G. H. Smith – 7 plank N gauge

Limited edition 7 plank wagon commissioned by Ballards and made by Dapol in 2005. George Henry Smithwas originally from Gloucester and worked as a railway clerk for a number of years before becoming a coal merchant in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The business was founded in 1864 but it is unclear if Smith started the business or bought a going concern. Either way by 1871 he is operating from a coal yard at Goods Station Road as the sole agent in the South of England for the Cannock Chase Colliery Company. By 1881 Smith is now listed as a colliery agent and has 3 employees. His two eldest sons would join the business in the 1890’s and the business name would change to Smith & Sons, with the sons Alfred and Sidney taking over in 1897 when George retired. Little information is available for the companies wagons but a photograph taken at Wadhurst Station (which was used on a postcard) shows a partial view of a G. H. Smith wagon. ERA: 2. Wagon is in excellent condition with all couplings and buffers intact. Box in very good condition.

Historical information from Private Owner Wagons of the South East by John Arkell (Lightmoor Press)