Oxford OR76BAN003B

GE Banana Van - LNER (post 1937) 632920 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 of the LNER (post 1937) 632920 GER Banana Van represents a specific type of vehicle built for the transport of bananas in the early 20th century.

Built in 1923 by the London and North Eastern Railway, the GER Diagram 85 banana vans were designed to maintain a consistent temperature of 13°C for the imported fruit. The vans were based on a Great Eastern Railway goods van and featured vacuum brakes and steam heating for this purpose.

Only 100 of these vans were constructed, numbered 632822-632921, and a small number were later loaned to the Southern Railway in the 1930s. The vans remained in service until the late 1950s.