Dapol 4F-013-126 OO Gauge GPV Gunpowder Van Blue Circle 170

Dapol 4F-013-126 OO Gauge Gunpowder Van Blue Circle 170.

The 1:76 scale model railway gunpowder vans from Dapol feature profiled wheels, accurately applied livery and highly detailed body moulding.

Measuring 82mm (length including buffers) by 33mm (width) by 44mm (height) they make a great addition to your OO gauge rolling stock.

Gunpowder vans were specially constructed vans designed for the safer conveyance of gunpowder and other explosives. In the 1920s the RCH laid down rules governing the construction and running of these vans and these rules were enforced relatively unchanged until the 1980s when gunpowder vans ceased to be used.

The rules governed issues such as the number of gunpowder vans allowed on one train (5 in peacetime, but whole trains were known during World War II), what other van could run alongside gunpowder vans (no vans with oil or combustible materials) and where special instructions had to be placed (a metal plate mounted on the door) were all prescribed.

As another safety feature, these vans were often painted in distinguishing colours with large crosses painted on the sides to notify rail staff of the possible dangers.