Sonic Models announce BR 12T Vanwide Ventilated Vans in N

A variety of liveries are to be released such BR Bauxite, BR Departmental Olive Green VQV, BR Freight Brown VEV, and BR Railfreight Red/Grey. 

The models features fine levels of detailing, separate etched handles and kinematic couplers in NEM pockets.

Currently expected to arrive in the Autumn of 2024, the new models cost £69.95 each and can be secured for a £10 deposit.

• Set of 3 BR 12T Vanwide Ventilated Vans, BR Bauxite (Late)
• Set of 3 BR 12T Vanwide Ventilated Vans, BR Bauxite (Early)
• Set of 3 BR 12T Vanwide Ventilated Vans, BR Bauxite (Early) Earle's Cement
• Set of 3 BR 12T Vanwide Ventilated Vans, BR Freight Brown XP
• Set of 3 BR 12T Vanwide Ventilated Vans, BR Freight Brown VEV
• Set of 3 BR 12T Vanwide Ventilated Vans, BR Departmental Olive Green VQV
• Set of 3 BR 12T VEA Ventilated Vans, BR Railfreight Red/Grey
• Set of 3 BR 12T Vanwide Ventilated Vans, BR Freight Brown VMV XP

About the prototype

Due to pressure from large customers, BR developed a box van design with sliding doors, the Vanwide to Diagram 1/217, with standard dimensions of 17ft 6-inch length with a 10ft wheelbase. The sides were of plywood construction with flush doors that moved out slightly thus enabling them to slide down the sides, so alleviating the problem of confined locations. The end walls were made from corrugated metal sheeting. The door opening method made a door aperture of 9ft possible which aided the loading of pallets by a forklift truck. It was this wider door opening that gave rise to the code name. The build was between Wolverton works and Derby works with nearly 2000 being built between 1961 - 1962.

The VEA vans were refurbished versions of the Vanwide and fitted with air brakes from 1977 to suit customers who could not handle the longer wheelbase of more modern designs of wagon. A total of 550 wagons were converted. They were used on Speedlink trains as well as military specials. A decline in MOD requirements led to most of the wagons being withdrawn in the early 1990s with just a handful finding further use in the departmental fleets. However, many survived in internal use at Army bases. Several examples survive into preservation.

Stay updated...

Are you subscribed to our weekly email newsletter? Don't miss the latest news about our shows, reviews, modelling advice, competitions and more.