Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI/AI images rather than photographs
Prototype Eras
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
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.
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This is a weathered OO gauge model of a Gunpowder Van Blue Circle 167. The model is designed to represent a vehicle from the British Railways era, specifically the period featuring the early crest.
The model measures 82mm in length, 33mm in width, and 44mm in height. It is finished in a weathered condition, which suggests it is intended to have a worn and aged appearance.