Oxford OR76BAN004

GE Banana Van - Patched SR 632849 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 GE Banana Van is a model representing a specific type of goods wagon built by the London and North Eastern Railway in 1923. This model is part of the Oxford Rail range and is available in 1:76 scale.

The vans were designed to transport bananas from docks to distribution centres, such as Stratford Market in East London, and were built to maintain a consistent temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. They were based on a Great Eastern Railway goods van and featured vacuum brakes, steam heating, and insulation to ensure the fruit remained fresh during transportation.

A total of 100 vans were constructed, numbered 632822-632921. Some of these vans were later leased to the Southern Railway in the 1930s and were rebranded with Southern Railway markings. Despite being a specialist vehicle, the vans remained in service until the late 1950s.