Rapido Trains OO 918008 BR W114764 Ex-GWR Diagram AA20 Toad Brake Van BR Grey Yeovil Pen Mill RU
A new model of the GWR diagram AA20 goods train brake van, coded Toad, which was introduced in 1934.
This Rapido Trains model has been designed using works drawings and incorporates a number of different optional fittings to replicate variations between individual vehicles including different roof rain strips, different height footboards and different wheelsets. The model includes a full interior alongside a removable roof.
The requirement for brakevans on fully-fitted trains ended in 1968 but that didn’t mean the end of the ‘Toads’. Many were adopted by the engineering departments who found the plate-sided verandah ideal for transporting tools, while the cabin made an ideal mess van. A large number of GWR ‘Toads’ including several AA20s have been preserved.