Written By: Tom Schache
Photos By: Tom Schache
Page Last Updated: 9/7/20
In 1989, V/Line built an articulated container wagon with 3 platforms and 4 bogies, numbered VQAW 2. It was fitted with Roadmaster bogies. This wagon was Victoria’s first articulated container wagon, and the only type that would be constructed.
VQAW 1 entered service in 1990, fitted with Gloucester DEA bogies. VQAW 3 also entered service in 1990, fitted with Roadmaster bogies. VQAW 4 was also built in 1990. A wagon with a centre well, VQAW 5 was built in July 1990 but recoded to VQWW before entering service.
The wagons were banned from running in NSW as a result of a derailment at Homebush in 1990.
In 1992 more wagons were built, until the number group was 1 – 23. However VQAW had its bogies removed in 1993 and was stored at Ingliston Workshops in 1994, leaving the numbers at 1, 2, 4 – 23.
The cost of each wagon was approximately $350,000
At the formation of National Rail, the wagons were recoded to RQUY for use by NRC. These were later returned to Victoria after National Rail had its own wagons built.
The sole VQWW 1 was coded RQVY for use by NRC, but was stored in Alice Springs by 2001.
In the modern era, the wagons can still be seen on Pacific National’s broad gauge container services. Consolidated Rail Leasing, owned by SSR, also owns two of this type, BQEW 2401-X and 2402-R, which have seen work leased to El Zorro, QUBE and more recently on Metro Works trains.
VQAW 1 entered service in 1990, fitted with Gloucester DEA bogies. VQAW 3 also entered service in 1990, fitted with Roadmaster bogies. VQAW 4 was also built in 1990. A wagon with a centre well, VQAW 5 was built in July 1990 but recoded to VQWW before entering service.
The wagons were banned from running in NSW as a result of a derailment at Homebush in 1990.
In 1992 more wagons were built, until the number group was 1 – 23. However VQAW had its bogies removed in 1993 and was stored at Ingliston Workshops in 1994, leaving the numbers at 1, 2, 4 – 23.
The cost of each wagon was approximately $350,000
At the formation of National Rail, the wagons were recoded to RQUY for use by NRC. These were later returned to Victoria after National Rail had its own wagons built.
The sole VQWW 1 was coded RQVY for use by NRC, but was stored in Alice Springs by 2001.
In the modern era, the wagons can still be seen on Pacific National’s broad gauge container services. Consolidated Rail Leasing, owned by SSR, also owns two of this type, BQEW 2401-X and 2402-R, which have seen work leased to El Zorro, QUBE and more recently on Metro Works trains.
An unidentified VQAW, possibly VQAW 18-B, in the consist of 9203 Warrnambool Goods at Warrnambool. (12/19)
Photo By: Tom Schache
Photo By: Tom Schache
BQEW 2402-R in Tottenham Yard, with loaded with Metro spoil bins. (2019)
Photo By: Tom Schache
Photo By: Tom Schache