The LNER provided UK rail services to the Societe Belge-Anglais Des Ferry-Boats in the operation of a train ferry service between Harwich and Zeebugge. During WW1 the War Deparment had built a range of wagons suitable for use in the UK and Europe, many of the larger size often seen in European railways, but likely including these RCH 1907 open wagons, many of which were built to WD orders. This probably provided sufficient stock and the LNER do not appear to have built special ferry wagons, but a number of European wagons, lick this 7 plank open and including some of the typically large German covered vans, were lettered as 'Hired to the LNER'.
The wagons owned by the Societe Belgo-Anglaise appear to have been painted in this distinctive white livery with red lettering and could be found anywhere in the UK and Europe with consignments traveling via the train ferry. As the lettering says in English and French, 'Through traffic without transhipment between Great Britain and the continent.'
Societe Belgo-Anglaise Des Ferry-Boats & LNER Train Ferry Wagon No.109.743
- RCH 1907 Spec 12t Open Wagon
- Societe Belgo-Anglaise des Ferry-Boats No. 109.743
- Hired by LNER No. H109743
- 7-plank wagon with side doors
- Oil axleboxes
- Twin-sided brakes
- Angled V-hangers
- Plain tapered buffers
- Split-spoke wheels running in metal bearings
- High level of detail above and below the floor line
- High quality livery application
- NEM coupler pockets
- 1:76 scale, (OO gauge)
- UK designed