12t Ventilated Fruit Van BR Late Bauxite E222476 VANFIT

12t Ventilated Fruit Van BR Late Bauxite E222476 VANFIT

Model

1:76 Scale model produced by Bachmann. This model is ready-to-run and will make a great addition to any model railway collection.

Model Features

• 1:76 Scale Model
• OO gauge model of the LNER 12T Ventilated Fruit Van in BR Bauxite Late Crest livery (38-386A)
• Accurate representation of former LNER fruit vans operating under British Railways in the 1950s–60s
• Highly detailed wooden-bodied construction with fine plank engraving, sliding doors and roof ventilators
• NEM coupling pockets and fine-scale wheelsets for smooth running and reliable OO gauge operation
• This model is best suited to 381mm radius curves
• This model is fitted with NEM style couplings

Details

Bring authentic British Railways freight history to your OO gauge layout with the Bachmann LNER 12T Ventilated Fruit Van in BR Bauxite (Late) Livery (38-386A), a finely detailed model representing one of the most important covered vans to operate in the post-war era. Finished in BR bauxite with late crest markings, this model captures the appearance of former LNER-designed fruit vans during their long service life under British Railways in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Based on the London and North Eastern Railway’s 12-ton ventilated fruit van design, this wagon was purpose-built for transporting perishable goods such as fruit, where airflow was essential to maintain freshness in transit. Its distinctive wooden-bodied construction, ventilated ends and roof fittings made it ideal for express perishables traffic, and it remained a common sight well into the BR era following nationalisation in 1948.

The Bachmann Branchline model faithfully recreates this iconic wagon in OO scale, featuring finely engraved plank detailing, accurately rendered sliding doors, roof ventilators and a highly detailed underframe. Representing British Railways Era 5 (1956–1966), it is ideal for authentic steam-era goods trains and mixed freight formations.

Historical Background

The 12-ton ventilated fruit van originated with the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) and was designed specifically for the transport of perishable goods requiring continuous airflow, particularly fruit traffic. These vans featured ventilated ends and roof fittings that helped maintain freshness during transit while still protecting cargo from weather conditions. After the formation of British Railways in 1948, large numbers of LNER-built vans were absorbed into the national fleet and repainted into BR bauxite with the later crest. They continued to operate widely throughout the 1950s and into the early 1960s, forming an important part of express goods and perishables services across the UK railway network.

Today, the LNER 12T Ventilated Fruit Van is highly regarded among railway modellers and collectors for its historical importance and distinctive pre-grouping design, making it a key addition to any OO gauge steam-era freight collection.