We are all familiar with the modern use of containers to move large volumes of freight, but the concept is not a new one as the railway companies of Great Britain began moving goods by the container load before the Second World War. The Great Western Railway (GWR) was an early adopter and the flat bed wagons that it built to carry containers were given the telegraphic code Conflats – name that stuck following the creation of British Railways in 1948. Various containers were built which could be loaded onto the Conflats which had a capacity of two type A containers, or one of the larger type Bs. Containers might be loaded with furniture or bulk goods, or in the case of the type AF containers that were insulated, perishables that needed to stay cool like fresh fish and meat.
This Graham Farish model comprises a Conflat Wagon and two separate AF Containers, allowing the wagon to run loaded or empty while the container also makes an excellent scenic accessory, ideal for a busy goods facility when not employed as a load for the Conflat. Both items are precision moulded with the wagon featuring a planked deck and fine details like the lashing points and chain pocket lids. The containers meanwhile boast an array of moulded details from the lifting points on the roof to the body framing, door hinges and locking mechanisms, plus more lashing points. The Conflat’s chassis is similarly detailed, being fitted with separate brake gear, brake handles and vacuum cylinders, complete with the linkage between the two ‘V’ hangers. Metal wheels and axles are employed, along with turned metal buffers; meanwhile the couplings are fitted via NEM coupling pockets allowing full interchangeability for those wishing to use an alternative coupling system.
MODEL FEATURES:
•Graham Farish N Scale
•Era 4
•1 x Conflat Wagon in Pristine BR Bauxite (Early) livery
•2 x AF Containers in BR ‘Birds Eye – Quick Frozen Foods’ livery
•Conflat Running No. B740327
•Containers Nos. AFP66353B & AFP66357B
•NEM Coupling Pockets
•Length 49mm (over couplings)