Written By: Tom Schache
Photo By: Ian Green and Macauley Haywood
Page Last Updated: 9/7/20
In 1974, as part of a program of building a new type of bogie hopper wagons with interchangeable lids and discharge doors to suit the traffic required, 10 wagons were constructed as JQXs, fitted with open tops and numbered 401 – 410.
The wagons were either stored or pressed into briquettes traffic, until 1975, when the VR began running a dedicated train from the Kilmore East Quarry to Westall, known as the ‘Apex’.
In 1977, a further 10 wagons were built at Ballarat as JQX, but recoded to JQF before they entered service. The original 10 were also recoded at this time. This was to reflect that the JQFs did not run on the SG. The wagons typically operated in a rake of 18 with a guards van on either end to simplify shunting.
The wagons were either stored or pressed into briquettes traffic, until 1975, when the VR began running a dedicated train from the Kilmore East Quarry to Westall, known as the ‘Apex’.
In 1977, a further 10 wagons were built at Ballarat as JQX, but recoded to JQF before they entered service. The original 10 were also recoded at this time. This was to reflect that the JQFs did not run on the SG. The wagons typically operated in a rake of 18 with a guards van on either end to simplify shunting.
G522 with the VHQFs on the Apex at Tottenham. (31/1/14)
Photo By: Ian Green |
N452 coupled to VHQF 419-A at Jacana. (30/3/15)
Photo By: Ian Green |
In the 1979 ROA recode, the wagons were recoded as VHQY. In the early 1980s, as a response to the build up of rock on the ends of the wagons, sheet metal was added to the ends, giving them a distinct appearance.
In 1982, 3 more wagons entered service, numbered 421 – 423, converted from JBF / VHBYs 32, 33 and 34 respectively, which were briquette wagons of the same design.
In 1986 a further 2 VHBYs were converted to VHQYs. VHBYs 30 and 1 were converted to VHQYs 424 and 425 respectively.
In 1987 the class was recoded to VHQF, as it was realised that the ‘Y’ was incorrectly used. This change occurred in many other Victorian wagon classes. This new code reflected that the wagons could not travel at speeds of more than 80km/h.
Between 1989 and 1994, a further 25 wagons were converted from various other types. These were numbered 201 – 225, converted from the VHCX, VHDX and VHRX hoppers. This resulted in a total of 50 wagons in service, so that two separate rakes could be run
In 1982, 3 more wagons entered service, numbered 421 – 423, converted from JBF / VHBYs 32, 33 and 34 respectively, which were briquette wagons of the same design.
In 1986 a further 2 VHBYs were converted to VHQYs. VHBYs 30 and 1 were converted to VHQYs 424 and 425 respectively.
In 1987 the class was recoded to VHQF, as it was realised that the ‘Y’ was incorrectly used. This change occurred in many other Victorian wagon classes. This new code reflected that the wagons could not travel at speeds of more than 80km/h.
Between 1989 and 1994, a further 25 wagons were converted from various other types. These were numbered 201 – 225, converted from the VHCX, VHDX and VHRX hoppers. This resulted in a total of 50 wagons in service, so that two separate rakes could be run
VHQFs 407-U, 411-U and 419-A stored in North Geelong Yard, the final three to still exist. These wagons have since been scrapped.
Photo By: Macauley Haywood
Photo By: Macauley Haywood
The wagons remained in service until the end of 2015, when Pacific National lost the Apex contract, and QUBE Logistics took over, who ran the train using PHAY hoppers. They were progressively scrapped throughout 2019, and the last 3 remaining wagons stored in North Geelong Yard, VHQFs 407-U, 411-U and 419-A, have now been scrapped too. Interestingly the last wagons to survive were part of the original 20.
All information sourced from Peter J Vincent and Mark Bau