Announcing our next model – The Great Western Railway Cattle Van

We are pleased to report that we are producing a series of fine-scale RTR, injection-moulded 0 gauge models of the Great Western Railway (GWR) Cattle Van to Dia.W8  in 7mm scale (1:43.5, for 32mm standard gauge). It follows Minerva’s successful GWR MINKS, Gunpowder vans and Opens

The movement of cattle around the UK, from farm to market and between farms was an important source of revenue for all railways companies and continued under British Railways until the late 1960s. Companies developed their own designs of vans especially for this traffic and the Great Western Railway built thousands over the years. The W8 was the first GW design with the higher arc roof (earlier vans had a much lower, flatter roof) and this design was perpetuated with small changes for many subsequent diagrams for the rest of the company’s existence. Many survived into the early British Railways period, and some were used and lettered as Ale Vans, to carry beer casks as demand for livestock movement declined in the late 1930s.

Minerva’s model will offer both the early and late types of central doors, and be fitted with DC3 brakes, including vacuum gear. The roof will be removable, and the partition will also be adjustable, for Small, Medium and Large hires. (Farmers only paid for what they needed, no more!!!)_

It will be available in four liveries:  1903 Great Western, 1923 GW and British Railways fitted bauxite. A separate livery for the Ale vans will also be offered.   Different numbers for each livery will be available.

The models will feature a plastic injection-moulded body and chassis, metal-tyred wheels on shouldered axles fitted in compensated axle-boxes, sprung buffers and hook draw-gear with three-link couplings. A removable steel ballast weight will be fitted to the underside of the floor to ensure good running.

All versions are expected to retail at around £72.00 each plus carriage. Orders for 5 or more will receive a £7.00 discount on each model. Carriage is per order. Models are expected to be available in early 2026.  Advance orders will be taken

The models will only be available direct from Minerva Models via mail and telephone order, the Minerva website and from the Minerva Models’ stand at selected model railway shows.

Further information is available from the Minerva Models website www.minervamodelrailways.co.uk and you can follow us on Facebook. You can also contact us via  e-mail to sales@minervamodelrailways.co.uk or telephone  02920 531246