Fruit D GWR Shirtbutton 2881

Fruit D wagons were large ventilated wooden bodied vans designed for the fast and efficient transportation of fruit.

They were first constructed in the 1930’s for use by GWR and later in the 1950’s by BR. The vans themselves had three large double side doors for fast unloading and loading and were usually seen as part of passenger or fast goods trains.

Out of season these vans were used as parcel or luggage vans. As road transport took over as the principal way of transporting fruit, fruit D vans were converted and used as permanent parcels or stores vans and remained in service in this way into the 1980’s.

The Dapol model of the fruit D van features:

• Highly detailed body moulding
• Profiled wheels
• NEM pockets with self centring couplings
• Accurately applied livery