Dapol A016

Gunpowder Van Unpainted

Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs

Prototype Era
Era 4 (1948 to 1956) British Railways Early Crest

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.

This is an unpainted version of the Gunpowder Van.

Catalogue listing

Brand
Dapol
Product Code
A016
GTIN
5016927264291
RRP
£8.85
Release date
September 2023

Model details

Livery
Unpainted
Height
44mm
Width
33mm
Finish
Pristine
Scale
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale)

Prototype information

Wheel arrangement
4-wheel
Built
1930s
Built by
Railway Clearing House GWR LNER LMS Royal Ordnance Factory British Railways

Supplier Links

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Related products

The Dapol Gunpowder Van is a model of a historical railway vehicle. The model is unpainted and represents a van that was used to transport gunpowder and other explosives. The van was typically built in the 1930s by various railway companies, including the Great Western Railway, London and North Eastern Railway, London, Midland and Scottish Railway, Royal Ordnance Factory and British Railways.

The real-life gunpowder vans were subject to specific rules, which governed their construction and operation. These rules, laid down by the Railway Clearing House in the 1920s, remained largely unchanged until the 1980s when the use of gunpowder vans ceased. The rules specified issues such as the maximum number of vans allowed on a train, which other vehicles could run alongside them, and the placement of warning signs.

The Dapol model features a highly detailed body and finely moulded profiled wheels. It also includes NEM pockets with self-centring couplings. The model measures 82mm in length, 33mm in width and 44mm in height. The model represents the period of British Railways' early crest, dating back to the 1930s.

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