10t Cattle Van BR 626749

10t Cattle Van BR 626749

Model

1:76 Scale model produced by Oxford Rail. This model is ready-to-run and will make a great addition to any model railway collection.

Model Features

• 1:76 Scale Model
• This model is best suited to 371mm radius curves
• This model is fitted with NEM style couplings

Details

Transporting live animals by rail has been common since the earliest days of railway operation, although relatively few original cattle and horse wagons survive today due to the corrosive effects of animal waste on timber bodies. Railways developed a variety of specialised vehicles to move livestock safely and efficiently.

High-sided open wagons were initially used to carry cattle, horses and pigs, while purpose-built livestock wagons with slatted sides and internal divisions became standard for smaller animals such as sheep, goats, poultry and rabbits. Dedicated horse boxes with individual stalls were primarily reserved for the movement of valuable racing horses.

To ensure animal welfare and reduce losses in transit, livestock vehicles were equipped with features such as ventilation openings, tethering points, drinking arrangements and inspection ports. Wagons intended for military horse transport were also fitted with tethering rings inside the body.

In addition to animals, covered goods wagons were occasionally adapted for troop movements when required.

For model railway enthusiasts, livestock wagons add authentic operational interest to goods trains and are ideal for recreating agricultural, military or rural railway scenes.