Reviewed by Mike Roberts

For many years now, modellers in the smaller scales have enjoyed a large selection of ready to run products. This has not always been beneficial but has enabled many in our hobby to achieve results which, years earlier, they could scarcely have dreamt of. Until recently the 7mm scale modeller has been less well served by ready to run manufacturers, especially at the important budget, entry level, end of the hobby. Dapol have entered the market producing a number of wagons the latest of which is the SR Brake Van forming the subject of this review.

I would not claim to be an authority on SR Brake Vans but I have read comments left by others on line, found many photos on the web and most importantly canvased the opinion of a fairly large number (around 35) of 7mm scale club members in the area in which I live. Dapol have produced a number of versions. The review example supplied was the Southern Railway version with even planking and sandboxes, finished in brown with red ends and large SR lettering on the sides of the cabin.

The plastic mouldings are crisp. The moulded in livery seems accurate except with regard to the roof the white colour of which is bounded inaccurately by the moulding lines. The overall impression of the van is too pristine and perfect. Weathering is called for.

The principle dimensions of the van seem to be accurate. It looks right. It is a bit light in weight. Buffer heads are metallic and sprung. Couplings are 3-link. The buffer springs are too soft. Coupling springs are also on the soft side and the coupling anchorages could be more substantial. None of this need bother those with small layouts and short trains but might be a concern to those able to run larger trains especially those using heavier rolling stock. The axle boxes float freely in the w-irons and the result of this is an element of un-sprung compensation. This worked on my small Peco tracked layout but I accept might not work for everybody. The buffer stocks are inaccurate but adequate.

One point which irritated your reviewer was that the sandboxes in front elevation are rectangular and lack the characteristic hopper cut out at the base. There has been some online discussion concerning rivet detail. A photo I have here appears to indicate that solebar rivet detail might not be wholly accurate but this is hardly noticeable. It is worth recording that these vans were modified in several ways during their lives leaving an open field for various additions to detail. Vacuum and/or air pipes for instance. The works plate is only painted on (neatly) and is not in moulded relief. For those who want to count them you will find the van is short of a couple of leaves to the axlebox springs. So the fine detail is not perfect.

In summary however, I would try and hold on to my review example! All of the modellers I have showed the van to were untroubled by the questions raised concerning fine detail and generally impressed by the product. If you are an experienced modeller able to produce your own specific version, the Dapol product might not be for you. Alternatively, if you are less experienced or less confident about building your own example, or if wagon building is not your thing and you want a Southern Railway Brake Van, you should seriously consider buying the Dapol product.