Contact adhesive (also known as contact cement) is an all-purpose adhesive that's popular amongst modellers thanks to...
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What is a contact adhesive?Read more -
On a layout, where should I position my signal box in relation to a signals gantry?Read moreThe position of the signal box in relation to a signals gantry can vary depending on the specific layout design and...
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Is OO easier than N gauge for a beginner?Read moreOO is definitely easier for handling especially for those of us with larger hands and fingers, but otherwise there is...
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How can I make a realistic surface for my diorama?Read moreThere are a number of ways to create a suitable surface for a diorama. Where a large surface area is to be created...
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Were brake vans always positioned at the rear of a rake?Read moreBrake vans, also known as guards' vans or brake coaches, were typically positioned at the rear of a rake of wagons or...
What is the purpose of a brake van?
Brake vans (originally called break vans) were first employed on early industrial tramways and cableways to provide braking should coupling fail. They were needed because early wagons didn't have brakes of their own. These types of wagons are known as un-fitted wagons.
As the railways developed through the 19th century, many practices from the early tramways were inherited, including the use of brake vans.
Brake vans started to appear with enclosed cabins for the guard and creature comforts such as a seat, fireplace and stove were installed. Brake vans also carried a variety of tools to assist the guard with coupling, breakdowns and emergencies. As trains got longer and heavier, brake vans were also used to help with regular service braking as well as runaway situations.
The use of brake vans on un-fitted and part-fitted trains remained commonplace until the mass introduction of fitted wagons during the 1960s and '70s and even longer in some circumstances.
Posted in: Rolling stock
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