📢 Please take a minute to read this personal message from the creator of RailwayModels.uk

Bachmann 33-308A

GWR 20T 'Toad' Brake Van BR Grey (Early) (Weathered)

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI/AI images rather than photographs

Prototype Era
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest

Manufacturer description

The Toad is a brake van, designed by and built for the Great Western Railway. Introduced by the GWR in 1894, and used from 1948 by the Western Region of British Railways, its role was a safety brake on goods trains in the West of England, the Midlands and Wales. As with all GWR wagons and non-passenger carrying coaches, its operating code "Toad" was derived from the GWR's telegraphic code for a brake van. The last Toad brake vans remained in service into the 1970s; phasing out occurred along with the network wide reduction in brake van duties, although many passed to the Engineers and ended their days in departmental service. The Toad brake van is a familiar sight on preserved railways, because the large veranda is capable of carrying staff or passengers; it is also popular due to the Thomas & Friends ™ character of the same name.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Bachmann GWR 20T ‘Toad’ Brake Van – BR Grey (Early) – Weathered finish.
The model is part of the 2020 range, carries running number W35975 and measures 125 mm in length. It is supplied in a weathered grey livery, represents a British Railways early‑crest brake van and bears manufacturer part number 33‑308A.

The original brake van was designed and built for the Great Western Railway and introduced in 1894. From 1948 it was used by the Western Region of British Railways as a safety brake on goods trains operating in the West of England, the Midlands and Wales. The telegraphic code “Toad” was applied to all GWR brake vans and non‑passenger coaches. The last examples remained in service into the 1970s, after which they were withdrawn as brake‑van duties were reduced; many were transferred to engineering departments for departmental use.

The Toad brake van is a common sight on heritage railways, its large veranda allowing it to carry staff or passengers. Its recognisable appearance has also contributed to its popularity, aided by the Thomas & Friends (TM) character of the same name.