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Dapol 4F-015-018

Fruit Mex Wagon GWR 38255 Weathererd

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

Due to changes in legislature, the transport of cattle and other livestock traditionally performed by rail was changed in a very short space of time to road. This resulted in large numbers of redundant cattle wagons. Many of these wagons were converted for alternative uses and one such was the Fruit Mex which was produced by adding slatted panels to the top section of the body of a standard GWR Mex B 8 ton cattle wagon.

In this form it was ideally suited to cope with the considerable amounts of fresh fruit traffic, particularly strawberries from the West Country and Vale of Evesham. These wagons carried the simple appellation ‘Fruit’ to identify them, and an identical build was also used to carry ale casks.

Catalogue listing

Model details

The Dapol Fruit Mex GWR 38255 model is a weathered representation of a Fruit Mex wagon in Great Western Railway grey livery. The model is designed for OO gauge layouts and measures 88mm in length, 33mm in width, and 48mm in height. It is part of a range of models representing the post-war period, specifically the Big Four era of British railway history.

The Fruit Mex wagon is a converted version of the GWR Mex B 8 ton cattle wagon, modified to carry fresh produce and other perishable goods. The model features a highly detailed body and chassis, with profiled wheels and superbly printed livery and details. It also includes NEM pockets with self-centring couplings for easy coupling and uncoupling.

The Fruit Mex wagon was used to transport a variety of goods, including fresh fruit from the West Country and Vale of Evesham, and ale casks. Its simple 'Fruit' identification made it easily recognisable on the rails. This model will be a valuable addition to any model railway layout, capturing the essence of British railway history during the post-war period.