The Mighty “F” wagon.

The open type goods wagon is the most practical useable wagon on the rail network. Each railway operator will have their unique type and style. Early era wagons were built using wood. Queensland started with four (4) classifications of open goods wagons.

“D” wagon – High sided open wagon

“F” wagon – four (4) wheeled open wagon

“G” wagon – six (6) wheeled open wagon   (Most were converted to 4 or 8 wheels wagons)

“H” wagon – eight (8) wheeled open wagon   

“F” wagon details.      

Length over Buffers	17ft 5in
Length over headstocks	14ft
Width over sides	6ft 6ins / 7ft 6in / 8ft.
Height of sides	2ft 6 in  (4 Planks)
Height from rail to top of sides	5 ft 7¾ ins
Diameter of wheels	25/26 ins
Size of Journals	7in x 3in
Weight Empty (Tare)	3 Tons 6 cwt
Carrying Capacity	6 Tons 14 cwt

 

At first the wagon has a single door on the side, just over 8 feet long. The later wagons this changed to two 7ft doors, this made loading the wagon much easier.

Wagons over 4 tons tare were given “FS” classification. Wagon with a gross weight less than 4 tons had to be marshalled on the rear of a train.

Some wagons were made for carrying stick sugar cane, a floor and end stanchions, these wagons were classed “FC”. Others were converted from “F” and “T” wagons.

“T” Ballast wagon had the same length and width, just lower 1 ft 6 in sides. From time to time they were converted into “F” wagons.

A number wagons were built to carry fire wood, the sides were 3 ft 6 in high. Fire wood was mostly sawmill off cuts used for lighting up steam locos, and in cooking stoves for railway housing. Could also be used for securing loads in wagons, more so in steel floored wagons. .

“DF” wagon details.     

Length over Buffers	17ft 5in
Length over headstocks	14ft
Width over sides	7ft 6in.
Height of sides	3ft 6 in
Height from rail to top of sides	5 ft. 7¾ ins
Diameter of wheels	26 ins
Size of Journals	7in x 3in
Weight Empty (Tare)	3 Tons 17cwt
Carrying Capacity	6 Tons 3 cwt

 

The wagon had two side swing doors in the centre, The door opening was 5 ft 6 ins. 

With the coming of the motor car, wagons were modified and built new where the ends could drop down to form a ramp over the buffers. The wagons were classed “FM”.

 

The wagons were built by various manufactures across the state, some being shipped to other railways in the state. i.e. the Mackay and Cairns railways. The North Coast Line (NCL) Brisbane to Cairns as we know it today did become one through line until about 1932. Before that a number of ports along the coast had a small rail network serving the local and regional area.  

At first the wagons were only fitted with hand brake on one wheel, this was a rounded block of cast steel fitted to a lever. Drop the leaver, and the block would press against the wheel tyre.  From about 1910 onwards the wagons were fitted with Westinghouse air brakes. Most wagons were modified with heaver drawgear in their later life. Other modifications included replacing wooden door stops with steel and fitting tie down/tarpaulin securing rings. Door stops prevented the dropping side doors from hitting the axle boxes. Most likely the dropping would damage the axle box taking the wagon out of service.    

Over time the length of the wagon and carry capacity was increased resulting in different classes to identify them.  Some were converted to carry a different type of traffic. Some classifications were temporary for a short period. I.e. WW II years, bumper wheat season, emergency water etc.    

 “FF” wagon details.     

Length over Buffers	18 ft 5 ins.
Length over headstocks	15 ft.
Width over sides	8 ft.
Height of sides	2 ft 6 ins.
Height from rail to top of sides	5 ft 8½ ins.
Diameter of wheels	2 ft 9½ ins   (33½”)
Size of Journals	8 “ x 4 “
Weight Empty (Tare)	4 Ton 17 cwt
Carry	11 Ton 3 cwt

These wagons were similar to the “F” wagon with some having single doors and later wagon built having double doors. Early wagons were fitted with ridge pole for a tarpaulin.  

