In the early 1960’s, QGR was approaching 100 years of service and was about to turn the corner into a new era. Diesels were replacing steam, wooden wagons with low carrying capacity were being replaced with high capacity steel wagons with the ability of running at high speeds. Along with this the method for handling goods and freight was changing. The days of loading a wagon carton by carton was being replaced with forklifts lifting one ton pallets stacked with cartons. The QGR fleet of wooden box wagons were not suitable for this type of operation. Even the small number of newish steel box wagons (CLC, BLC) capable for higher speeds were not ideal.
September 1963, Commonwealth Engineering delivered a new covered louvered GLC wagon capable of carrying 20 pallets on the floor. The wagon could carry 30 tons and run on passenger trains at 50 MPH. By June 1965, 300 wagons have been delivered. By 1977 there had been no fewer than 12 more contracts for the wagons with a total of 1,350 wagons in service.
The wagons became the main stay of goods/ freight operations until containerized freight took over. They became the back bone of express freight services across the state and were regularly used on passenger train services particularly to western locations. By the late 1980’s, early 1990’s containers became the predominate means for moving freight and they became slowly redundant. By about 2000, hundreds of the class were stored around the state in a very poor condition and covered in graffiti. Around 2010 there was mass scrapping of the class. The last regular use of the wagons in general freight came to an end following the Toowoomba/Lockyer Valley floods in 2011 where the Toowoomba range was closed for three months. The freight was transferred to road and never returned to rail. At the time plans had commenced to replace the wagons with containers beyond Toowoomba. In 2012 a couple of wagons were used as store wagons (securing equipment on the return trip) on pipe trains to the SWQ.
From the late 1980’s the class became the go to place for new wagons for other traffic types. The louvered body was removed (many were sold as farm sheds) and the underframe used to make new wagons.
Looking at the wagon they all have the shape, later wagons had a few sheeted panels. Given they were built over a 14 year period the braking system varied quite a bit. Over the years a modification or two was carried out as well.
Overview.
|
Length
over underframe |
41
ft. 6 ins. |
|
Length
over Body |
42
ft. |
|
Length
over buffers |
44
ft. 11 ins. |
|
Width
over Body |
8
ft. 8 ins. |
|
Width
over door runners |
9
ft. 4 ins (Loading Gauge Limit) |
|
Bogie
Centres |
29
ft.6 ins. |
|
Compartments
|
2
approx. 20 ft. 6½ ins long by 8 ft. 1in wide |
|
Height
|
12
ft. 1 in. |
|
Doorways
|
8
ft. ½ in wide by 6 ft. 9⅝ ins high. |
|
Rail
to floor |
3
ft. 5 in approx.. |
|
Ave.
Tare |
17
T. – 18 c. |
|
Carry
All Lines |
22
T.- 2c. |
|
Carry
12 TAL |
30 T
- 2 c. |
|
Wheel
dia. |
2
ft. 9½ ins. |
|
Cubic
Capacity |
2430
c.ft. (without roof) 2596 c. ft. incl. roof. |
|
Unit
Length |
2.6 (2.7 metric after 1972) |
The outside sliding doors were more weather proof than the previous inside doors on the BLC and CLC wagons. When new and when the wagons visited workshops regularly, the doors were free running, for some shunter to free. During shunting if the shunter was sitting in the door with his legs hanging out and the move come to a stop, the doors would slam shut removing the shunters legs.
General
Modification.
Door weather shields
modified (1968)
Door handle mechanisms.
(1976 )
Internal batons. Two top
and two bottom removed. (1978)
Label holder were moved from the headstock to the side with the introduction of the Dangerous Goods Code from 1985 onwards.
Louvered panels.
Following derailments or damage, some were sheeted. Some wagons the ends were
fully sheeted.
The early wagons were
painted similar to the BLC wagons, a dark grey, with the change to grey for all
freight wagons in 1969 a lighter grey was used.
From 1971 onwards a QR logo was added to one door, at first this was orange but quickly changed to red. Corporate logos were added to some wagons in the 1990’s.
All wagons entered service with red diamonds making them available for both passenger and express freight trains travelling at 50 mph/80km/h.
Mid to late 1980’s the status of QLX wagons was reduced to red circle making them available for express freight trains only travelling at 80km/h. Only modified wagons to meet the new passenger train wheel standards were permitted on passenger trains, these wagons became the QLXP class. At first, the wheelset were changed, a few years later a call was made they all should have the same brake equipment. Many of the class were converted back to QLX status.
Train Notice 933 12th
April 1984 advised the following. The undermentioned four QLX type wagons have
been withdrawn from general traffic and specially modified for exclusive use on
the “Capricorn” service between Brisbane and Rockhampton.
Modification includes the
removal of internal battens, addition of sidelights brackets for trailing purposes
and repainted in white and blue colours to conform with AC consists.
Number of wagons are QLX
37042, QLX 39459, QLX 39442, QLXT 32515. QLX 37042 and 39459 were introduced
into service on 3361 on 12th April 1894.
QXLP 39442 Rockhampton.
Towards the end of 1987
with the electrification of the North Coast line the crossing loops were
extended. Train lengths were increased from 95 units (475 metres) to 109 units
(545 metres), with a maximum length of 650 metres. Wagons witted with older
brake equipment (AF triples etc.) on the rear of these trains were experiencing
dragging brakes and flat wheels.
