7F-051-057W 5 Plank BR M318242 - WeatheredIn the early days of the railways most freight wagons were open wagons and were used to carry all types of goods. If the load was more delicate it was often protected with tarpaulin sheets. These wagons got progressively larger as locomotives became more powerful and demand for rail freight increased. In the 1923 the RCH laid down standards and specifications for open wagons and 5 plank wagons with a load capacity of 10 tons became the standard