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)
"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.
MODELThese wagons are highly detailed and will be a great addition to your rolling stock.
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Dapol Gunpowder Van GWR W105770 is a highly detailed 4‑wheel prototype model representing a Great Western Railway gunpowder van from the 1930s. The kit carries the GWR grey livery, is built to the Railway Clearing House specifications and bears the manufacturer part number 4F‑013‑134. It depicts the period of the British railway “Big Four” (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR).
Gunpowder vans were specially constructed for the safe transport of explosives. From the 1920s to the 1980s the Railway Clearing House set strict rules on their construction, the number of vans allowed on a train (five in peacetime, whole trains in wartime), the types of vans that could run alongside them, and required safety markings such as metal plates on doors and coloured panels with large crosses.
The model includes profiled wheels, accurately applied livery and detailed body moulding. It is fitted with NEM pockets and self‑centring couplings for easy integration with other rolling stock. The product is suitable for collectors and railway modellers interested in the era of the Big Four.