An instruction was issued to improve the performance of QLX wagons at the rear of long express Freight Trains and to make them more readily identifiable, certain QLX wagons are having “WF” type triple vales fitted. These wagons will then be reclassified QLXW and are suitable for marshalling at the rear of long trains. Wagons built from 1971 onwards (35270 upwards) had “WF” triples are standard equipment, they were reclassed to QLXW as well. In later years wagons fitted with “WF” triples were classed as QLW wagons.
The instruction also indicated that all QLX wagons have automatic coupling, the QLXT classification will no longer be used. QLXP wagons were included in the list of wagons that could be used on these trains. It was preferred that all express freight trains in the North Coast Traffic in excess of 109 units in length, that the last 10 wagons of each train be wagons with “WF” type triples. As wagons were modified with modern brake equipment, (“WF” diaphragm type triple with accelerated release, accelerated release reservoir, slack adjuster, auxiliary reservoir) they were given the QLXM classification. QLX 37954 onwards met the new requirements with most were classed QLXM wagons to identify them apart from the other wagons at the time. Wagon allocated to Q-Link had “D” (Door to door - QLDP) included in the Classification.
QLXM 37006 Rocklea.
Not all wagons received the correct marking, these wagon in 2013 had been fitted with WF triples and carried QLX classification.
Early 1990’s the buffers
were removed. No change in classification.
In early 2008 went a new manager from a mining company found out his was the proud owner of the Q-Link fleet of wagons that were in a very poor condition and covered in graffiti, he order they be repainted. The wagons were repainted in Toowoomba, at first there was just a number and no other marking, some returned and attentional marking were added.
The instruction that followed created some issues on the location the wagons could be stowed.
There were many more classification changes to follow as the wagons were modified for other traffic, I try and cover them as we go.
Contract 1
|
32369 – 32668 |
In Service 1963 – 65. As GLC wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth Engineering |
|
Draft Gear. |
Rubber cushion draw hooks (D 2 class) with fixed screw
couplings |
|
Bogies |
QR 16A |
|
Brake Arrangement |
10” AF 3 |
|
Cost |
£ 4,830-7-3. |
|
Classification Change |
QLX in line with the Australian Wagon code Towards the end of 1964. . |
QR adapted the Australian Code for a number of years, Q (Queensland) L
(Louvered) X (Bogie exchange). Very
few wagons made the interstate network, for box wagons there was only one wagon
class on the interstate network that could operate in Queensland, which was the
VR “VLX” wagon. Sending QLX wagons interstate would have left QR very short of
box wagons for its own operations.
Woolloongabba 1967
This batch of wagons differed from the rest the class, they were not fitted with load securing bars near or across the doors. In 1991 (nearly 30 years later) to identify these wagons the class was changed to CLX.
|
QLX
32369 |
In
Service 31st October1963. |
|
QLXT |
Auto
couplers fitted May 1968 Ips W’shops. |
|
QLX
32370 |
In
Service 17th June 1963. |
|
QLXT |
Auto
couplers fitted Feb 1973 Ips W’shops. |
|
QLXH |
Mar
98 Ownership to Heritage. |
|
QLX
32371 |
In
Service 11th November 1963. |
|
QLXT |
Auto
couplers fitted Feb 1970 Ips W’shops. |
|
CLX |
Nov
91 |
|
Written
Off |
Feb
93. |
.
QLXT 32539
|
QLX
32375 |
In
Service 22nd November 1963. |
|
QLXT |
Auto
couplers fitted Sep 64. |
|
CLX |
Apl
91 |
|
PCYK |
Mar
95 |
|
QLX
32380 |
In
Service 5th Dec1963. |
|
QSC |
Jun
91 |
|
QSCW |
Sep
95 |
|
In Service 5th Dec1963. |
|
|
QZS |
Apr 92 |
|
QLX
32396 |
In
Service 8th Jan 1964. |
|
QLXP |
Jun
85 |
|
QLX |
Mar
93 (not all QLXP had the same brake equipment. |
|
Written
Off |
Oct
93 |
|
QLX
32403 |
In
Service 16th Jan 1964. |
|
MQLX |
Feb
92 |
|
|
32403,
32404, 32405, 32406, 32407, 32408 Rail
Grinder Maintenance wagons |
|
QLX
32411 |
In
Service 4th Feb 1964. |
|
|
Jul
78, derailed Cooroy-Eumundi |
|
Written
Off |
Mar
88. |
|
QLX
32443 |
In
Service 9th Apr1964. |
|
QLXP |
May
92 |
|
QLX |
Apl
93 |
|
QLW |
Sep
95 (“W” Type Triple fitted) |
|
QLX
32462 |
In
Service 18th May 1964. |
|
QXLP
|
May
85 |
|
Written
Off |
Aug
94 |
|
QLX
32479 |
In
Service 16h Jun 1964.. |
|
QLXT |
May
72 |
|
|
16
Jul 78, derailed Cooroy-Eumundi |
|
PCY |
Jan
79 |
|
QLX
32496 |
In
Service 22nd Sep 1964.. |
|
QLXT |
Nov
68 |
|
MQLX |
Nov
90 |
|
QLX
32519 |
In
Service 31st Aug 1964.. |
|
QLXT |
Feb
68 |
|
Written
Off |
Jul
1970 |
|
QLX
32531 |
In
Service 30th Sep 1964 |
|
QLXT |
Feb
73 |
|
QLXP |
May
85 |
|
QLX |
Jan
93 |
|
PCYK (Cattle) |
Jul
94. |
|
QLX
32538 |
In
Service 19 Oct 1964 |
|
|
16
Jul 78, derailed Cooroy-Eumundi |
|
PCY (Container) |
Mar
81 |
PCY wagons were not the best container wagon on the network, limited carrying capacity and a high floor height. Some ended up a workshop slaves.
