VEA vanwide van Profile and Models
230038 at Duddeston in March 1983. ©Steve Jones
British Rail built a large number of Vanwide wagons in response to high demand from various customers. They featured plywood sides with flush doors that slid to alleviate the problem of confined locations. The door opening method made a door aperture of 9ft possible which aided the loading of pallets by forklift truck. It was this wide opening that gave rise to their nickname. From 1977, 550 Vanwides were converted to VEA vans - they were refurbished and fitted with airbrakes to suit customers who could not handle the longer wheelbase of modern wagon designs. They were used on Speedlink trains as well as military specials. A decline in requirement led to most of these wagons being withdrawn in the Early 1990s. Some survived a little longer for internal use at Army bases and a number have also been preserved. (Information provided by Dapol) |
|
Type of Vehicle |
4-wheel Covered Van |
Builder |
BR Wolverton Works BR Derby Works |
Build Dates |
1961 to 1962 (550 converted to VEAs from 1977) |
Total Built |
Around 2000 |
Wheel Configuration |
4 Wheels |
Operated By |
British Rail |
Main Duties |
Palletised freight & Munitions |
In Service Until |
Early 1990s |
Surviving Examples |
Several in Preservation |
Products awaiting categorisation
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Parkside Models | Requires assembly | Not set |
PC41 View |
12-ton BR 'Vanwide' van - Dia 1/217 - plastic kit | Awaiting Categorisation | |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Parkside Models | Not set | Not set |
PC76 View |
12-ton BR VEA 'Vanwide' van - plastic kit | Awaiting Categorisation | |
N Gauge | Peco Products | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
NR-2008XM View |
12-ton box van 'Vanfit' in "Santa's Workshop Christmas 2023" red and green | Awaiting Categorisation | |
N Gauge | Peco Products | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
NR-42R View |
VEA box van in BR Railfreight red stripe livery 230307 | Railfreight grey (inc. Red Stripe) | |
N Gauge | Peco Products | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
NR-P909 View |
VEA Van Silcox | Private Owner | |
O Gauge (1:43 Scale) | M&M Models | Requires assembly | Not set |
MM12Vanwide View |
BR 12T Vanwide Wagon Kit | Awaiting Categorisation | |
O Gauge (1:43 Scale) | SkyTrex | Not set | Not set |
SMR48 View |
Standard 12 Ton Vent Van Wide | Unpainted |