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

Dapol 4F-013-129

Gunpowder Van SR 62140 - Weathered

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

Prototype Era
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)

Manufacturer description

PROTOTYPE

"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.

MODEL

These wagons are highly detailed and will be a great addition to your rolling stock.

FEATURES

• Profiled wheels
• Accurately applied livery
• Highly detailed body moulding
• NEM pockets with self-centring couplings

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

Dapol Gunpowder Van SR 62140 – Weathered is a highly detailed 4‑wheel model representing a prototype gunpowder van from the era of the Big Four railway companies (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR). The model carries the SR black livery with a weathered finish and bears the manufacturer part number 4F‑013‑129. It is built to the specifications of the Railway Clearing House prototypes of the 1930s and is suitable for representing the period before British Railways.

Gunpowder vans were specially constructed to transport explosives safely. From the 1920s the Railway Clearing House laid down rules governing their construction and operation, including limits on the number of vans per train, restrictions on accompanying wagons and the use of metal safety plates on doors. During World War II whole trains of these vans were used; in peacetime a maximum of five could be included. Distinctive colour schemes and large crosses were applied to warn railway staff of the hazard.

The Dapol model includes profiled wheels, accurately applied livery and highly detailed body moulding. It is fitted with NEM pockets and self‑centring couplings for compatibility with other model railway stock.