|
QLX
32561 |
In
Service 9 Dec 1964 |
|
QLXT |
Jul
68 |
|
Written
Off |
Jul
70. |
|
QLX
32563 |
In
Service 9 Dec 1964 |
|
QLXT |
Oct
67 |
|
Written
Off |
Jan
93 |
|
QLCP |
Oct
95 |
Mareeba 1999
|
QLX
32568 |
In
Service 24 Dec 1964 |
|
QLXT |
Sep
78 |
|
Written
Off |
Feb
93 |
|
QLX
32579 |
In
Service 25 Jan 1965 |
|
QLXT |
|
|
Fitted
with reflective numbers |
Nov
87 (CD) |
|
PCYK |
Jan
95 |
|
QLX
32580 |
In
Service 18 Jan 65 |
|
QLXT |
Jul
78 |
|
KWJX
(Cattle) |
Jul
96 (CD) Crate off KWA wagons. |
|
QLX
32581 |
In
Service 22 Jan 65 |
|
|
Auto
couplers fitted Jan 65 |
|
QLXT |
Aug
72 Removal outer side bearers |
|
|
430
mm Hand brake wheel fitted |
|
QLP |
Jun
91 |
QLP 32582.
|
QLX
32644 |
In
Service 5 May 65 |
|
QLXT |
Oct
68 |
|
Written
Off |
Nov
93 |
|
QLCP |
Jul
95 |
|
QLX
32648 |
In
Service 9 Apl 65 |
|
QLXT |
Sep
73 |
|
|
Feb
88. Converted to Historical Exhibition Wagon. Couple in pair with QLX 34337
due to electrical connection. |
|
QLX
32658 |
In
Service 10 Jun 1965 |
|
QXLT |
Apt
68 |
|
Written
Off |
Jul
1970 |
|
QLX
32668 |
In
Service 15 Jun 1965 |
|
QLXT
Oct 69 |
|
|
Written
off |
Mar
93. |
Not shown in the History Cards are the wagons that were used to upgrade the Tank Wagon fleet across 1992/3 .
Just few as examples
|
QLX
32660 |
OBEM
43857 |
|
QLX
32623 |
OBEM
43859 |
|
QLX
32496 |
OBEM
43877 |
|
CLX
32428 |
OCEM
44018 |
|
CLX
32593 |
OCEM
44045 |
|
QLX
32474 |
OHET
44152 |
|
QLX
32587 |
OLET
44234 |
|
QLX
32624 |
OPEM
44332 |
|
QLX
32458 |
OPYM44336 |
|
QLX
32422 |
OTYM
44388 |
|
QLX
32599 |
OTEM
44401 |
|
QLX
32589 |
OVEM
44523 |
Contract 2
|
34274
- 34323 |
In
Service 1969 as QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Scotts
of Ipswich |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Automatic
Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
22 B |
|
Brake
System |
10”
AF 3 Brake CLL |
|
Cost |
$12,407.78 |
|
|
Fitted
with bracing rails |
|
|
Bifurcated
train pipe hoses. |
Slots in the door pillar show the positioning of the securing bar. Spare bars were stowed in a rack above the doors. Most bars ended up all over the state on the ground around goods sheds.
