The Class 73 locomotive is fascinating. These electro-diesel engines, first introduced by British Rail in the 1960s,...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
What are Class 73 engines?Read more -
What is a sector plate?Read moreA sector plate is a specialised type of turntable commonly used in railway modelling, to allow trains or rolling...
-
What can I do with a syringe to help my modelling?Read moreA syringe can be an incredibly useful and versatile tool that goes beyond its traditional medical use. One of its...
-
What is a Black 5 locomotive?Read moreThe Black 5 locomotive, officially known as the LMS Class 5MT, is one of the most iconic steam engines in British...
-
What is the purpose of ballast?Read moreBallast is an essential component in railway construction, serving several crucial functions in maintaining the...
Our shop is open and our phone line has been fixed.
We will be delighted to see you in the shop and talk to you over the phone!
How many brake vans should a goods train have?
The number of brake vans that were marshalled into a goods train varied depending on the type of rolling stock used, the era in which it operated and any operating requirements specific to a particular journey.
The majority of trains featured just a single brake van placed at the rear end to assist with braking, keeping couplings taut during start-up and to catch any runaways should a coupling break. However, on occasions, trains could be seen with more than one brake van attached. The main reasons for this included when a train was to be split along its route, when a train needed to change direction mid-route, when a train required extra braking power and when other brake vans needed to be relocated by piggybacking on a freight heading in a convenient direction.
Brake vans started to disappear from freight trains when 'fitted' wagons became numerous. In 1968, the requirement for fully-fitted freights to include a brake van came to an end. Such trains still required a guard, however, they were permitted to travel in the rear cab of the locomotive in the absence of any other accommodation.
The use of brake vans continued to become rarer as un-fitted wagons became withdrawn. By the late 1970s, only a few specific trains still required a brake van. Examples included any remaining unfitted or part-fitted trains, some dangerous chemicals trains, trains with an unusual cargo and some engineering trains. In 2021, the requirement to use brake vans in Great Britain was officially revoked when the rules were formally updated.
Posted in: Rolling stock
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Brake Van (Dapol - Kitmaster)
Price: £ 10.20Plastic kit of a Brake Van by Dapol. This kit will construct a detailed brake...
SECR/SR Dancehall Brake Van
Price: £ 21.30SECR "Dance Hall" Brake Van Kit (D1560) - includes parts for ballast brake...
Related posts
-
How to weight my model so it does not tip?For wargaming figures, a small coin or washer glued to the under side of the base will usually to do the job. This... - Is Bachmann compatible with Hornby?Yes, any OO scale loco, wagon or coach will work on any OO scale track, regardless of brand. Couplings are also...
- What are tension lock couplings?Tension lock couplings are the standard couplings for model trains in the UK. These are the ones we all know from...
- How do I test the width between the wheels of my engines?The best way to check the wheels of your locomotives is to use a tool called a back to back gauge. They are...
- How do I clean the wheels of my engine?One easy way is to get yourself a Peco cleaning kit containing a wire brush, wheel scraper, foam cradle and oil. The...