New LNWR Dia.17B Brake Van from Rapido

This model will be the first LNWR brake van diagram to be produced as a OO gauge ready-to-run model and each model will have a multitude of separately fitted parts, including highly detailed brake gear, running boards, rails, ogees, lamp irons, and a chimney.

Variants representing the vans in their early life are fitted with windows on the veranda ends and have veranda side doors. Whereas later and privately owned examples are open-ended and have the doors replaced with an iron bar.

The van's interior contains a guard’s desk, stove, and pigeonholes. All versions are fitted with metal bearings, NEM Pockets, and either disc or spoked wheels. Finally, there is a selection of lamps in the polybag so you can personalise your model as desired.

These models are currently in the design stage. The order book is open, and you can preorder yours directly from the Rapido website and its official retailers, priced at £46.95.

Available liveries

• SKU 987001: LNWR No.1122b
• SKU 987002: LNWR No.960b
• SKU 987003: LMS (pre-36) No.135554
• SKU 987004: LMS (pre-36) No.280361
• SKU 987005: LMS (post-36) No.130894
• SKU 987006: LMS (post-36) No.148236
• SKU 987007: BR No.M280844
• SKU 987008: BR No.M280540
• SKU 987009: BR Departmental No.DM280936
• SKU 987010: Ore Mining Branch No.905
• SKU 987011: NCB No.1
• SKU 987012: LMR No.AD49025
• SKU 987013: MSC No.5237
• SKU 987014: RNAD No.368

About the prototype

First introduced in 1917 by the London and North Western Railway, the Dia.17B brake Van design was conceived as a general-purpose 20-ton brake. Given that LNWR records show that during this period their overall brake van numbers didn’t increase, it is a fair assumption that these were all built as direct replacements for any dated and condemned stock.

A total of 539 vans were built to this diagram, each carrying the number of their condemned predecessor.

Numerous vans were built after the LNWR had amalgamated with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in 1921; with the LNWR’s Earlestown Wagon Works issuing LYR numbers to some of these vans as there were insufficient free LNWR numbers to use.

Production of the Dia.17B brake vans continued at Earlestown right through to 1924; by which point it was under LMS ownership.

With a 10-foot wheelbase and a modest 18-foot body length, the Dia.17B was by no means a large brake van. However, what it lacked in size it made up for in fittings that would have assisted the guards using them considerably.

Fitted with a doored veranda that had three large end windows, the guards were relatively safe and sheltered from all weather. Another three large windows were fitted at the opposite end, which meant the guards could clearly see in whatever direction the van may be facing. The centre window on either end could be opened so that the guard could reach the lamp brackets without leaving the comfort of their van.

Adding to the guard's visibility were the ogees (Duckets), that were fitted to either side. This was rounded off with two small windows across the top panels of either of the van's sides. With windows on all sides, the Dia.17B justifiably earned the witty nickname ‘Crystal Palace’.

Many later and privately owned examples lost the veranda side doors in favour of an opening horizontal iron bar. This coincided with many of them being refitted to remove the veranda end windows.

As a general-use van and as they were built in such quantities, the ‘Crystal Palace’ brake van could be seen across the LNWR network. Its reach expanded upon LMS ownership, and furthermore when a number of them survived into the days of nationalisation.

Beyond this, several of the ‘Crystal Palace’ brake vans were purchased by private railway companies, with examples going to the NCB, RNAD, MSC, Ore Mining Branch, and even the Longmoor Military Railway. Thankfully, a couple have made it as far as preservation.