Rapido Trains UK has announced a new 'OO' LSWR/WD 20T brake van, with 21 individually numbered models covering LSWR, War Department, pre-grouping, grouping and British Railways liveries.

The models feature numerous tooling variations, including different duckets, roofs, side panels, buffers, axleboxes and handrail arrangements. Every model includes separately fitted brake gear, running boards, lamp irons and chimney, along with a fully detailed interior featuring a stove, seating, partition and handbrake. NEM 362 coupling pockets, metal bearings and a choice of split-spoked or three-hole disc wheels are fitted throughout the range.

The models are currently in tooling, carry an RRP of £44.95 and are available to pre-order now.

Prototype history

The London & South Western Railway introduced its 20T Goods Brake Van in 1907 to replace older "Road Vans" on main line freight services. Designed by Surrey Warner, the vans featured an 18ft body on a 10ft 6in wheelbase, verandas at each end, side duckets and separate accommodation for the guard and goods, making them suitable for parcels and light freight as well as braking duties.

Only 35 examples were built for the LSWR. During the First World War, the War Department adopted a slightly narrower version of the design, with large numbers built during 1917 and 1918 for military service in Europe. After the war, many returned to Britain and were distributed amongst numerous railway companies before later passing into Southern Railway, GWR and LNER ownership following the 1923 Grouping. The widespread allocation of these vans resulted in an extensive variety of liveries, with some examples remaining in BR service until the end of the steam era on branch line duties.

 

Model range

Rapido has chosen to represent both the LSWR and War Department variants using a common body tooling, as the prototype width difference of just 2 inches equates to approximately 0.66mm in OO gauge.

The range includes 21 liveries spanning LSWR, War Department, Cambrian, GER, North British Railway, Metropolitan Railway, Southern Railway, LNER, GWR, London Passenger Transport Board and British Railways. The extensive tooling options allow the models to accurately reflect the principal variations seen across the prototype fleet while maintaining a high level of detail throughout the range.

Explore the full suite of new models here to pre-order yours with no deposit at TMC.