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

Dapol 4F-013-035

Gunpowder Van BR Bauxite 701059

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

Gunpowder vans were specially constructed vans designed for the safer conveyance of gunpowder and other explosives. In the 1920s the RCH laid down rules governing the construction and running of these vans and these rules were enforced relatively unchanged until the 1980s when gunpowder vans ceased to be used.

The rules governed issues such as the number of gunpowder vans allowed on one train (5 in peacetime, but whole trains were known during World War II), what other van could run alongside gunpowder vans (no vans with oil or combustible materials) and where special instructions had to be placed (a metal plate mounted on the door) were all prescribed. As another safety feature, these vans were often painted in distinguishing colours with large crosses painted on the sides to notify rail staff of the possible dangers.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Dapol's OO gauge BR Bauxite Gunpowder Van is a model of a specialised wagon designed for the safe transportation of explosives.

The real-life gunpowder vans were built by various railway companies, including the Railway Clearing House, GWR, LNER, LMS, and British Railways, in the 1930s. These vans were subject to strict rules governing their construction and operation, which remained largely unchanged until the 1980s.

The model itself is a detailed representation of these vans, with features such as profiled wheels, accurately applied livery, and highly detailed body moulding. It also includes NEM pockets with self-centring couplings. The model measures 82mm in length, 33mm in width, and 44mm in height.