12t Ventilated Fruit Van LNER Bauxite 222828

12t Ventilated Fruit Van LNER Bauxite 222828

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 LNER Bauxite livery (38-387A)
• Accurate representation of LNER-designed fruit van used for perishable goods transport across the network
• Highly detailed wooden-bodied construction with fine plank engraving, ventilated ends and sliding doors
• NEM coupling pockets and fine-scale wheelsets for smooth running and reliable OO gauge performance
• This model is best suited to 381mm radius curves
• This model is fitted with NEM style couplings

Details

Bring authentic British railway freight history to your OO gauge layout with the Bachmann LNER 12T Ventilated Fruit Van in LNER Bauxite (38-387A), a finely detailed model representing one of the most important pre-grouping freight designs to survive into the British Railways era. Finished in pristine LNER bauxite with accurate lettering, this wagon captures the classic appearance of London and North Eastern Railway rolling stock during the final years before nationalisation in 1948.

Originally developed by the LNER for the transport of perishable goods such as fruit, this 12-ton ventilated van featured louvred ends and roof ventilators designed to promote airflow while keeping cargo protected from weather conditions. Its distinctive wooden-bodied construction and practical design made it a vital part of express goods and perishables traffic across the LNER network, and many examples continued in service well into the early British Railways period.

The Bachmann Branchline model accurately reproduces this iconic wagon in OO scale, featuring finely engraved planking, separately applied details, realistic sliding doors and a highly detailed underframe. Representing British Railways Era 3, it is ideal for pre-grouping and early steam-era freight formations, adding authentic historical variety to any model railway.

Historical Background

The LNER 12-ton ventilated fruit van was designed for the safe transport of perishable goods, particularly fruit, requiring constant airflow during transit. Built with ventilated ends and roof fittings, the design helped preserve freshness while protecting cargo from external weather conditions. These vans became a common sight across the London and North Eastern Railway network in the 1930s and 1940s, forming an essential part of express goods services. Following the formation of British Railways in 1948, many examples were absorbed into national service, continuing to operate in LNER bauxite livery during the early post-war years. Today, this wagon remains a highly popular subject for railway modellers and collectors due to its distinctive design and important role in British freight history, making it a key addition to any OO gauge steam-era freight collection.