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Dapol 4F-013-132

Gunpowder Van LMS 701022

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

The Dapol Gunpowder Van is a model railway item designed to represent a historical type of van used for the safe transportation of gunpowder and other explosives. The model is built to OO gauge and features a length of 82mm, a width of 33mm, and a height of 44mm.

The van is designed to resemble those built by various railway companies, including the Railway Clearing House, GWR, LNER, LMS, Royal Ordnance Factory, and British Railways, during the 1930s. The model is intended to represent the Big Four era, a period when the LNER, LMS, GWR, and SR were the dominant railway companies in the UK.

The real-life gunpowder vans were constructed with safety in mind, with rules governing their use and construction prescribed by the Railway Clearing House. These rules included restrictions on the number of vans that could be used on one train, the types of vans that could run alongside gunpowder vans, and the placement of special instructions.

The Dapol model is described as highly detailed, with features such as profiled wheels, accurately applied livery, and highly detailed body moulding. The model also features NEM pockets with self-centring couplings, allowing for easy coupling and decoupling of the van from other rolling stock.