To go alongside the newly announced SECR Open Wagons, we are also announcing a new batch of OO Gauge SECR 6-wheel Brake Vans. This batch brings some new liveries to a popular model and the addition of single-ended vans into the main range.

In 1898, the SER built a brand new type of brake van, which was very similar to the designs found on the Midland Railway. This first batch of 20-ton six-wheeled Goods Brake had a single enclosed veranda at one end. A total of 40 were built. The design would later be designated as Diagram 1558 by the Southern Railway. 

The amalgamation of the SER and the LC&DR into the SECR occurred the year after the first D1558 Brake vans were built. 

In 1910, the SECR decided to use the design to build a second batch. However, they tweaked the design so that both ends had enclosed verandas. Another 50 were built to this amended design. 

Then, between 1914 and 1920, the SECR also converted the single veranda versions into dual-ended examples. There were subtle differences between the ones newly built in 1910 and the converted examples. However, they were similar enough for the Southern Railway to group them by the same diagram number. 

All 90 passed into Southern Railway ownership (where they received the diagram 1558) and, incredibly, BR inherited 86. Withdrawals took place between 1949 and 1960, although a number of vehicles were transferred into departmental use. 

Only one of these vans survives. It was one of the 1898 batch that was rebuilt in 1910. BR sold it to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough, Hampshire, where it was bought for preservation on the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

• SER/SECR (SR Diagram 1558) 20t Brake Van
  
• BR(S) Brown No.S55405
  
• As-built dual veranda condition
  
• Highly detailed body
  
• Highly detailed underframe with many separately fitted parts
  
• Full interior detailing
  
• Split-spoked wheels running in metal bearings
  
• 1:76 scale, (OO gauge)