 “FJ” wagon details.     

Length over Buffers	20 ft 11 ins
Length over headstocks	17 ft 6 ins
Width over sides	8 ft
Height of sides	2 ft 7½ ins
Height from rail to top of sides	5ft 9½ ins
Diameter of wheels	2 ft 9½ ins   (33½”)
Size of Journals	8 “ x 4 “
Weight Empty (Tare)	5 T 9 cwt
Carry	10 T 11 cwt

                      

“FG” wagon details.     

Length over Buffers	23 ft 5 ins
Underframe	20ft x 7 ft 4 ins
Width over sides	8 ft
Height of sides	2 ft 6 ins
Height from rail to top of sides	5 ft 8 ins
Diameter of wheels	2 ft 2 ins   (26”)
Size of Journals	8” x 4”  (Grovers Bogies)
Weight Empty (Tare)	6 T 6 cwt
Carry   (Average)	9 T 14 cwt

 

Some classifications of the class.  

F	Open Good wagon
FS	Open Goods wagon. Tare over 4 tons
FW	Water wagon
FP	F wagon converted for pig Traffic
FC	F wagon for stick cane Traffic
RF	F wagon converted to platform wagon. (Flat top)
FM	F wagon to carry cars
FR	Runner
FWP	Water wagon converted to Platform wagon
FWF	Emergence transport wagon (WWII years)
DF	High sides for fire wood
FF	Modified “F” greater carrying capacity
FFC	“FF” modified for bulk cement
FFW	“FF” fitted with a tank for water
FJ	17’ 6” high carrying capacity
FJM	17’ 6” high carrying capacity for motor car
FG	20 ft Grovers Bogies
FGM	20 ft Grovers Bogies to convey motor cars
PG	Platform wagon
FGW	Water Wagon
FGWC	Water wagon converted for Wheat Tfc
FGWP	Tank wagon Petrol
FGC	Sugar Cane Bins
WFG	Water Wagon  (Temporary)
FGR	Runner
FO	Crude oil Tanker
FO	Sand
FGC	Cane train transporter (Chop cane tramway bins)

Some of the classifications only lasted a couple of years. 

In the history cards you will find a few more classifications.

The “F” wagon became the measurement for train lengths. If a train was 60 F long, it was equal to 60 “F” wagons.  “H” wagons were taken as 2 “F”, each wagon on the network was given a length. In the 1960’s, this was stenciled on both sides of the wagon near the number in a circle. Later years with metric measure it became known as a unit, one (!) unit was equal to 15 ft. Metric lengths were stenciled in a diamond. Early 1970’s during the conversion period, wagons carried both. Today, train lengths are just metres, i.e. 650 metres and it includes the locomotives. Thus, the length of crossing loop and siding was shown in “F”s.

Some locations would also use it for daily wagon orders, i.e. Place equal to 20 F empty wagons Wool Ramp. Shunter could pick out what empty wagons were in the yard to supply the order. Could be 5 H wagons, 2 FG wagons, 2 FJS wagons, 4 F wagons.    

To look at the bigger picture, let’s look as some (lots) for history Cards. This turned out to be many rabbit holes. My apologies for the length of these notes, it was hard to draw a line without leaving something out. Wagons built for other rail/tramway operators were purchased by QR many years after they were built, thus numbers are all over the place and don’t fit with others for the same era.. Often, they were built in small groups from various manufactures. Some were converted from other classes. Some are just one off’s.

 Abbreviations

SWD	South West Division (General Manager Toowoomba)
SED	South Eastern Division (General Manager Brisbane)
CD	Central Division (General Manager Rockhampton)
ND	Northern Division (General Manager Townsville)
Twba	Toowoomba
R’ton	Rockhampton
Tve	Townsville
Ips	Ipswich
M’boro	Maryborough

 

7	Ashbury & Co Ipswich. In Service 1864
Aug 1901	Rebuilt Ipswich W/Shop
Nov 10	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Sep 55	Fitted with spring door stops & tarpaulin rings
May 58	Repaired by Napier Bros Dalby
Jan 68	Written Off SWD.

