Rapido Trains UK is to produce models of the GCR 15T brake vans - a prototype synonymous with Eastern Region freight. 

 

·      New OO gauge 15T brake van – 16 different versions are available.

·      Many separately fitted parts including highly detailed brake gear, running boards, vacuum pipes, lamp irons and a chimney.

·      Interior detail including guard’s desk, stove, sandboxes and lockers.

·      Liveries covering GCR, CLC, LNER, BR, Departmental and NCB liveries.  

·      Fitted with metal bearings for free running.

·      Available to order here!

 

OO gauge GCR 15T brake van

Built over a 20-year period by a combination of the Great Central Railways Dukinfield Works and outside contractors, these sturdy six-wheeled vans could be seen across the GCR network from as early as 1903.

The 15T brake vans featured a built-in stove and desk, covered verandas that offered a good line of sight in both directions and a two-plank hatch-type door on either end. These were fitted so that the guard could easily change tail lamps without leaving the van. Many of the vans were fitted with automatic vacuum gear, so they could be used on fitted freights such as the express fish traffic from the East Coast.

In 1915 the Great Central Railway provided the Cheshire Lines Committee with 10 15T brake vans, furthering the design's reach to the North West of England and Wales. 

Upon the grouping of the railways in 1923 the LNER inherited hundreds of Great Central brake vans, including a significant quantity of this 15T variant. Many would replace the smaller GNR brake vans on East Coast mainline services. Production continued throughout 1923, with another 24 vans.

The LNER trackage was vast, and this brake van was around the network, from Glasgow to King's Cross. They quickly became a regular feature on long-distance cross-country freight and local trains, too. 

Many GCR 'six-wheelers' survived until nationalisation, with BR examples being spotted everywhere from Wick to the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway. Variants even made it into the hands of the National Coal Board and were used by BR as ballast brakes and engineering vehicles.

One example of the prototype was saved in 1975 by the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust and currently resides at Kirkby Stephen East. This example was owned by the NCB and is noticeably different to the majority of the other GCR 'six-wheelers', as it features vertical planking that is believed to have been installed by the NCB. 

This model will be the first Great Central Railway brake van diagram ever to be produced in OO gauge ready-to-run, and our model will feature the usual wealth of detail seen on our previously released pre-grouping era brake vans. 

You can look forward to many separately fitted parts including highly detailed brake gear, running boards, vacuum pipes, rails, lamp irons and a chimney. 

The van's interior contains a guard’s desk, stove, sandboxes and lockers, you will also find side lamps in the polybag adding to the realism and detail of this model. The model is also fitted with metal bearings, facilitating smooth running, which is perfect if you want to recreate those Eastern region cross-country freight trains.

Secure yours here.

 

 

 

Liveries proposed

·      SKU 975001: GCR 15T 6w Brake - GC Grey No.35706 

·      SKU 975002: GCR 15T 6w Brake - GC Grey No.9365 

·      SKU 975003: GCR 15T 6w Brake - GC Grey No.9515 

·      SKU 975004: GCR 15T 6w Brake - CLC (Early) Grey No.2166 

·      SKU 975005: GCR 15T 6w Brake - CLC (Late) Grey No.4481 

·      SKU 975006: GCR 15T 6w Brake - LNER Freight Oxide pre-1936 No.136988 

·      SKU 975007: GCR 15T 6w Brake - LNER Freight Oxide pre-1936 No.509494 

·      SKU 975008: GCR 15T 6w Brake - LNER Freight Oxide post-1936 No.531772

·      SKU 975009: GCR 15T 6w Brake - LNER Freight Oxide post-1936 No.509424

·      SKU 975010: GCR 15T 6w Brake - BR Bauxite Pre-64 No.531725

·      SKU 975011: GCR 15T 6w Brake - BR LNER Freight Oxide No.E531771

·      SKU 975012: GCR 15T 6w Brake - BR Bauxite Pre-1964 No.E531727

·      SKU 975013: GCR 15T 6w Brake - BR Grey No.E535650

·      SKU 975014: GCR 15T 6w Brake - BR Grey No.E531773

·      SKU 975015: GCR 15T 6w Brake - BR Departmental Black DE634310

·      SKU 975016: GCR 15T 6w Brake - NCB Durham Division Harton Unit  No.A11