After World War One in 1918 more 20-ton vans to the improved design were built with G W R self-contained buffers and given Diagram AA15. A total of 378 were built between 1918 and 1927.
The next development was the AA19 which were built between 1927 and 1931 incorporating many RCH parts such as buffers and axleboxes but utilising the same body. The total constructed was 221 vans. Diagram AA 20 followed which was externally identical to the AA19 vans, changes principally being in the underframe construction, with a total of 354 being built between 1934 and 1943.
The Diagram AA21 was for 100 Vacuum fitted vans built 1939/1940, being built with full vacuum brake gear with the brake cylinder in the front of the brake veranda. It was found that the vacuum brake fittings limited the guards' ability to help control coupling slack in the train using the hand brake, so subsequent 'vacuum fitted' vans were equipped with train pipes and a brake setter only.
The outside hand brake position was unpopular with guards used to vans with the brake inside the cabin, a feature of the BR standard design, however the large cabin and enclosed veranda made them popular with the engineers as mess and tool vans. The GWR 'toad' was a common sight around Britain into the 1980s and many have been preserved, the AA21 vacuum braked vans being particularly useful to offer brake van rides.
The Dapol O Gauge GWR 20T Toad Brake Van Will Feature
- Die-cast compensated chassis
- Finely profiled wheels and axles with brass bearing pockets
- Highly detailed injection moulded body
- Full interior detail
- Many separately added fine details
- Sprung metal buffers
- Sprung metal coupling hook and Instanter or screw link couplings where appropriate
- Expertly applied liveries
- Vans are Vacuum Fitted where applicable