Rapido Trains UK announce the LNWR Dia.17B Brake Van, known as the ‘Crystal Palace’ Brake in OO Gauge

Contributed by: Graham Muspratt

24 Apr 2025 00:00am

Rapido Trains UK announce the LNWR Dia.17B Brake Van, known as the ‘Crystal Palace’ Brake in OO Gauge.

First introduced in 1917 by the London and North Western Railway, the Dia.17B brake Van design was conceived as a general-purpose 20-ton brake. A total of 539 vans were built to this diagram, each carrying the number of their condemned predecessor.
Fitted with a doored veranda that had 3 large end windows, the guards were relatively safe and sheltered from all weather. Another 3 large windows were fitted at the opposite end. The centre window on either end could be opened so that the guard could reach the lamp brackets without leaving the comfort of their van.
Adding to the guard's visibility were the ogees (Duckets), that were fitted to either side. This was rounded off with 2 small windows across the top panels of either of the van's sides. With windows on all sides, the Dia.17B justifiably earned the witty nickname ‘Crystal Palace’.

Each model will have a multitude of separately fitted parts, including highly detailed brake gear, running boards, rails, ogees, lamp irons, and a chimney.
Variants representing the vans in their early life are fitted with windows on the veranda ends and have veranda side doors. Whereas later and privately owned examples are open-ended and have the doors replaced with an iron bar.
The van's interior contains a guard’s desk, stove, and pigeonholes. All versions are fitted with metal bearings, NEM Pockets, and either disc or spoked wheels. Finally, there is a selection of lamps in the polybag.


Fourteen different versions are being produced of the LNWR Dia.17B Brake Van per the image above, and can be pre ordered here>>>


Subject to alteration.

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