|
QLX
34274 |
In
Service Jun 1969 |
|
|
Jul
78 derailed Cooroy-Eumundi |
|
Written
Off |
Jul
87 |
|
QLX
34275 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
|
Jul
78 Partition modified |
|
QLXM |
Nov
92. |
|
QLX
34279 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
QLW |
Sep
95 |
|
QLX
34281 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
KOJX (Cattle)
|
Jul
97 |
|
QLX
34283 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
QLXT |
Jun
72 |
|
QLX
34282 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
QLXP |
Dec
86 |
|
QLXW |
Jul
87 |
|
QLX
34284 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
QLXP |
Aug
85 |
|
QLX |
Jan
93 |
|
QLXM
|
Feb
93 |
|
QLX
34300 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
PCYK |
Nov
94. |
|
QLX
34301 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
|
Jul
78 derailed Cooroy-Eumundi |
|
Written
Off |
Jul
87 |
|
QLX
34304 |
In
Service Nov 1969 |
|
QLXP |
Jul
85 |
|
QLX |
Dec
92 |
|
QLXM |
Feb
93 |
|
QLX
34321 |
In
Service Dec 1969 |
|
Written
Off |
Jul
70 |
Contract 3
|
34324
– 34423 |
In
Service 1969 – 70 . As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Automatic
Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
16A |
|
Brake
Equipment |
10”
AF 3 Brake |
|
QLX
34328 |
In
Service 16th Jan 1970 |
|
QLXM |
Oct
92 |
|
QLX
34332 |
In
Service Feb 1970 |
|
|
Jul
70 Davis & Metcalfe brake cylinder fitted |
|
QLXP |
Aug
85 |
|
QLX |
Feb
93 |
|
KOJX |
Aug
97 |
|
QLX
343333 |
In
Service Feb 1970 |
|
QSC |
Feb
91 |
|
QSCW |
Jul
97 (WF Triple fitted) |
|
QLX
34335 |
In
Service Feb 1970 |
|
|
Apr
84 Main Line Electrification Exhibit. |
|
QLXP |
Jun
85 |
|
QLXH (Heritage) |
Mar
98 |
|
QLX
34356 |
In
Service Mar 70 |
|
QLXT |
Oct
73 |
|
QLX
34362 |
In
Service Apl 1970 |
|
QLXH (Heritage) |
Apr
98 |
|
QLX
34390 |
In
Service May 1970 |
|
QLXP |
Dec
85 |
|
QLX |
Apr
93 |
|
PCYK |
Nov
94 |
|
QLX
34397 |
In
Service Jun 1970 |
|
|
Jul
70 Davis & Metcalfe Brake cyl fitted |
|
KWJX (Cattle) |
Feb
96 |
|
QLX
34400 |
In
Service Jun 1970 |
|
QLXT |
May
72 |
|
PCYK
(Cattle) |
Nov
94 |
|
QLX
34401 |
In
Service Jun 1970 |
|
QLXP |
Jun
85 |
|
QLDP (Q-Link) |
Nov
94 |
|
QLX
34407 |
In
Service Jun 1970 |
|
QLXP |
Jul
86 |
|
QLX |
Dec
92 |
|
QLCP |
Nov
96 |
|
QLX
34423 |
In
Service Jul 1970 |
|
QLXT |
Apl
73 |
Contract 4
|
34767
– 334866 |
In
Service 1970 – 71. As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Automatic
Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
16A |
|
|
10”
AF 3 Brake |
|
QLX
34769 |
In
Service Nov 1970 |
|
QLXM |
Mar
95 |
|
QLX
34779 |
In
Service Nov 1970 |
|
|
Jul
94 Derailed Beerburrum |
|
Written
Off |
Oct
94 |
|
QLX
34787 |
In
Service Dec 1970 |
|
QLXT |
May
72 |
|
QLX
34799 |
In
Service Jan 1971 |
|
QLXT |
May
72 |
|
QLW
|
Sep
95 |
|
QLX
34832 |
In
Service Apl 1971 |
|
QLXP |
Nov
85 |
|
QLX |
Jan
93 |
|
QLXP |
Jun
93 |
|
QLCP |
Nov
95 |
|
QLX
34864 |
In
Service Jun 1971 |
|
QLXW |
Jun
87 |
|
MPCW
1941 |
Jan
91 |
|
QPS |
Oct
91 |
|
QLX
34866 |
In
Service Jun 1971 |
|
QZS |
Jun
95 |
Contract 5
|
35270
– 35269 |
In
Service 1971 – 72. As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Automatic
Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
16A |
|
Brake
Equipment |
Westinghouse
AF 2 triple |
|
|
Bifurcated
Train pipe hoses. |
|
|
Rebated
flooring |
Wagons fitted with one
brake pipe hose and cock was OK for draw hook wagons, but with auto coupling
the shunter had to jump between the wagons and reach under the transition coupling
to connect the brakes. Bifurcated wagons had a pipe and cock on each side of
the auto coupler. Both pipes came together under the draft pack and continued
as one pipe to the other end.
|
QLX
35270 |
In
Service Nov 1971 |
|
QLW |
Nov
95 |
|
QLX
35300 |
In
Service Feb 1972 |
|
QLXM |
Dec
93 |
|
|
Jul 94 Beerburrum Derailment. Written Off. |
|
QLX
35308 |
In
Service Feb 1972 |
|
PCYK (Cattle) |
Feb
95 |
|
QLX
35339 |
In
