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Dapol 4F-013-036

Gunpowder Van BR Bauxite 701059 Weathered

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

The Dapol Gunpowder Van BR Bauxite is a model train in OO gauge featuring a weathered finish and British Railways bauxite livery. The model has a length of 82mm, a width of 33mm, and a height of 44mm.

The model is based on a prototype designed to transport gunpowder and other explosives, with safety features such as a metal plate on the door and a distinctive livery with large crosses on the sides. The prototype was governed by the Railway Clearing House's rules from the 1920s to the 1980s.

The model features a 4-wheel wheel arrangement and is built by Dapol. It has a number of details including profiled wheels, accurately applied livery, and highly detailed body moulding. The model also includes NEM pockets with self-centring couplings.