Clark Railworks has announced its latest OO gauge release: a brand new LMS 42‑foot General Utility Van. The collection is now available for pre‑order, with the first units expected to arrive in early 2027.
Eight distinct models form the first production batch, each matching a key livery worn by the vans from the LMS days up through British Railways and later departmental duties. The range includes:
- C2020 – No. 37714, LMS crimson lake
- C2021 – No. 37719, BR plain crimson
- C2022 – No. 37898, BR lined maroon
- C2023 – No. 37911, BR blue
- C2024 – No. ADB975241, BR Gulf Red
- C2025 – No. ADB975241, BR departmental yellow
- C2026 – No. ADB975560, BR departmental blue
- C2027 – No. 37909, BR crimson and cream
Prototype information
The original fleet consisted of 240 vans produced between 1933 and 1937 at Derby and Wolverton works. Early examples emerged in LMS crimson lake, with 1933 and 1934 units featuring side lining that was later removed from most non‑passenger stock. Aluminium roofs were painted when new, but they tended to weather quickly in everyday use.
After nationalisation, the shows continued under British Railways, adopting crimson, maroon and eventually blue liveries. Many vans remained operational into the 1970s, while others were re‑assigned for departmental tasks such as breakdown trains, steam crane support and as static store vehicles. Three surviving examples are preserved in Scotland.
Variations and features
Clark Railworks advertises that the models capture differences in side paneling, roof vents and bogie construction to reflect various periods and individual vehicles.
Common characteristics of the collection include:
- Die‑cast chassis
- Weight‑balanced bogies
- Brass axle bearings
- Fully detailed underframe
- Sprung buffers
- Enhanced “Ultraflex” vacuum and air pipes
- Optional grab rails, steps and roof details
- Multiple body and bogie toolings
- Removable NEM coupling pockets
- Compatible with EM and P4 gauges
Pricing and availability
The OO gauge LMS 42‑foot GUV is projected to reach the decorated sample phase in autumn 2026, with production units slated for delivery in early 2027.
Each model will retail for £75, and pre‑orders are now accepted via Clark Railworks with no upfront payment required.
