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Bachmann 38-170E

BR 12T Ventilated Van Plywood Sides BR Bauxite (Early)

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

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

Manufacturer description

British Railways (BR) inherited a wide range of rolling stock upon Nationalisation in 1948, much of which was aging or in need of modern replacement and so a programme to build new vehicles soon commenced. These new vehicles were built to a variety of standardised designs and the 12 Ton Ventilated Van, which was used to transport general merchandise, was one of the most numerous types of freight vehicle built by BR. Employing a metal chassis, the van was constructed from corrugated metal ends with a ventilator in each, with a metal body frame which was panelled with wooden planks or plywood sheets.

The Bachmann Branchline model is a faithful replica of the humble 12T Van, using a precision moulded body that accurately captures the corrugated ends and smooth plywood sides, along with finer details like the body framing, door hinges and locking mechanisms. The roof includes the characteristic rain strips above each set of double doors and the rivets securing the roof are neatly moulded at either end. The chassis is similarly detailed, being fitted with separate brake gear, brake handles and vacuum cylinders, complete with the linkage between the two ‘V’ hangers. Metal wheels and axles are employed, along with turned metal buffers; meanwhile the couplings are fitted via NEM coupling pockets allowing full interchangeability for those wishing to use an alternative coupling system.

 

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 4
• Pristine BR Bauxite (Early) livery
• Running No. B775484
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Length 88mm (over couplings)

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Bachmann Branchline model 38-170E is a OO scale (4 mm) replica of the British Railways 12 ton ventilated van that entered service shortly after nationalisation in 1948. The original vehicle was a metal‑chassis freight van with corrugated steel end plates, ventilators, and plywood side panels, used for general merchandise traffic.

The model reproduces the corrugated ends, plywood sides, roof rain strips above the double doors, riveted roof fittings and detailed chassis components such as separate brake gear, brake handles and vacuum cylinders with linkage between the two V‑hangers. Metal wheels, axles and turned buffers are fitted, and NEM coupling pockets are provided for interchangeable coupling systems.

Key specifications: length 88 mm over couplings, livery in pristine BR Bauxite (early), running number B775484, and manufactured by Bachmann under part number 38‑170E. The vehicle represents the early British Railways crest period (from 01/01/1948).