Service Apl 1972 |
|
KOJX (Cattle) |
Feb
98 |
|
QLX
35341 |
In
Service Apl 1972 |
|
QZS (Sleepers) |
Jul
95. |
|
QLX
35343 |
In
Service May 1972 |
|
QLXP |
Sep
85 |
|
QLX |
Jan
93 |
|
KOJX (Cattle) |
Sep
97 |
|
QLX
355350 |
In
Service May 1972 |
|
QLXM |
Feb
92 |
|
QLXH (Heritage) |
Apl
98 |
|
QLX
35357 |
In
Service May 1972 |
|
Written
Off |
Jun
87 |
|
QLX
35369 |
In
Service Jun 1972 |
|
QLXP |
May
85 |
|
QLX |
Apl
93 |
Contract 6
|
36339 – 36438 |
In
Service 1972 – 73. As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Rubber
cushion draw hooks (D 2 class) with fixed screw couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
16A |
|
Brake
Equipment |
Westinghouse
AF 2 Triple. |
|
Cost
|
$15,276.00 |
|
QLX
36339 |
In
Service Sep 1972 |
|
QLXM |
Feb
92 |
|
QLX
36383 |
In
Service Jan 1973 |
|
QLW |
Oct
95 |
|
QLX
36393 |
In
Service Jan 1973 |
|
QLXT |
Jan
74 |
|
QLXP |
Apl
86 |
|
QLX |
May
93 |
|
QLX
36437 |
In
Service Apl 1973 |
|
PCYK (Cattle) |
Nov
94 |
Contract 7
|
36888
- 36987 |
In
Service 1973 As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Automatic
Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
16A |
|
Brake
Equipment |
Westinghouse
AF 2 Triples |
|
|
Bifurcated
Train pipe |
|
|
Rebated
flooring |
|
QLX
36888 |
In
Service Apr 1973 |
|
QLZM |
Mar
92 |
|
QLX
36917 |
In
Service Jun 1973 |
|
QLXH (Heritage) |
Apl
94. |
|
QLX
36959 |
In
Service Sep 1973 |
|
|
Jul
78 Derailment Cooroy- Eumundi Sep
79 Written Off |
|
QLX
36987 |
In
Service Oct 1973 |
|
QLXM |
Jun
92 |
Contract 8
|
37002
- 37101 |
In
Service 1973. As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Automatic
Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
16A |
|
Brake
Equipment |
Westinghouse
AF 2 Triple |
|
|
Bifurcated
Train Pipes |
|
|
Rebated
floor |
|
QLX
37002 |
In
Service Oct 1973 |
|
QLXM |
May
92. |
|
QLX
37003 |
In
Service Oct 1973 |
|
MQLX |
Jun
90. Redbank Shunting School |
|
QLX
37016 |
In
Service Nov 1973 |
|
QLXM |
Mar
92 |
|
Written
Off |
Jan
95 |
|
QLX
37020 |
In
Service Nov 1973 |
|
MQLX |
Jun
90. Redbank Shunting School. |
|
KOJX (Cattle) |
Jun
97 |
|
QLX
37021 |
In
Service Nov 73 |
|
PCYK (Cattle) |
Apr
95 |
|
QLX
37086 |
In
Service Apr 1974 |
|
PCY |
Dec78.
Derailed Cooroy -Eumundi Jun 78 |
|
QLX
37101 |
In
Service May 1974 |
|
QLXM |
Mar
92. |
Contract 9
|
37954
- 38103 |
In
Service 1974. As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
BK
Alliance Automatic Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
22C Com steel |
|
Brake
Equipment |
WHB
& Davis Metcalfe Slack adjuster |
|
|
Bifurcated
Train pipe |
|
Cost |
$19,023.03 |
|
QLX
37954 |
In
Service Sep 1974 |
|
QLXM |
Sep
90 |
|
QLX
37966 |
In
service Oct 1974 |
|
QLXM |
Oct
90 |
|
KOJX |
Feb
98 |
|
QLX
37974 |
In
service Nov 1974 |
|
QLXM |
Sep
90 |
|
QLW |
Oct
96 |
|
QLX
38000 |
In
service Dec 1974 |
|
QLXM |
Aug 91 |
|
QLX
38026 |
In
service Feb 1975 |
|
|
Reflective
letter & Numbers Nov 87 |
|
QLXM |
Aug
91 |
|
QLX
38055 |
In
service Apl 1975 |
|
Written
Off |
Sep
79. Derailed Cooroy – Eumundi Juy 78 |
|
QLX
38061 |
In
service Apl 1975 |
|
QLXW |
May
89 |
|
QSZ (Sleepers) |
May
92 |
|
QLX
38071 |
In
service May 1975 |
|
QLXM |
Sep
90 |
|
KOJX |
Jul
97 |
|
QLX
38081 |
In
service Jun 1975 |
|
QLXM |
Jul
91 |
|
QLXH (Heritage) |
Apl
98 |
|
QLX
38103 |
In
service JUL 1975 |
|
QLXM |
Jul
91 |
Contract 10
|
38455
- 38554 |
In
Service 1975. As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Automatic
Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
16A |
|
Brake
Equipment |
Westinghouse
WF 2, Pneu. Slack Adjuster |
|
|
Bifurcated
train pipes |
|
|
Rebated
Floor |
|
Cost |
$
27,111.74 |
|
QLX
38455 |
In
Service Aug 1975 |
|
QLXW |
Jun
87 |
|
QLXM |
Oct
90, |
|
QLX
38457 |
In
Service Aug 1975 |
|
QLXW |
Jun
87 |
|
QLXM |
Apr
91 |
|
PCYK (Cattle) |
Feb
95 |
Suncorp Train to celebrate 75 of the SGIO. QLXP 35281 &
38472 with Suncorp and Channel 7
Displays.
