The new Dapol SR / BR Pillbox brake vans are now available. The is the new improved version with the option of even or un-even planking. All liveries are currently available for immediate despatch.

The SR 25 ton ‘Pillbox’ brake van was constructed around the mid 1930s and was an advance on an earlier shorter wheelbase van, being heavier with a better ride and a more effective hand braking system Brake vans and their associated guards were a common sight at the rear of goods trains and ensured that the hand brake was applied at the appropriate time (most wagons did not have vacuum braking or through brake lines controlled from the locomotive), for maintaining oil lamp based signals to the driver of the train, to station personnel and signalmen and to ensure the train was operating correctly and safely from his vantage point (via especially constructed side duckets) at the rear of the train. This type of brake van operated until the 1950s and several examples survive into preservation.

The Dapol O gauge model of the SR 25 ton Pillbox brake van features:

Extremely detailed and accurate moulded body and chassis.
3 link metal coupling chain and sprung coupling hook.
Many separately added fine details.
Metal sprung buffers.
Finely profiled metal wheels and axles with brass bearing pockets.
Viewing duckets accurately modelled.
Finely printed livery and detailing.