Oxford Rail OR76TOA002 GWR Toad Brake Van GWR 6 Wheel Plated Sides Small Lettering Bridport RU OO

£16.99
MRP £16.99

Must be ordered - delivery as soon as possible.
(Product Ref 100404)
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These 6-wheeled goods train brake vans were built in the early 1900s in response to the need for greater braking force for the longer, heavier goods trains being hauled by the newest 2-6-0 and 2-8-0 goods engines. In addition to increasing weight from 16 to 24 tons a third axle was added to increase the brake force available. The new vans were initially allocated to the heaviest trains to help the the crew control the 80+ wagons a Churchward 28xx class engines (introduced from 1903) could haul.
The railway companies later settled on 20 tons as the optimum weight for goods train brake vans and the GWR commenced their long line of very similar long-wheelbase 4-wheeled vans.
The 6 wheeled vans continued to serve, many being fitted with robust metal sheathing for the lower body sides and surviving into the British Railways era. Their allocation became more widespread, often being used to provide depots with an extra-heavy brake van for use when it was needed and some were allocated to country branch lines with steep gradients to help the guard control the train in event of a broken coupling.
The Oxford Rail model has been designed to incorporate several of the changes made to these vans over their long lives. This model finished in later condition with steel-sheathed sides to the van and veranda finished in the post 1934 small sized lettering style.
The Bridport branch had several very steep gradients and a 6-wheeled van was allocated to ensure the guard would be able to control any 'break-away' occurring on the grades. The RU lettering stands for 'Restricted Use', indicating the van was not part of the general service pool and should not be 'borrowed' for other routes.
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