5-plank open GWR Profile and Models

5-plank open GWR

10931 at the Avon Valley Railway in May 2009. ©Hugh Llewelyn

The GWR built a huge number of 5-plank open goods wagons in the early 20th century. The design was an adaptation of the earlier 4-plank wagon design of 1902 and became the de-facto standard 5-plank wagon from then on. Most examples featured a hybar sheet supporter which allowed for a cover to protect the goods inside, although some examples had this removed later in life. Production was split across several diagrams - the O11s were unfitted, with the near-identical O15s featuring vacuum brakes. The O14s were similar to the O11s with minor body differences. The wagons saw usage across the entirety of the GWR network and remained in service into BR and industrial service. Several can be found in preservation.

Type of Vehicle

Open wagon

Builder

GWR Swindon Works

Build Dates

1911 to 1922

Total Built

Diag O11: 10,815
Diag O14: 2,200
Diag O15: 2,105

Wheel Configuration

4-wheel

Operated By

GWR
British Railways
Private Owners

Main Duties

General goods traffic

In Service Until

1960s

Surviving Examples

Some in preservation