Peco 7-plank open wagons
◆ GAUGE ‘N’ ◆ MODEL Peco 9ft wheelbase 7-plank open wagons ◆ PRICE £16.95 each ◆ AVAILABILITY Peco stockists Web www.peco-uk.com
Mooted initially in 2019, Peco has now launched its range of all-new 7-plank open wagons and they’re available in a colourful range of liveries. As well as BR grey, they’re also offered in each of the ‘Big Four’ liveries, plus various private owner schemes.
Riding on a refined 9ft wheelbase chassis, the Railway Clearing House (RCH) split axlebox, spring and ‘W’ iron detail is impressive. The brake gear, too, is faithfully reproduced, complete with double ‘V’ hangers on each side for the brake hand lever pivots. Buffers are crisply moulded and the axles slot into inside bearings and run extremely freely.
All seven of the sample wagons generously provided by Peco feature spoked wheels (disc wheels are also listed as being fitted to some versions). Both the axles and spokes are plastic, with metal tyres added for more reliable running. NEM355 coupling pockets are installed, with standard knuckle-style couplers pre-fitted.
The moulded plastic bodies are equally impressive, with fine plank and strapping detail, complete with raised fastener heads, hinges and brackets. Most versions feature bodyshells with an end door, but there’s also the option of fixed ends (as per the GWR version illustrated here), so it’s not just a one-size-fits-all approach, which is appreciated.
While the exterior of the bodyshells can be admired, so too can the interiors, with reciprocal plank detail visible, along with side and bottom door frames.
The liveries have been applied to a high standard, with neatly printed lettering and numerals and the body-coloured solebars are a welcome bonus. The vibrant Colman’s Mustard version features red ironwork which has been picked out extremely well.
So far, 14 versions have been produced, including eight different private owner schemes, plus one in National Coal Board black. At just 6g each, they’re a little on the light side, although a suitable load will add a few extra grams to the gross weight, thereby improving reliability on the rails. As it is, the empty wagons ran well enough under test, providing an attractive load for a general goods service, block coal train or a humble branch line pick-up freight.
These are lovely little wagons, produced to a high standard,
with a high degree of fidelity and offered at a good value price. They’re bound to prove popular among ‘N’ gauge modellers of the steam and early diesel eras. More livery options are bound to follow in future, along with a 5-plank version that is due in the coming months. (GD)
The moulded plastic bodies are equally impressive, with fine plank and strapping detail