C79 Cambrian Models LSWR / SR 15 Ton 8 Plank Open Wagon kit

C79 Cambrian Models LSWR / SR 15 Ton 8 Plank Open Wagon kit.

Over 1342 of these were built between 1904 and 1925. Some lasted until the 1960s. These were larger than most 4 wheel merchandise wagons, there was increased capacity, with an improved tare weight : load weight ratio, although most were later down-rated to 12 tons.
This seems to have been a similar exercise to the GWR "Felix Pole" 20ton wagons used in South Wales. The LSWR was a rather long thin system, with spread-out population centres, so reducing the amount of "dead" weight being hauled about must have seemed a good idea.
20 wagons were converted to grain wagons in the 1930s. This involved new side sheeting (planks) to do away with the doors, and the fitting of hoppering inside. The sheet rail (and sheet!) was retained. The surviving 16 wagons were used for grain traffic on the Canterbury & Whitstable branch in Kent during the 1950s. Parts for this conversion are not included in the kit.
The kit has "one piece" solebars and floor. The sheet rail is optional – later wagons, including the SR-built ones, didn't have sheet rails. The buffers are separate mouldings, making it easier to fit sprung buffers if required.
The kit can be assembled with or without the sheet rail and "door controller" arm – both the "without" options need the mounting plates to be cut off the body. Single lever brakes can also be modelled

The picture shows an assembled kit.