BR standard 20 ton brake van Profile and Models

British Rail inherited a large number of brake vans from the Big Four operators upon nationalisation. They began a large construction programme of new vans based on Big Four designs, with the LNER design becoming the main one used from 1950 onwards. They featured a 16ft long body with short verandahs at each end, mounted to a 16ft wheelbase chassis. These vans formed an integral part of the British freight scene but fell out of use towards the end of the 20th century as continuous brake-fitted wagons became the norm and operational procedures were improved.

Type of Vehicle

Builder

Build Dates

Total Built

Wheel Configuration

Operated By

Main Duties

In Service Until

Surviving Examples