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Hornby R60274

RailRoad: 'James Brothers' Vent Van

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

This newly tooled RailRoad vent van carrying the name ‘James Brothers Portland Cement nr Maidstone’ is an ideal model to add to a steam-period freight train. Whilst wooden vent vans were mainly used during the steam era they remained on the rails into the diesel era and there are many still on preserved railways around the UK today, making this a timeless piece to add to a model railway layout.

The vent van was a small multipurpose goods van which would transport all manner of items whilst keeping them protected from the wind and rain. The wagon design features a single vent on each end of the structure allowing air to flow, thereby maintaining a cooler air temperature, beneficial for the transportation of perishable food items. Closed vans would often be loaded with all manner of miscellany such as flour, meat, parcels or perhaps scale models.

Catalogue listing

Model details

Prototype information

The Hornby RailRoad 'James Brothers' Vent Van is a model of a steam-era freight wagon, suitable for OO gauge model railways. It features a cream and green livery and is moulded with plastic buffers. The model is part of the 2025 Range and is a representation of a vent van, a small multipurpose goods wagon which was commonly used during the steam era.

The model is designed to be easy to use and is ideal for adding to a steam-period freight train. It is based on a real-life design that was used by the Big Four railway companies, including the LNER, LMS, GWR and SR. The wagon's design features a single vent on each end, allowing air to flow and maintaining a cooler air temperature, beneficial for transporting perishable items such as food.

This model is a timeless addition to a model railway layout, as wooden vent vans remained in use during the diesel era and many examples are still preserved on railways around the UK today. The model measures 98mm in length and has a minimum radius curve requirement of 1st Radius (371mm). It is coupled using an NEM tension lock.