|
QLX
38541 |
In
Service Mar 1976 |
|
Written
Off (ND) |
Oct
87 |
|
QLX
38546 |
In
Service Mar 1976 |
|
QLXW |
Jun
87 |
|
QLX |
Oct
87 |
|
QPS
1940 (Power Car) |
Oct
91 |
|
QLX
38548 |
In
Service Mar 1976 |
|
QLXW |
Jun
87 |
|
MPCW 1937 (Power Car) |
Jan
91 |
|
QLX
38549 |
In
Service Mar 1976 |
|
QLWX |
Jun
87 |
|
QLXP |
Apl
89 |
|
QLDP |
Aug
94. |
|
QLX
38554 |
In
Service Mar 1976 |
|
QLXP |
Mar
87 |
Contract 11
|
39081
- 39130 |
In
Service 1976 As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Automatic
Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
36A |
|
Brake
Equipment |
Westinghouse
WF 2 pneumatic slack adjuster |
|
|
Bifurcated
train pipe |
|
|
Rebated
Floor |
|
Cost |
$
31,046.63 |
|
QLX
39081 |
In
Service Aug 1976 |
|
QLXW
|
Jun
87 |
|
QLXM |
May
91 |
|
QLX
39088 |
In
Service |
|
MLBC
1919 (Baggage Car) |
|
|
QLX
39094 |
In
Service Jul 1976 |
|
MLBC
1920 (Baggage Car) |
Feb
83 |
|
QLX
39102 |
In
Service Aug 1976 |
|
QLXW |
Jun
87 |
|
QLXP |
Nov
89 |
|
QLDP |
Aug
94 |
|
QLCP |
Sep
96 |
|
QLX
39104 |
In
Service |
|
MLBC
1918 (Baggage Car) |
|
|
QLX
39117 |
In
Service Sep 1976 |
|
QPS (Power Car) |
Sep
91 |
|
QLX
39127 |
In
Service |
|
MLBC
1917 (Baggage Car) |
Sep
81 |
A two car 2000 class Rail Car worked this service before being replaced with an air condition train.
|
QLX
39130 |
In
Service Sep 1976 |
|
QLXW |
May
87 |
|
QLXP |
Feb
88 |
|
QLDP |
Aug
94 |
Contract 12
|
39252
- 39310 |
In
Service 1977 As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Sharon
Automatic Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
36 (Com Steel) |
|
Brake
Equipment |
Westinghouse
WF 2 Pneumatic Slack Adjuster |
|
|
Bifurcated
Train Pipe |
|
|
Rebated
Floor |
|
Cost |
$31,358.97 |
|
QLX
39252 |
In
Service Oct 1976 |
|
QLXP |
May
87 |
|
QLDP |
Aug
94 |
|
QLX
39301 |
In
Service Feb 1977 |
|
QLXW |
Jun
87 |
|
QLXP |
Nov
89 |
|
QLDP |
Aug
94 |
Contract 13
|
39430
- 39479 |
In
Service 1977 As QLX wagons |
|
Builder |
Commonwealth
Engineering |
|
Draft
Gear. |
Sharon
Automatic Couplers & Transition Couplings |
|
Bogies
|
QR
36 (Com Steel) |
|
|
Westinghouse
WF 2 Pneumatic Slack Adjuster |
|
|
Bifurcated
Train Pipe |
|
|
Rebated
Floor |
|
Cost |
$
33,580.22 |
|
QLX
39430 |
In
Service Apr 1977 |
|
QLXW |
Jul
88 |
|
QSC |
Sep
91 |
|
QSCW |
Aug
96 |
|
QLX
39461 |
In
Service Jun 1977 |
|
QLXP |
Feb
87 |
|
CCH |
Aug
94 |
|
QLDP |
Nov
94 |
|
QLX
39479 |
In
Service Jul 1977 |
|
QLXW |
May
87 |
|
QLXM |
May
91. |
QLX wagons change the face of QR freight operations.
Early 1960’s express freight trains
commence running on the North Coast line between Brisbane and Cairns. One train
each way per day, Train 247 north was known as the fruit train, one of the
hottest trains on the coast watched by managers every inch of its journey.
Restricted to 750 tons and worked with the latest locomotive in the fleet. The return from Cairn was train 242 known as
the Interstate fruit train going to Clapham to connect with trains to Sydney
and Melbourne.
Train 247 just south of
Mackay in 1967, less than 24 hours after commencing it journey from Roma
Street, the train consisted mainly of CLC, BLC, CMIS wagons with a few QLX. At
times an odd wooden CJFF could be found on the train.
By 1973 the train was worked with two
(2) 90 ton DEL’s conveying 1,570 tons.
Train 242
retuning to Brisbane in the mid 1980’s.
The string of QLX’s with the R wagon attached at the back of the photo is train 247. The train was loaded with the wagons in their destination order. Come 1:30 pm, the doors were closed, an engine hooked on and by 2:00 pm the trains was heading for the North. In later years the train departed at 4:00Pm. By 1990’s the train was called C249 worked with electric loco and departed at 2:20 Pm.
Instruction Roma Street
Shunters 1969.
Load BLC or QLX wagons
daily for Cooroy, Pomona and Gympie for COD bean traffic. Returning wagons of
beans to be placed under shelter 4 road.
BLC or QLX wagons only to
be placed on 247D daily.
Place 2 QLX, 2 BLC and 1
QLX on 20 road between the end of the platform and the end of the concrete (Not
beyond the concrete) to load Monto Branch for despatch 101 D Monday. The single
QLX wagon to be placed in the lead Normanby end to load Monto Road.
Place empty BLC or QLX Normanby end 9 Alley to load 1 compartment K. Holland Cairns.
By the last 1960’s additional express
freight trains were running, including selective days of the weeks to western
towns. North West and Central West trains had sleeping cars attached next to
the guards van.
In later years
Electric Locomotives hauled the express freight services on the north coast
line.
Maryborough 101 Passenger Train was covered back in May 2021. https://westgateswr.blogspot.com/2021/05/
Another
interesting train was the Dirranbandi Mail 32 Up departing Rona St at 5:50 Pm
Monday and Thursdays. After 1981 the train was known as 3672 and after 1989 as
3H14.
