Oxford OR76BAN001C

GE Banana Van - LNER (pre 1937) 632900 1:76

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

Built in 1923 by the newly formed LNER, the GER Diagram 85 banana vans were built to transport imported bananas under carefully controlled conditions. Based on a Great Eastern Railway goods van, these vans featured vacuum brakes, steam heating, and thick insulation to keep the fruit at a stable 57°F from dockside to distribution centres like Stratford Market in East London.

Only 100 were constructed, numbered 632822–632921. Some were later loaned to the Southern Railway in the 1930s, even receiving SR branding. Despite their specialist role, they remained in traffic into the late 1950s.

Catalogue listing

The Oxford Rail model is a 1:76 scale representation of the LNER's GER Diagram 85 banana van. This model is part of the Oxford Rail product range.

The GER Diagram 85 vans were built by the LNER in 1923. They were designed to transport bananas from the docks to distribution centres, such as Stratford Market in East London. The vans featured vacuum brakes, steam heating, and insulation to maintain a consistent temperature of 13°C.

Only 100 of these vans were constructed, numbered 632822-632921. A number of them were later loaned to the Southern Railway and were rebranded. Despite their specialist role, the vans remained in use until the late 1950s.