Agricultural and construction vehicles by rail, 1968.

['CHARD]

We've had similar topics previously, the above link is just one such.  There's also been occasional discussion about where to get such vehicles in OO and N, as kits or RTP; I've got a subtly different but related question. 

 

The fantastic Kelsey series of bookazines 'Moving The Goods' devoted an entire issue to Automotive traffic, and as a longtime devotee of company block cartrain workings (see signature), this is a library essential.  However, the wagonload traffic associated with delivery of tractors and construction vehicles is all a bit niche, and certain basic principles elude me.

 

I've accumulated a few products that could conceivably have been delivered new by rail in 1968, including the Compair/ Holmans CV160 compressors (Kernow exclusive), Oxford Diecast Massey Ferguson 135 tractors (production 1964–1975), and now I've stripped a Corgi Juniors Raygo Rascal 400 drum roller ready for painting in the correct as-built pale lime green factory finish. 

 

It's really this last machine that interests me here.  Weight and size-wise it's ideal for rail carriage, but whereas the compressors and tractors would individually find a natural conveyance on a Lowfit, Medfit  or equivalent, the length of the Raygo is around 19 feet, and as such it's too long for, and looks inappropriate on a short wagon.  Would a Plate wagon be used for this traffic, perhaps - it doesn't infringe the gauge such that it merits a Lowmac, nor is it sufficiently heavy that a Warflat is required (incidentally, I don't like Rule One and consequently shy away from unusual or exotic wagons).  Furthermore, in the BR loads book (?) was there a formula of some kind that dictated how much or what percentage of extra length of a wagon should be left clear when wheeled vehicles were being carried?

[Fat Controller]

'Plates' were regularly used to transport loads such as trailers, Land Rovers and similar. The only thing to note is that the ends were fixed, unlike those on a Lowfit. There were also vehicles coded 'Carfit', both pre-Nationalisation and BR-built.

['CHARD]

5 minutes ago, Fat Controller said:

'Plates' were regularly used to transport loads such as trailers, Land Rovers and similar. The only thing to note is that the ends were fixed, unlike those on a Lowfit. There were also vehicles coded 'Carfit', both pre-Nationalisation and BR-built.

 

Thanks for this response, Brian.  I thought Plates would be a decent bet. 

 

I could conceivably have a couple of trailers loaded on 4S43 bound for Edinburgh and beyond, or on the daily Target 8 trip for delivery to a Borders agricultural dealer. The fixed ends are a conundrum, so cranage is a requirement.  As for Carfits, it's time to consult the Bradford Barton and Paul Bartlett's site.

[Fat Controller]

14 minutes ago, 'CHARD said:

 

Thanks for this response, Brian.  I thought Plates would be a decent bet. 

 

I could conceivably have a couple of trailers loaded on 4S43 bound for Edinburgh and beyond, or on the daily Target 8 trip for delivery to a Borders agricultural dealer. The fixed ends are a conundrum, so cranage is a requirement.  As for Carfits, it's time to consult the Bradford Barton and Paul Bartlett's site.

It sounds as though it would fit on a Plate without being craned on. If you've a couple of such vehicles, then a Boplate or even a Borail might serve. Into the 1980s, there was a regular flow from Cambridge goods depot of second-hand tractors to Irish Sea ports on the latter. It's mentioned in one of the Paul Shannon 'Railfreight since 1968' volumes.