Personal, I feel this train meets the “Mixed Train” definition.
1980
the marshalling was:-
|
QLXT |
Inglewood |
|
QLXT |
Texas Road |
|
QLXT |
Yelarban |
|
2 QLXT |
Goondiwindi |
|
QLXT |
Thallon |
|
QLXT |
Dirranbandi |
|
CL |
Composite Sitter |
|
JCS |
Composite Sleeper |
|
BC |
Baggage Car |
|
MV |
Mail Van |
Attached
in Toowoomba
|
CMIS & QLXT |
Dirranbandi Road (attached in front of the passenger set. |
|
QLXT |
Thallon |
|
QLXT |
Goondiwindi |
|
QLXT |
Taxes Road (Attached behind the loco. |
2 QLXT will also be attached at Goondiwindi for Dirranbandi.
In 1984 the marshalling was similar, the CMIS was replaced with a CMR.
By 1990, the marshalling of 3H14 had
changed.
|
|
Locomotive |
|
2 QLXP |
Rocklea - Toowoomba (Hiles
T’ports) (Detached Toowoomba) |
|
2 QLXP |
Toowoomba (Detached Toowoomba) |
|
2 QLXP |
Dalby (Detached Toowoomba) |
|
QLXP |
Wallangarra Road (Detached
Toowoomba) |
|
QLXP |
Warwick (Hiles T’port) (Detached
Toowoomba) |
|
QLXP |
Yelarbon/Thallon (Mon) (Attached
Toowoomba) |
|
QLXP |
Goondiwindi
|
|
QLXP |
Inglewood/Texas |
|
QLXP |
Goondiwindi Road. |
|
QLXP |
Thallon Road. |
|
2 QLXP, 1 R |
Dirranbandi Road (Attached Toowoomba) |
|
JCS |
Composite Sleeper |
|
CLV |
Composite Van |
|
QPXP |
Goondiwindi - Dirranbandi |
A quick look at the Westlander (Train
3V02) in 1984.
QLX Roma
QLX Roma (Total) Tuesday.
First Westlander on new timetable 30.3.87. DEL’s 1518 +1497, MPCB 1755, MCS 1535, MALF 1527, MBL 1506, MCS 1469 (Quilpie), MCL 1502,(Quilpie), MPR 1754 (Quilpie), MMV 1439, R 39625, QLXP 38475, (Cunnamulla), QLXP 39289 (Quilpie), QLXP 38470, QLXP 39272, R 39613 (Charleville), QLXP 38479 (Cunnamulla), QLXP 38544 (Roma), QLXP 39091 (Mitchell), QLXP 38485, 38461 (Roma), QLXP 39465, 39260 (Chinchilla).
By 1990 this to had changed.
|
|
Locomotive/s |
|
R |
Roma (Chiller) |
|
9 cars |
Passenger set |
|
R |
Cunnamulla Road Chiller
(Mon) |
|
R |
Quilpie Road Chiller. |
|
R |
Quilpie Road Freezer
(Mon) |
|
QLXP |
Cunnamulla |
|
QLXP |
Cunnamulla (every second
Mon) |
|
QLXP |
Quilpie |
|
QLXP |
Charleville |
|
QLXP |
Cunnamulla |
|
QLXP |
Cunnamulla (every second Mon) |
|
2 QLXP |
Charleville |
|
QLXP |
Charleville Road (Attached Toowoomba) |
|
QLXP |
Quilpie Road (Attached Toowoomba) |
|
QLXP |
Mitchell/Cunnamulla
Road (Attached
Toowoomba) |
|
QLXP |
Roma (Attached Toowoomba) |
|
QLXP |
Mitchell |
|
2 QLXP |
Roma |
|
QLXP |
Wandoan Road (Detached
Chinchilla) |
|
QLXP/R |
Attached Roma. |
|
MPR |
Power/Refrigerated Car
(Attached to Passenger set Toowoomba for Quilpie) |
|
|
2100 A class DEL maximum
20 Vehicles for 630 t. Brisbane – Toowoomba.
|
Wooden van between steel vehicles ??.
1990 Working Timetable
Northern Division.
Composition of Townsville
– Mt Isa Inlander passenger train 3M34.
Train to be worked with multi diesel locomotives if required and conveys a load up to 1,000 tonnes and restricted to 27 vehicles. The loaded wagons to be conveyed on this service will consist of QLXP, BRP/BRMP and R wagons. The wagons are be trailed behind the van of the A/C consist. Far western wagons loaded at Townsville Freight Terminal Wednesday to be marshalled from the rear. QLXP Hughenden (Fitted with lights), QLXP Winton, QLXP Richmond, QLXP Jula Creek, QLXP Cloncurry, QLXP Mt Isa. QLXP Winto fitted with Ice Box connects 7W80 Thursday ex Hughenden.
1990 Central Division
Working Timetable
CMRT Yaraka (trailing)
QLXP Yaraka Road.
QLXP Blackall
R Winton Road.
Van
A/C Consist
QLXP Winton
QLXP Longreach
QLXP Barcaldine
QLXP Alpha (as required)
From time to time relief mail
trains used a QLX as a baggage car, when used as such this wagon was marshalled
in front the wooden carriages. Steel wagons were not permitted to be marshalled
between wooden carriages conveying passengers.
Biloela goods.