 

9	Ashbury & Co Ipswich. In Service 1864
Nov 10	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Apr 14	Two new 2” draw hooks fitted.
Aug 51	Repaired by Com Eng Rocklea
Nov 60	Fitted with spring door bumpers & tarpaulin rings
Oct 70	Written Off Tve

 

12	Ashbury & Co Ipswich. In Service 1864
Jul 15	Rebuilt as IC wagon
Mar 85	Written Off

 

13	Ashbury & Co Ipswich. In Service 1864
Nov 1893	Rebuilt by Hyde
Sep 1911	Transferred to Mackay, cost £18/0/5 (shipped)
Dec 12	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Aug 51	Repaired by Com Eng Rocklea
Apr 54	Repaired by Com Eng Rocklea
Mar 57	Repaired by Napier Bros Dalby
Jun 65	Written Off M’boro

 

25	McDonald & Larson. In service 1893
Sep 1906	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jan 27	Rebuilt Ipswich W/Shops
Nov 51	Converted to FW (2 tanks 6’ 4” x 4 ‘ high, capacity 1500 gals). Twba
Jun 52	Converted back to F wagon. Twba.
Aug 58	Repaired Com Eng
Jun 65	Written Off.

 

29	Ashbery & Co. In service 1864
June 1905	Rebuilt as DF
Jul 61	Written Off Brisbane.

 

49	Ashbery & Co. In service 1864
June 1904	Rebuilt as FC, Fitted with post rails for cane tfc, Shipped to Mackay.
Apr 24	Fitted with brake pipe
Nov 25	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes, rebuilt as F wagon
Aug 56	Damaged by fire T’vlle Jetty
Jan 71	Written Off

 

62	Ashbery & Co. In service 1864
Apr 1910	Altered to carry pigs, reclassed FP.
Feb 20	Converted by to F wagon
June 48	Written Off

 

80	Ashbery & Co. In service 1866
Aug 1893	Rebuilt by H. Hyde in Ips Shops.
Feb 1922	Fitted with tarpaulin rings
Jul 1930	Written Off

 

93	Ipswich W/Shops 1865.
Aug 1893	Rebuilt by Macdonald & Lawson
Jul 1910	Transferred to Bowen
Mar 59	Fitted with spring label holders, spring door stops & Tarpaulin rings
Dec 60	Repaired by Com Eng Rocklea
Apr 75	Written Off Tve.

 

109	Built 1866  (Ipswich W/shops)
Oct 1912	Previously class “R”, rebuilt at Ipswich W’shop, shipped to Mackay for cane traffic as FC.
Nov 1929	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Dec 29	Rebuilt as “F” wagon R’ton
Jan 41	Reclassed FS
Nov 53	Repaired by Com Eng
Oct 66	Written Off R’ton

 

117	Victoria 1874
Dec 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jun 40	Fitted with spring door stops R’ton
Nov 61	Written Off

 

135	1866  class FR
June 1911	No 11 water truck renumbered. Twba. End & side delivery 1 tank 13’6” x 5’ x 3’ 5”.
Jan 27	Tank raised M’boro
Jul 30	Tank removed, 6in sides for goods traffic.
Jul 43	Re lettered RF
Jun 46	Fitted with 4” x 2” side. Used for goods Tfc & runner
Jun 54	Damaged in collision Dalby and Written Off.

