Evolution Horse Box

Since the earliest railways, there have been vehicles specifically designed to move live animals. Cattle wagons or, in some cases, even open trucks, were ideal for moving animals in relative safety across far greater distances than previously possible. However, these vehicles lacked the finesse some customers required to move their most cherished animal.  

This led to the introduction of specialised vehicles such as horseboxes, pigeon vans, prized cattle wagons and even some designed to move elephants.   

The horse box was the most numerous of these, and with the introduction of the railway, it made travel to special events, auctions, military manoeuvres and recreational activities significantly easier for those who required their chosen steed.  

Horseboxes evolved over the years, and varied in shape and size depending on the coach builder or the needs of the railway in question. Some were very short 4-wheeled designs, whereas others were roomy 6-wheeled multi-compartment designs suitable for a small stable's contingent of horses.  

By the turn of the last century, many different designs were in service. The most commonly seen were around 16 feet long and featured a compartment that could be divided, meaning more than one horse could be transferred. They usually also had a compartment for the Groom, who would care for the animals while in transit.  

Despite looking similar to some box vans, horseboxes were built to passenger carriage-stock standards. This meant they had continuous brakes and longer springs, and could run at speed in passenger trains.  

Once safely loaded, a horse would normally remain in the same horse box until its journey was complete, no matter where in the country this might be. This was to prevent any further distress to the animal. As such, horseboxes could be seen a long way from their point of origin. 

To prevent snatching of couplings and the loads being jolted, common practice was to couple both horseboxes and carriage trucks at the head of goods trains, while in passenger trains, they could appear in any position. 

Versions of horseboxes like this survived right through to the end of steam and would have been seen across the country.  

The Rapido Trains UK OO Gauge Evolution Horsebox represents a 4-wheel Pre-grouping era version that is 16 ft in length, with a single Groom’s compartment. They will be available in a variety of liveries, matching many of the liveries previously announced in the Evolution Coach range.  

Much like the coaches from the Evolution range, each Evolution Horsebox is detailed with an array of era-appropriate key features that modellers associate with horseboxes from the pre-grouping era.  

They complement the rest of the Evolution range, and other rolling stock that would have been seen from the pre-grouping era right through to the last days of steam.  

Each features a multitude of separately fitted parts and interior details to bring the horse box to life. These include a luggage rack, seats for the Groom and detailed internal doors so the Groom can tend to the horses while on the move.  

To complete the appearance of different gas and oil lighting fittings, the relevant models will feature separately fitted parts, such as roof-mounted gas lamps, plumbing, and gas tanks on the underframes. 

All Evolution Horseboxes are fitted with internal working lighting controlled by a magnetic magic wand. A potentiometer is also fitted to the lighting PCB, which allows you to dim the lights to a level of your choosing. All you’ll have to do is remove the roof and turn it with a small screwdriver until you reach the brightness you desire.  

Finally, each coach is fitted with NEM 362 pockets, metal bearings for free running, and has two lengths of optional close-coupling bars (modelled on vacuum pipes) included. The detailing pack also includes alternative glazing parts with open droplight windows. So, you can model the window closed, partially open, or fully open. 

Personalisation and Weathering

We can offer a weathering service on any pre-ordered models. Personalisation options are carried out in a batch process once the models are in stock, and will take around two weeks to process before dispatch. For more details of this service see our Personalisation and Weathering page.