373-601E Graham Farish BR VGA Van BR Railfreight Red & Grey

New release - pre-orders invited - expected Jun/Jul 2025. preauthkernow

The VGA vans were built by British Rail between 1982 and 1983 for use on Speedlink services. Not only were they longer than the VAA-VDA air-braked vans that went before them, they also had taller openings as the sides, which were formed from a pair of sliding doors, extended above the roof line leaving just a narrow fixed roof section along the centre line of the van. Entering traffic on Speedlink services and finished in bare aluminium with red ends, the introduction of the new Railfreight identity in 1987 saw a number of VGAs gain yellow ends and Railfreight Distribution branding. Unlike many of their predecessors, the VGAs continued to find use after Speedlink services ceased in 1993 and soon many were formed into block trains carrying all manner of merchandise from explosives for the Ministry of Defence to petfood from Scotland. EWS became the main operator of the vans following Privatisation and a good number remain in service today.

The Graham Farish model is constructed using a highly detailed, injection moulded bodyshell which accurately captures the profile of these utilitarian vehicles. The ribs along each side and the distinctive end details are precisely replicated, whilst the wagon’s deep solebars and FAT7 suspension completes the look and provides a sturdy chassis on which our van can run. At either end metal buffers are employed along with separate metal handrails at each corner, and blackened metal wheelsets guarantee free-running straight from the box. Authentic colours and typefaces are employed during the livery application process, with sophisticated printing techniques used to allow even the smallest of logos and lettering to be replicated whilst remaining legible resulting in a model that will look at home in any modern image collection.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Graham Farish N Scale
• Era 8
• Pristine BR Railfreight Red & Grey (Speedlink) livery
• Running No. 210538
• Accessory Pack
• Length 100mm (over couplings)