TMC reveals all-new 'OO' tooling
🚨 *Announced July 11, 2025 – Available Exclusively from TMC* 🚨
The Model Centre (TMC) is proud to unveil the latest addition to its range of finely detailed 4mm:1ft / OO gauge rolling stock: the British Railways (BR) six-wheel brake/parcels vans, known under their telegraph code ‘BZ’. These long-overlooked but iconic vehicles are now available for pre-order exclusively at TMC.
(E86046) OO Gauge BR six-wheel ‘BZ’ brake luggage van E70715E in BR maroon - TMC exclusive.
Tooled by our trusted manufacturing partner, EFE Rail, these new models are the result of extensive research, authentic detailing, and a commitment to accuracy and running performance. Tooling is complete, livery samples are in hand, and eight prototypically researched versions are entering production for delivery, early 2026.
A six-wheeled story worth telling
BR BZ E70702E viewed at Reading, circa.1969. © 2017 John Senior – courtesy of 53A Models of Hull Collection.
In the post-war railway era, six-wheeled vehicles were a rarity—except for a select few like milk tanks, LMS BGZs (‘Stove R’), and the BR-built ‘BZ’. Designed by the LNER and constructed by British Railways after nationalisation, 80 ‘BZ’ vans were built in 1950 to Diagram 358.
Manufactured using prefabricated components (notably at Darlington, with final assembly at Stratford), the BZ vans resembled Edward Thompson’s bogie stock, numbered E70647E to E70726E. They became a fixture in local and express parcels traffic, especially across the Eastern Region, and could be seen well beyond—including on Southern, Western, and London Midland metals.
Even after their withdrawal in the late 1970s, some survived in sidings into the early 1980s. Today, nine examples remain in preservation, in various states from full vehicles to bare underframes.
Model Overview
These all-new BZ models represent a milestone in the depiction of Non-Passenger Carrying Coaching Stock (NPCCS). TMC and EFE Rail have collaborated closely to ensure the models are historically faithful, era-accurate, and prove to be reliable runners — even on tight curves and less-than-perfect track.
Each model features:
✅ Precision-moulded bodies with prototypical detail
✅ Highly detailed underframes and handrails
✅ Electrical jumper cables on vehicle ends
✅ Sprung NEM couplings (tension-lock pre-fitted)
✅ Compensated centre axle for smooth running
✅ Ready for second radius (or wider) curves
✅ Optional lighting packs (available separately)
Liveries & variants
TMC’s initial release includes eight liveries, reflecting the full lifespan of these vans:
- BR lined crimson
- BR crimson
- BR maroon (x2)
- BR lined maroon
- BR blue (x3)
For those seeking pinpoint accuracy, TMC’s renowned renumbering and weathering service is available during checkout.
Bring history to life
These vans were never glamorous. They ran hard, were rarely cleaned, and bore handwritten chalk notes and bodyside scrawls. With custom destination labels and grime effects, TMC’s customisation team can give your model that unmistakable in-service authenticity.
Howard Smith of TMC notes:
“It’s incredibly rewarding to deliver a high-quality model of such a vital vehicle that has been largely overlooked until now. We’re testing these models extensively across track types—including hand-built layouts—to ensure they run as well as they look.”
Pair your BZs with popular NPCCS vehicles like the Hornby LMS CCTs, Bachmann SR CCTs, GUVs, and Mk.1 BGs to create realistic parcels trains with real variety.
Pre-orders & pricing
🛒 Single vehicles: £47.95
🚂 Two vehicles: £93.95
🚂 Three vehicles: £136.95
📦 Release Date: Early 2026
📞 Or call: 01947 899 125
Product SKUs & running numbers
| SKU | Livery | Running Number |
| ------ | ---------------- | -------------- |
| E86044 | BR Lined Crimson | E70666 |
| E86045 | BR Crimson | E70702E |
| E86046 | BR Maroon | E70715E |
| E86047 | BR Maroon | E70700E |
| E86048 | BR Lined Maroon | E70654E |
| E86049 | BR Blue | E70689 |
| E86050 | BR Blue | E70678E |
| E86051 | BR Blue | E70709 |
