Apex Quarry

Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Ian Green, Simon Barber, Thomas McIntosh, Alex Thorn, Joshua Watson and Chris Nuthall

Page Last Updated: 25/6/20

The Hanson quarry train, commonly known as “The Apex” originated in 1976 when a major quarry opened north of Kilmore East. The quarry was originally operated by a company names APEX which is how the train got its nickname. Today, the quarry is operated by Hanson. In the trains early years, quarry products were transported from Kilmore East to Westall, Brooklyn and North Shore. The North Shore Boral asphalt plant closed in 2009 and with it, its rail service ceased. Trains continue to service the Westall and Brooklyn facilities. In the early years, JQX, later JQF wagons were the hopper type used on the service. They were again reclassified VHQF wagons as modifications were made. It normally ran as an 18 wagon train with a guards van at each end. Vans stopped appearing in the mid 1980’s. During VR days B, S and T class were the most common motive power with G class later appearing when V/line entered the rail scene.

X50-T358 on the up Apex Quarry train at Jacana. (29/12/88)
Photo By: Simon Barber

A62-T363 with #9318 near Sunshine. (11/03)
Photo By: Ian Green

In 1999, Freight Victoria took over operation of The Apex from V/line Freight. Pacific National in turn took over operations in 2004. During this period, G class were still the most popular locomotive for this service. When a G wasn’t available X, A, P or XR class locomotives would substitute. Qube Logistics commenced its operation of the train in January 2016 taking over from PN. This meant the end of service for the VHQF wagons, being replaced with PHAY wagons formerly used on South Australian ore traffic. Twice daily loadings at the Kilmore East quarry continue today on weekdays servicing Westall generally in the morning and Brooklyn in the afternoon or evening. Qube use their own or hired CFCLA G class locomotives on the service. Other locomotives may be substituted when a G is not available.

A map showing the typical route across Melbourne.

The QUBE Apex Operates as the following:
Westall-Kilmore East #9343
Kilmore East-Westall #9344
Kilmore East-Brooklyn #9342
Brooklyn-Kilmore East #9341