 

153	Ashbury & Co 1864
Aug 1892	Rebuilt
Jun 1927	Rebuilt as FM
Oct 66	Written Off.

 

156	Ashbury & Co 1864
May 1944	Re lettered FS Ips W/Shops
Jun 52	Re lettered F Nby Shops
Apr 61	Converted to FS New Tare 4T 1 cwt.
Jul 68	Written Off
Nov 70	Burnt Ipswich

 

227	Ipswich w/shops 1905 FW
	Tank 13’6” x 5’ x 3’ 5” Delivery ends & side. Old #22 renumbered
Nov 51	Tank condemned, Tank ex TW 50 (Riveted 13’ 6” x 5’ 3” x 3’ 4”) fitted
May 56	Written Off

 

228	Ipswich W/shops 1905
May 56	Wrecked in derailment western Line & Written Off

 

299	Ipswich W/shop 1864
Nov 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Aug 1914	Fitted with tarpaulin rings/hooks
Oct 52	Converted into Portable Sleeper sawmill No.3. Wagon fitted up at Northgate, consigned to Three Moons (Monto Line).
Oct 70	Written Off Northgate.

 

312	Ashbury & co 1864
1892	Rebuilt Ipswich W/shops
Aug 1912	2” drawhooks welded on. Originally a T wagon.
Oct 86	Could be found (RICS) and written Off.

 

402	Ipswich W/shops 1876
Nov 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Feb 15	Fitted with 2” hooks
July 38	Fitted with tarpaulin rings. Painted R’ton

 

408	Ipswich W/shops  1893
Jan 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jan 11	F 399 renumbered Ips.
Mar 64	2” drawgear fitted
Aug 71	Written off

 

461	Ipswich W/shops 1903
1903	Rebuilt Ipswich W/shops
Dec 10	Westinghouse brakes fitted.
Nov 57	Wrongly numbered 641, renumbered 461.
Nov 57	Spring label holders, spring door stops & tarpaulin rings fitted
Jul 74	Written Off ND

 

468	Ipswich W/shop 1878
Nov 10	Fitted with Westinghouse Brakes
Jun 19	Fitted with 2” hooks
Jun 42	Transferred to Commonwealth Railways returned Aug 43
Oct 43	Reassembled Twba
Aug 63	Spring door stops & tarpaulin rings fitted Ips.
Aug 66	Written Off Tve.

469	Ipswich W/shops 1878
May 1911	Fitted with Westinghouse Brakes
Jul 15	Fitted with 3 ships tanks classed FW R’ton
Mar 16	Tanks removed reclassed “F”
Mar 60	Written Off

 

494	Oveudon & Hilton 1892
1892	Originally a “T” wagon, rebuilt Ips W/s.
Nov 10	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
1912	Sides & ends removed made into a runner RF class.
Nov 59	Written off

 

496	B.Babbidge Brisbane “B’ Wagon Cleminson wheel system 1881
Jun 1912	Converted from 6 to 4 wheeler, new underframe with Grovers Bogies. Fitted with Westinghouse brakes “BG” class.
Sep 16	Converted to FG wagon.
Jan 42	Fitted with 3 G.I tanks coupled together, end delivery only. Classed WFG.Door & Ends removed. R’ton
Jun 47	Converted from WFG to FG Twba
Aug 60	Spring door stops & tarpaulin rings fitted. Ips
Feb 75	Written Off Twba.

 

504	Townsville Shops “B” wagon. 1928
Jan 1928	Fitted with tank 15’x4’ dia -¼” plate x TW 3346 1200 galls Tve. FO class
Aug 62	Send from Tve to Redbank for use in disposal DEL lubricating oil
Jun 76	Converted to sand dispensing wagon for refilling railside sand boxes CD
Nov 92	Writted Off.

 

514	Ipswich W/shops 1902
Nov 1902	Rebuilt
Feb 10	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes.
Mar 26	Repaired by Brown & Broad.
Jul 52	Converted to Portable Sawmill # 4 Northgate.(Allocated Anakie CD)
May 57	Repairs. Not fitted with WH Brakes, pipe only. Mill # 5
May 59	Now Mill # 7.
Mar 73	Written Off Ips.

