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

Dapol 4D-011-101

Streamlined Railcar Express Parcels Crimson 17

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

Prototype Eras
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest

Manufacturer description

The first diesel railcar was introduced by the GWR in 1933. The innovation was to prove extremely successful and they continued in operation well into the 1960s when their use was eclipsed by the introduction of the BR first generation DMUs. The railcar’s art deco air smoothed styling has lead to their nickname of `Flying Banana’ although later variants were produced to a more angular style. In all 38 GWR diesel railcars were produced from 1933 to 1942 at three different sites with three surviving into preservation.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

^* Class names often change over the lifespan of a locomotive, so this is not necessarily the class name used by the operator in the period modelled.

The Dapol Streamlined Railcar Express Parcels BR Crimson Locomotive No.17 is a model of a classic British railway vehicle, representing a Gloucester Railcar in its original livery. The model is designed to be OO gauge and is finished in a pristine condition.

The model is based on the real-life diesel railcars introduced by the Great Western Railway in 1933, which were later operated by British Railways. The railcars were known for their distinctive art deco styling, earning them the nickname 'Flying Banana'. The model features a finely moulded body with separately applied details, including etched grills and directional lighting.

Key features of the model include accurately applied livery, sprung buffers, cast wheels with fine relief and colouring, and a tungsten chassis. The model is also DCC ready and has all-wheel pickup for reliable operation. The model comes with a 5-pole skew wound motor for smooth running and an accessory bag containing additional detail parts and spares.

The specifications for the model are as follows: it is a CLASS AEC Railcar, with a LIVERY of Express Parcels Crimson, and is suitable for the ERA 3 period (1923-1947). The WHEEL CONFIGURATION is Bo-Bo, and the model is DCC TYPE DCC Ready. The TRACK SUPPLY is 12V DC. The model's measurements are: LENGTH OVER BUFFER 250mm, WIDTH 34mm, and HEIGHT 49mm.