construction commences.
The roof of this kit requires bending to shape.
Wheels have not been provided in the kit as there are a number of different standards available in O Gauge. Slaters Plastikard Ltd or Home of O Gauge 3' 7" Mansell disc wheels are suitable.