Rapido Trains UK announce the BR Dia.1/801 Fish Van in 00 Gauge.

Contributed by: Graham Muspratt

19 Apr 2024 00:00am

Rapido Trains UK have announced the BR Dia.1/801 Fish Van in 00 Gauge.

The final diagram of fish van built by British Railways was the 1/801 diagram. Like the 1/800 this featured a 15ft wheelbase and 21’8” body. Roller bearings were used from new and allowed the wagons to travel at speeds of 60mph. As they were roller-bearing fitted, they gained the ‘Blue Spot’ designation on the bodysides. They also had the BR clasp brake system. Three batches of vans were built between 1960 and 1961 with a total of 558 vans being produced.
With the decline in fish traffic services ceased in 1968. Many vans were transferred to Parcels Traffic (coded NRV and later SPV under TOPS) and sported BR rail blue livery with ‘double arrow’ logo. Other vans found use in Engineers use, barrier vehicle use and even as support vehicles for breakdown cranes carrying a number of different liveries. This resulted in vans being seen all across the network.
The models will feature metal wheel bearings, many separately fitted parts including steps on the engineers versions, and two different types of buffers as seen on the prototypes. Separate label boards will also be provided for modellers to fit as required.

Sixteen versions are being produced as per the image above, due during 2025, and can be pre ordered here>>>

Subject to alteration.

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