Bachmann's newly tooled range of OO Gauge BR 12 Ton 'Palvan' Pallet Vans have now arrived into stock!
We have six different variations of these eye-catching vans available in both BR bauxite and Johnnie Walker Whisky green liveries. There is also one weathered BR variation available to order too!
The new Bachmann Branchline tooling allows a range of ‘Palvan’ models to be produced, depicting the various differences incorporated into the different build lots and during their service lives, for example this ‘Palvan’ is fitted with Morton Brakes and the associated tie-bar, oil axleboxes and spindle buffers. With a high level of detail across the model, separately-fitted parts include the door hold open brackets, handrails and chalk boards on each side and end. The bufferbeams sport separate lamp brackets, vacuum pipe brackets and coupling hooks, and the chassis features a full complement of brake gear. Standard tension lock couplings are fitted via NEM pockets whilst optional accessories include the vacuum brake pipe and Instanter couplings.
In Stock Now
Product Features
Highly detailed models with separately fitted parts
Accurate tooling variations - including alternate brake, axlebox and buffer types
Accessory pack with optional extras including vacuum pipes and instanter couplings
NEM tension lock couplings
Prototype Information
The 12 Ton Pallet Vans were constructed by British Rail between the mid-1950s and early-1960s and were characterised by their 8 foot 6 inch wide doors that would allow pallets to be loaded more easily than the 5 foot wide doors that were standard on previous vans. Almost 2,400 wagons were constructed, although many were withdrawn during the first decade of use due to their running gears being unevenly worn. This was caused by the wagons being loaded in an unbalanced manner, possibly because the asymmetrical positioning of the doors could lead to the wagons being loaded only at one end. Despite these issues, many of the Palvans survived into the 1980s and several were sold into private ownership with companies such as Johnnie Walker who produced whisky in Scotland. Today, the vans are common sights at preserved railways and heritage sights where they are instantly recognisable, distinguished by their external framework and large, offset doors.