GWR Break Vans (TOADS)

These vehicles, in several guises, were built from 1888 to 1912. Many hundreds were built and inevitably there were plenty of variations and alterations during their lifetime.

A major alteration that took place around 1918, concerned replacing the lower planking and incorporating steel sheeting – a not inconsiderable task – quite why this was done is not clear.

To complicate matters the sheeting was applied to just the sides, just the cabin end or both. In addition the veranda end was modified from conventional planks to an all metal construction.

The cabin windows were also altered several times and there were several versions of handrails. These kits will produce the four wheeled AA3 or the six wheeled AA1 in all their known variations.

AA1 with planked sides and veranda (flat bar diagonal), straight sand pipes, type 1 handrails and low kickboards – built by Ivan Smith.

 

AA1 planked veranda end

 

AA1 with planked cabin end and two pane non-opening windows

 

AA3 with metal sheeted sides and planked veranda (L girder diagonal), curved sand pipes, type 2 handrails and low kickboards – built by Peter Squibb.

 

AA3 planked veranda end.

 

AA3 with metal sheeted cabin end and single pane opening windows (in the high position).