8-plank open SR Profile and Models

Diag. 1379 No.7 at Alton on the Mid Hants Railway in April 2021. ©Hugh Llewelyn

The Southern Railway built/ ordered a huge number of 8-plank wagons for the purpose of carrying general merchandise, as well as coal if no other suitable wagons were available. The wagons had a 12 ton capacity and utilised either 9 or 10 foot wheelbases. Earlier examples used 'Morton' type brake gear which braked one side of the wagon, with later models using 'Freighter' braking which braked on both sides. Many wagons were converted to use vacuum braking under British Railways, who continued to use them for a few decades. Some cascaded into industrial use with dockyards and other sites.

Type of Vehicle	Open Wagon
Builder	Southern Railway Ashford Works Various Private Contractors
Build Dates	1926 to 1933
Total Built	Over 6,000
Wheel Configuration	4-wheel
Operated By	Southern Railway British Railways Various private industrial operators
Main Duties	Goods & minerals transport
In Service Until	1970s
Surviving Examples	Some in preservation