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Bachmann 38-174

BR 12T Ventilated Van Plywood Sides BR Dept. Olive Green with Chevrons

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

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

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 7
• Pristine BR Departmental Olive Green with Chevrons livery
• Running No. ADB786510
• TOPS Code ZRV
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Length 88mm (over couplings)

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Bachmann Branchline OO scale model of the British Rail 12‑ton ventilated van, reference 38‑174, painted in the departmental olive‑green livery with chevrons and bearing running number ADB786510. The model carries the TOPS code ZRV and includes NEM coupling pockets; it measures 88 mm over the couplings.

The prototype 12T ventilated van was introduced by British Railways after nationalisation in 1948 as part of a programme to replace ageing rolling stock. Built on a metal chassis, the van had corrugated metal end walls each fitted with a ventilator, and side panels of plywood or wooden planks. It was used for the transport of general merchandise and featured double doors with rain strips and riveted roof sections.

The Bachmann replica reproduces the corrugated ends, smooth plywood sides and body framing in a precision moulded body. Detail includes door hinges, locking mechanisms, separate brake gear, brake handles, vacuum cylinders with linkage to the two V‑hangars, metal wheels and axles, turned metal buffers and rivets on the roof. The model is supplied in the era 7 colour scheme.