Charleville to
Roma Shunt. Angellala
Around the Brisbane suburban area the
wagons were a dime a dozen.
In June 1992, a number of wagons were allocated to nominated customer traffic.
Small
Freight “Q-Link” Acacia Ridge.
QSC 32546, 32495, 35286, 36404, 37024.
Hiles
Transport Rocklea. QLX
37004, 37005, 37007, 37009, 37010, 37014, 37015, 37017, 37018, 37019, 37021,
37022, 37023, 37027, 37030.
QLXM 37002, 37006, 37008, 37011, 37012, 37013, 37016, 37025, 37026, 37028.
C.S.R Monkland. QSC 32394, 32543, 32566, 32569, 32615, 34422, 34825, 36366
Defiance Flour Toowoomba. QSC 35349
Defiance Flour Rockhampton. QLXM 38011, 38012, 38013, 38014, 38015, 38016, 38017, 38018, 38019, 38020, 38021, 38022.
Allied
Flour Mill Rockhampton. QLXM
38023, 38024, 38025, 38026, 38027, 38028.
Display Trains
Trainabout 84.
QLX 36954 ABC
Green Train Train. Notice 1376 - 29 May
1991
|
QLXP
39271 |
Dept. of Education |
|
QLXP
39301 |
Dept. of Primary
Indusatries |
|
QLXP
39276 |
Dept. of Environment |
|
QLXP
39277 |
Marine Park Authority |
|
QLXP
39255 |
(A)
Customs
(B)
Quarantine |
|
QLXP
38461 |
Community Groups |
|
QLXP
39097 |
(A)
Geographical
Society (B)
University
of Queensland |
|
QLXP
39447 |
Qld Railways / Dept of
Transport |
|
QLXP
38496 |
(A) Greening Australia (B) Telecom |
|
QLXP
39274 |
Queensland Mining Council |
|
QLXP
38500 |
Mt Isa Mines |
|
QLXP
38459 |
Electricity Supply
Industry |
|
QLXP
39293 |
(A) Incitec Ltd (B) Qld Timber Board |
|
QLXP
38529 |
CIG |
|
QLXP
38494 |
ABC |
|
MPCW 1917 |
Power
Pack |
Passenger
Consist, MPCW, LAR, LAR, MCC, MAS, MBC, MMV.
The “Spirit of McEwan” Tours Queensland.
March 92.
QLXP 39301
Hardies, QLXP 38494 Pink Bats / Aquila Steel, QLXP 39097 Trans Global Timber,
QLXP 38496 CSR, QLXP 39447 CSR Gyprock, QLXP 39276 Makita, QLXP 39271 ICI
Dulux/Selleys, QLXP 39293 Drumright, QLXP 38459 Laserlite/Taubmans, QLXP 38500
Black & Decker/ Able Cooke, QLXP 39277 Englefield/Dorf, QLXP 39274
Beatyware/Radiant/Caroma/Clearlite. QLXP 39255
Marblite products /Ryobi, QLXP 38461 Martec/Cooke Tools/Arlec, QLXP 38529 Lanes Building Products/Humes
Doors & Windows. Support vehicles
MPC 1917, MBC 1449/1454. Staff travelled in MPC 1436, LAR 1906, MAS
1497, LDC 1933, MCC 1525, MCSC 1485, MMV 1442. All QLXP were from the green
train repainted, sides painted red.
One or two QLX’s can be found around the state, some on the ground at stations they once carried freight to, and many became store sheds in maintenance depots beside their small sister ALY wagons. I recall one body being used a cover on the back of a semi-trailer used by a local town carrier.
The wagons were
used to carry freight for nearly 50 years on the QR network until containerised
freight took over.
Models
Over the years there has been various manufactures produce models of the QLX wagon. I don’t think any two were the same size.
First,
there was the Freemont Kit.
These were an epoxy type kit, a one piece body and
underframe with a separate roof.
Northern Models
These were a resin kit, one piece body/roof with a separated floor. Detail was what you could find, usually NSWR detailing bits were used. Bogies were generally Roundhouse standard gauge that were narrowed in the bolster and K & M wheelsets fitted.
Far
North Hobbies and later PGC models produced a kit as well.
Wuiske
Models manufactured the first RTR model, two separated runs were produced over
a period of time in various deliveries.
At the time of purchase I could not buy “as delivered” models. I repainted the models with PGC paints and re decal the wagons and added light weathering to reflex the 1960’s. Thanks to Wuiske Models for supplying the decals.
Sometime
later one was painted in QLXP colours.
Another wagon was modified into a Power Car, more detail can be found in December 2023 posting.
Paget Models also produced a QLX wagon kit in “S” scale.
Most of these models are now like the prototype, hard to find. From time to time you may get lucky at a buy & sell.
My apologies for repeating some of the photos from previous blogs, I feel information on a subject needs to with it and not in various other places. Trust you found the information helpful and assists you in your modelling projects. If I have missed something please be sure to yell out> I’m still learning this, I think I can add to it if needed.
It’s just a couple of weekends away for the first show of the year, the Bundaberg Model Train & Hobby Expo. 15th and 16th of March, I hear it will have a record number of exhibits and is looking like being a good show.
Until next post, trust you all have a happy time modelling and enjoying this great hobby.
Arthur H.
Acknowledgements.
Australian Model Railway Association
Queensland Library.
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