In the late 1960s British Railways required air braked stock to operate its new Air-Braked Network services – which would later be known as Speedlink -  and the Cov AB (Covered, Air Braked) van provided the answer, becoming BR’s first general purpose air braked van. Introduced from 1969, the Cov ABs had a modern appearance in comparison to the wooden box vans in widespread use at the time and the side of the van was constructed from a pair of doors, providing large openings for loading/unloading. When the Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) was introduced in the 1970s the vans were given the TOPS code VAB, VAA, VBA or VBB. Used to transport general merchandise, the vans were often marshalled into mixed goods trains as opposed to being operated as uniform rakes and could carry all manner of general merchandise. By the 1980s their traffic was reducing and so commenced their withdrawal although a small number remained in service towards the end of the century, coming under private ownership following Privatisation.

The Bachmann Branchline model employs a highly detailed bodyshell which boasts precision moulded panel lines, door handles and mechanisms, and fine rivet detailing. At either end a separate lamp iron is present, along with metal buffers and a cosmetic coupling hook. The solebar includes prototypical ribbing along with the door runners, whilst the wagon’s suspension and brake gear is added using separate components. The metal wheelsets are mounted on a pivoting frame, allowing this long wheelbase wagon to traverse tight curves with ease whilst NEM coupling pockets are also incorporated. Authentic colours and typefaces are employed during the livery application process, completing this high-fidelity model.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Bachmann Branchline OO Scale
• Era 7
• Pristine BR Freight Brown (Railfreight) livery
• Running No. 200043
• NEM Coupling Pockets
• Length 156mm (over couplings)