Rapido Trains UK have announced a newly tooled range of GWR Diagram O19 Open C 'Tube' wagons in OO Gauge!
The model will feature the usual wealth of detail, two types of wheels,separately fitted lashing rings so you can easily model tided down loads, and tooling variants to cover both flat-sided and sack truck doorversions. The models are also fitted with metal bearings that will help with smooth running and shunting.
Engineering Prototypes have already been received and the order book is now open, with 13 different variations available to pre-order in a selection of GWR, BR and PLA liveries.
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Product Features
Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts including lashing eyes and full underframe parts
Separate metal bearings for free running
Two different types of wheels
Tooling variants covering both flat-sided and sack truck door versions
NEM tension lock couplings
Prototype Information
Originally built to deal with timber loads, the Open C design started life in1907 as Diagram.O8, the Great Western Railway continued making tweaks to the 15ft wheelbase design and subsequently produced the Dia. 016 in 1913/ 14, and the O19 in 1914.
The Open C were also one of the first wagons to be designed to use the DC III brakes. The O19 was produced right through to 1927, making it the longest-produced diagram of the Open C class of wagon. Further similar diagrams of the Open C were produced into the late 1940s.
Despite its original designation as a timber wagon, it wasn’t long before the class was recoded. By World War Two they were considered tube vehicles, as steel tubing had since become their most common load. During this time period, they were also uprated to a 15-ton load capacity. Surviving the rigours of two World Wars the Open C continued to transport steel tubes across the nation, and continued to do so right through to the nationalisation and beyond.
Due to their specific role, they often ventured further afield than the GWR or BR Western region network, one being photographed as far south as Eastleigh, and some even being under the direct ownership of the Port of London Authority.So, if you want to model anything from a pre-grouping freight train, through to a busy 1950s industrial setting, the GWR Dia. O19 Open C‘Tube’ wagon is the perfect addition to your collection and rakes.