 

530	B.Babbidge Brisbane. 1881 “E” wagon 6 wheeled open wagon
Feb 12	Converted to FG.
Dec 22	Fitted with standard water tank classed FGW.
Nov 24	Tank removed fitted with side rails for wheat. Classed FGWC in 1925
Jun 42	Reclassed FGR. 4” sides
Sep 42	Converted to FG
Jun 56	Spring door stops and tarpaulin rings fitted
Feb 65	Written Off

 

536	B.Babbidge Brisbane. 1881 “E” wagon 6 wheeled open wagon
Jul 1911	Converted from 6 to 4 wheeler, FG underframe fitted classed “EG”
Nov 22	Reclassed EG to FG
Mar 62	Fitted with tarpaulin rings
Jun 69	Written Off. Twba.

 

629	Griffiths Bros 1882. 6wheeled “E” open wagon Cleminson wheel system
Apr 1909	Rebuilt Ipswich W/shop, Tank fitted classed “EGW”
Mar 40	Tank removed, 6” side fitted for Goods Tfc. classed FGR
Aug 58	New 19’x6’x3’ welded tank fitted Ipswich W/shops classed FGW
	Fabricated parts supplied by Derbyshire Car & wagon Co Ltd England
	Assembled by Aust Mach Co. Brisbane.
Sep 60	Written Off Ips.

 

634	Griffiths Bros 1882. 6wheeled “E” open wagon Cleminson wheel system
Apr 1912	Converted from 6 to 4 wheels, FG underframe with Grovers bogies “EG”
May 23	Fitted with 3 CI tanks, end delivery only classed FGW
Oct 23	Fitted with standard tank.
Dec 24	Tank removed side rail fitted for wheat Tfc Twba. Classed FGWC
Mar 26	Tank replaced. Classed FGW
Jul 47	Converted to flat top classed FGWP R’ton
Aug 51	Fitted with new standard welded tank R’ton
Oct 86	Could not be found (RICS) Written Off.

 636 must the same, written off Twba May 72.

783	Shillito & Sons 1884. 8 wheel 20ft “C” class covered wagon.
Jul 1913	Body sent to Roma St for a shed
Oct 19	Rebuilt as FGW
Feb 42	New tank fitted to carry petrol classed FGWP  Shell Co Aust sent to Sarina (ANP & Co)
Nov 43	Reclassed FGW water truck
May 85	Written off

 

872	B.Babbidge 1884. Built as 4 wheel “T” Ballast wagon
Aug 1910	Fitted with tank Classed TW.
Jul 39	Tank removed, 6in side fitted for goods tfe classed “FR”
Jul 46	4” x 2” sides and end rails fitted. Normanby
Sep 51	Reclassed RF Ips
Nov 59	Written Off

 

895	B.Babbidge 1884
Jun 1904	Rebuilt as FC and shipped to Mackay
Jul 23	Transferred to Cairns
Sep 71	Written off ND

 

948	Springall & Frost July 1884
Oct 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes.
Feb 62	Fitted with tarpaulin rings Ips
Oct 64	Converted to 2” drawgear
Mar 65	Written Off.

 

949	Springall & Frost July 1884
Nov 1090	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes.
Oct 13	Fitted with 3 ships tanks classed FW
Oct 14	Tanks removed, reclassed “F”
Feb 56	Fitted with spring door stops & tarpaulin rings
Jan 68	Written off

 

960	Springall & Frost 1884
Nov 1905	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Apr 1910	Altered to carry pigs. Classed FP
Jan 50	Observed Mayne stamped 960 one end and 690 the other.
Mar 58	Written Off Normanby

 

963	Springall & Frost 1884
Feb 1911	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Oct 13	Fitted with 3 ships tanks. Classed FW
Nov 14	Tanks removed. Classed F
Apr 15	Fitted with 3 ships tanks, 4x4x4 = 400 galls. Classed FW
Apr 23	Tanks removed. Classed “F”
Apr 53	Written Off

 

981	Springall & frost 1884
Oct 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes.
Sep 39	Converted into a runner. Classed RF
Feb 52	Written off

 

