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Bachmann 38-145A

BR VDA Van BR Freight Brown (Railfreight)

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

Prototype Era
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)

Manufacturer description

The VDA van was a development of British Rail’s Cov AB air-braked van which was first introduced in the late 1960s, with the VDAs entering traffic from 1975. Sharing the same 20ft 9in wheelbase as the original Cov ABs, the VDAs not only had sliding doors to allow the sides to be fully opened for loading/unloading but these doors could also be opened individually as cupboard doors to allow quicker access to just one internal area. The vans entered traffic in Speedlink services and were used to transport general merchandise, often being marshalled into mixed goods trains as opposed to being operated as uniform rakes and could carry all manner of general merchandise. By the 1980s their traffic was reducing and so many VDAs were rebuilt to suit new traffic, most notably as OTA timber carrying wagons or low sided ballast/spoil wagons where were often coded as ZCA ‘Sea Urchins’.

The Bachmann Branchline model employs a highly detailed bodyshell which boasts precision moulded panel lines, door handles and mechanisms, and fine rivet detailing. At either end a separate lamp iron is present, along with metal buffers and a cosmetic coupling hook. The solebar includes prototypical detailing along with the door runners, whilst the wagon’s suspension and brake gear is added using separate components. The metal wheelsets are mounted on a pivoting frame, allowing this long wheelbase wagon to traverse tight curves with ease whilst NEM coupling pockets are also incorporated. Authentic colours and typefaces are employed during the livery application process, completing this high-fidelity model.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 7
• Pristine BR Freight Brown (Railfreight) livery
• Running No. 200659
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Length 156mm (over couplings)

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Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

The Bachmann Branchline model of the BR VDA Van is a highly detailed representation of a British Rail vehicle from the 1970s. The VDA van was a development of the Cov AB air-braked van, introduced in the late 1960s and entering service in 1975. These vans were used for transporting general merchandise, often in mixed goods trains, and were known for their sliding doors which could be opened individually for easier access to internal areas.

The model features a precision-moulded bodyshell with intricate details such as panel lines, door handles and mechanisms, and fine rivet detailing. The solebar and door runners also feature prototypical detailing, while the suspension and brake gear are added using separate components. The metal wheelsets are mounted on a pivoting frame, allowing the wagon to navigate tight curves with ease.

The model is offered in OO scale and is suitable for Era 7, representing the period from 1975 to 1994. It is painted in pristine BR Freight Brown (Railfreight) livery and features running number 200659. The model includes NEM coupling pockets, allowing for easy connection to other OO gauge rolling stock. The length of the model is 156mm over the couplings.