5-plank wagons were considered to be 'high goods wagons' and were referred to as 'Highfits' or 'High NF'. Anything larger was probably specifically for the coal and mineral trade. At one time, 5-plank wagons were highly numerous on the British rail network and often had their load sheeted over. They were used for the transportation of general merchandise.

The original Bachmann model was based on a 17’6" planked open wagon and was originally tooled in 1978 by Kader for the Mainline Railways range, marketed by Palitoy. When it came to replacing the original 5-plank wagon under the Blue Riband programme, it was decided to produce two variants. Externally they look the same but inside, one has the representation of a steel floor and the other of a wooden floor.