These are a conversion of OBAs, SPAs and VDAs. This kit is for the OBA conversion in the early 1990's with 5 vertical side stanchions (There are others with 6). The only remaining part of the OBA body appears to be the end stanchions, the rest being replaced with new steel parts. The earliest rebuilds had flat-topped sides and ends. Later ones had a triangular shaped top and heavier cross bar on the ends. This is the type that the kit is based on, however, the triangular part can be filed off to make the earlier type. The end cross bar will also need filing back on its vertical face so that it projects about 0.5mm less than the vertical stanchions. The ZCA Seahorse/Urchin wagons were used to carry new ballast or sometimes spoil/spent ballast. The wagons have carried a variety of liveries.

BIBLIOGRAPHY : Rolling Stock Recognition Vol.2 (Ian Allan), BR Wagons Vol. 1 (OPC), British Railways Wagons (D & C), Britsh Railfreight Today (Janes), Freight Only Vol. 1 (Silver Link - see pages 3,17, 35, 48 for layout inspiration), + Vols. 2/3. See also OTA instructions. “BR Air-braked Stock No.2 — Vols. 1 & 2” (Cheona) have useful photos of OTAs & Seahorse/Urchins (some of the OTA livery/usage descriptions are incorrect).

LIVERY: rather varied with varying degrees of rust. The inside frequently has an “orange-brown” rusty appearance. Outside, the solebars are black, including the part of the stanchions below floor level.

“Transrail” livery - Grey body, the headstocks and triangular top pieces are (signal) red, as are the axlebox covers.

“Dutch” livery - flat topped type only - Grey bottom of body, yellow above. Body ends all grey including top.

“Mainline” Livery - Blue body/ends with yellow triangular part.

“EWS” Livery - Maroon body/ends with yellow triangular part.

On “Dutch”, Mainline & EWS, headstocks are black. On all types, small lever to right of coupling hole is red. Axleboxes fronts may be yellow or red.