British Railways (BR) inherited a wide range of rolling stock upon Nationalisation in 1948, much of which was aging or in need of modern replacement and so a programme to build new vehicles soon commenced. These new vehicles were built to a variety of standardised designs and the 12 Ton Ventilated Van, which was used to transport general merchandise, was one of the most numerous types of freight vehicle built by BR. Employing a metal chassis, the van was constructed from corrugated metal ends with a ventilator in each, with a metal body frame which was panelled with wood. All manner of merchandise could be transported whilst remaining protected from the elements, and some vans could also be adorned with marketing posters for the products that may be contained within – in the case of this example Blue Circle Portland Cement branding is applied.

The Graham Farish model is a faithful replica of the humble 12T Van, using a precision moulded body that accurately captures the corrugated ends and planked sides, along with finer details like the body framing, door hinges and locking mechanisms. The roof includes the characteristic rain strips above each set of double doors and the rivets securing the roof are neatly moulded at either end. The chassis is similarly detailed, being fitted with separate brake gear, brake handles and vacuum cylinders, complete with the linkage between the two ‘V’ hangers. Metal wheels and axles are employed, along with turned metal buffers; meanwhile for the first time the couplings are fitted via NEM coupling pockets allowing full interchangeability for those wishing to use an alternative coupling system.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Graham Farish N Scale
• Era 4
• Pristine BR Bauxite (Early) livery
• Running No. B762773
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Length 49mm (over couplings)