Detailed BR Brake Van Side Lamps (kit L17) - WITH CRYSTALS - OO Gauge (Pack of 6)

Detailed BR Side Lamps kit for use on Brake Vans - WITH CRYSTALS
Pack of 6 lamps and 6 lamp brackets - OO Gauge
Supplied with 12 crystals, (6 x white and 6 x red) that can be glued into the front and back of each lamp.

Our Lamps and Crystal Fitting Guide can be downloaded from our Website.

These lamps are supplied unpainted and should be painted white before fitting the crystals (please see information below about side lamp use).

BR mostly painted side lamps white, however for a while the Midland Region continued with the LMS practice of painting lamps black.

Each lamp has slots underneath that may allow fitting onto a lamp bracket of your models.

The six lamp brackets provided in the kit are intended for fitting on the side pillars of brake vans for use with these side lamps.

The tail lamps shown in the pictures are not included, however these are available separately, Product Code: 4WH0800801

Link: https://westhillwagonworks.com/locomotive-parts/40-detailed-br-oil-type-tail-lamps-kit-with-crystals-oo-gauge-pack-of-6.html

NOTE:- the crystals are very small and must be handled very carefully. Tweezers may be needed to position the crystals into the lamps.  A very small spot of superglue type adhesive may be used to secure each crystal. When using superglue type adhesive please always follow the manufacturers instructions.

Information about of the use of Side Lamps by British Rail

BR Brake vans carried a tail lamp and two side lamps, the side lamps showing white lights to the front and rear, but having red removable slide shades so that they were able to show red lights to the rear.  

Side lamps had a slot/bracket fitting on both sides so that they were a standard design that could go on either side of the van, and be reversed if necessary.

At night, during fog or falling snow, or in tunnels, the brake van displayed 3 red lights to the rear and a white light on each side facing forward.  This was so that loco crew could look out either side of the loco and affirm that the whole train was following the loco in good order.  

If the train was routed into a loop or refuge siding, or was on a reception or departure road adjacent to a running line, the red removable slide shade was removed from the side lamp on that side of the van, so that the display was of 2 red lights and a white, in a V shape with the white light closest to the main running line. 

If the guard wanted to attract the traincrew's attention to a problem, this could be done by reversing the side lamps to show a red light forward; signalmen and others would also be able to spot this and you wouldn't go far before the train was stopped.

If a train was being propelled with the brake van leading in the right direction along a running line, the two side lamps showed a white light 'forward' in the direction of travel, and the tail lamp was removed.  

Kit Number L17