Oxford OR76BAN004C

GE Banana Van - Patched SR 632834 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 1:76 scale model represents a GER Diagram 85 banana van, specifically SR 632834, which has been patched with Southern Railway branding. This model falls within the period of the Big Four railway companies, which existed from 1923 to 1948.

The GER Diagram 85 banana vans were built in 1923 by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). Based on a Great Eastern Railway goods van design, these vans were constructed to transport imported bananas under controlled conditions. Key features included vacuum brakes, steam heating and thick insulation to maintain a stable temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit from the docks to distribution centres such as Stratford Market in East London.

Only 100 of these vans were built, numbered 632822 to 632921. Some of these vans were later loaned to the Southern Railway in the 1930s and were rebranded with SR livery. Despite their specialist role, the GER Diagram 85 banana vans remained in service until the late 1950s.