Brawa 50698 H0 Bulk Car Fads 176, DB, Era IV

Brawa 50698 H0 Bulk Car Fads 176, DB, Era IV – Self-unloading car for heavy block train service

Are you looking for an authentic car for realistic bulk freight transport from the 1970s and 1980s? The Brawa 50698 Fads 176 bulk car from the Deutsche Bundesbahn is a typical example of large-capacity self-unloading cars—perfect for transporting coal, coke, or ore in heavy freight train service.

Detailed model for use in block trains

The car measures 137 mm over buffers and is equipped with close-coupling kinematics. The multi-part braking system with brake shoes at wheel level, fine printing and paint finish, and separately attached signal brackets make this model a real eye-catcher in any freight car collection. Road number: 31 80 696 0 556-2.

The Prototype – The Fads 176 in Ore and Coal Transport

Starting in 1969, the DB procured large quantities of open self-unloading cars, including the Fads 176, which complied with UIC standards. These cars were designed for bulk cargoes that were not sensitive to moisture and were used in massive block trains—primarily in ore and coal transport. Bogies of types 664, 664.1, and later Y25 provided the necessary load-bearing capacity. A classic example was their use in ore block trains from the port of Emden to the Ruhr region, where trains weighing up to 4,000 metric tons were hauled by two BR 044/043 steam locomotives.

A must-have for freight trains with an industrial character

The Fads 176 was used almost exclusively in block trains and defined the landscape of bulk cargo logistics in Era IV. When arranged in a series, they create an authentic ore or coal train—perfect for longer layouts or realistic operational dioramas.

Pairs perfectly with Class 044, 151, or 140 locomotives

This car is ideal for train formations with classic freight locomotives such as Class 043/044 (steam), BR 140/150, or BR 151. When combined with Fads 175 or 177, it also creates a realistic depiction of the transportation logistics of that era.

Heavy-duty freight transport authentically depicted

With the Brawa 50698 Fads 176, you’ll add a robust and technically precise model to your layout—ideal for anyone who values realistic freight transport with a focus on bulk cargo.

Features:

• Gauge: H0
• Era: IV
• Railroad: DB
• Length over buffers: 137 mm
• Road number: 31 80 696 0 556-2
• Close-coupling mechanism compliant with NEM standards
• Multi-unit braking system with brake shoes at wheel level
• Fine printing and paint finish
• Separately applied signal holders

Specs:

• Type: Bulk goods wagon
• Gauge: H0
• Rail Company: DB
• Rail Company: DB
• Era: IV
• Type: Bulk goods wagon
• Era: IV
• Color: Brown
• News: 2026

Further links:

• Print View

CAUTION: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Danger of swallowing! Age recommendation from 14 years.

Achtung! Maßstabs- und originalgetreue Kleinmodelle sowie Elektrozubehör für erwachsene Sammler. Nicht geeignet für Kinder unter 14 Jahren

Zum Betrieb des vorliegenden Produkts darf als Spannungsquelle nur ein nach VDE 0570-2-7/DIN EN 61558-2-7 gefertigter Spielzeug-Transformator verwendet werden.