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Dapol 4F-013-130

Gunpowder Van NE 71420

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

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 Gunpowder Van NE 71420 is an OO gauge model representing a British railway gunpowder van in the LNER brown livery. The model measures 82 mm in length, 33 mm in width and 44 mm in height, and features a four‑wheel arrangement.

The van is modelled after vehicles built by the Railway Clearing House for the Big Four railway companies – GWR, LNER, LMS and SR – during the 1930s. The manufacturer part number is 4F‑013‑130.

Gunpowder vans were purpose‑built for the safe transport of gunpowder and other explosives. From the 1920s the RCH established rules governing their construction, the number of vans permitted on a train, the types of accompanying wagons and the placement of safety plates on the doors. These vans were often painted in distinctive colours with large crosses on the sides to alert railway staff to the hazard. The regulations remained largely unchanged until the 1980s, when gunpowder vans were withdrawn from service.