1300	Queensland Car Co 1886
Jan 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Sep 14	Fitted with 2” hooks
Jan 52	Retared Mayne 3.7 to 3.4. first thought it was a “T” wagon
Oct 65	Written off

 

1303	Queensland Car Co March 1886
Jan 1911	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Oct 13	Fitted with 3 ship tanks. Classed FW
Nov 14	Tanks removed. Classed “F”
Jan 72	Written Off

 

1308	Queensland Car Co. April 1886
Jan 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
May 65	Converted to “FC” for cane traffic Tve
Dec 71	Written Off

 

1318	Queensland Car Co May 1886
Oct 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Mar 28	Rebuilt, body x 3682, u/frame x 3049 as a double door “F”
Apr 40	Re-lettered “FS” Tare 3T 18c to 4T 2c. Ips
Jun 64	Written Off

 

1354	B. Babbidge Nov 1886
Dec1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jun 13	Two doors fitted each side, W/H brakes removed, Shipped Mackay
Jul 27	Westinghouse brakes fitted R’ton
May 71	Written off

 

1493	Hancock Bros Aug 1888
Oct 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Sep 19	Rebuilt Ipswich W/shop
Jun 55	Spring door stops & Tarpaulin rings fitted Ips
May 65	Written off

 

1513	Hancock Bros. Sep 1887
Feb 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Apr 10	Converted to carry pigs classed FP
Feb 20	Converted to “F” wagon
May 65	Written off. Cairns

 

1528	Hancock Bros Oct 1887
Jan 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
May 12	Side & ends removed for timber runner classed RF Ips
Aug 50	Written Off

 

1529	Hancock Bros. Oct 1887
Jan 1910	Westinghouse brakes fitted
Sep 55	Wagon in Com Eng stencilled 1529 & 1592. Branded Ips 6.54
Jun 68	Written off

 

1542	Hancock Bros Oct 1887
Dec 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Apr 10	Converted to carry pigs classed FP
Feb 52	Written off. Ips. Stencilled ‘Condemned’ ‘Shops wagon’
May 66	Brunt Ipswich W/shop

 

1570	Hancock Bros Sep 1888
Oct 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jun 64	Convert to “FC” Tve.
Oct 86	Written off

1659	Hancock Bros Jam 1910
Jun 61	Written off R’ton.
Jan 77	Runner with number RF 39635

 

1683	Ipswich W/shop. Jan 1943. RF rebuilt from V1683
Oct 59	Written off

 

1791	H. Hyde Aug 1893
Jan 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Oct 75	Written off Tve.

 

1803	Hancock Bros 1889
Dec 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Apr 12	Sides & ends removed for timber runner. Classed runner in 1930
Jun 36	Convert to “T” wagon
May 64	Written off

 

1849	Hancock Bros 1889
Dec 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Nov 11	Converted to FW Tank 13’6”x5’x3’5.
Jul 34	Tank removed, 6” sides fitted for goods Tfc classed “FR”
Mar 40	Classed as a runner “RF”
Sep 45	Appears wagon originally “T” lettered “RT”
Sep 45	Lettering altered “RT to “RF”
Oct 59	Written off.

 

2103	1904 “FC” Cane Wagon ordinally “R” wagon transferred to Mackay
July 44	Wheel base extended to 10’ 6”
Feb 69	Written off

2107	1904 “FC” Cane Wagon ordinally “R” wagon transferred to Mackay
Oct 12	Fitted with posts & rails Mackay
Apr 23	Transferred to Innisfail
Dec 50	Derailed & Damaged Bloomsbury, Repaired & returned to Service 2/51
Nov 60	Written off Bowen

 

2267	Tooth & Co 1884
Jun1904	Rebuilt as “FC” and shipped to Mackay
Sep 29	Altered to “T” wagon  Tv
Mar 60	Modified to Plough Wagon (Mt Ias Project fund)
Jul 72	Written off

 

2293	Tooth & Co 1884. Built as a “T” ballast wagon
Mar 27	Converted to “TT” dump wagon
Nov 42	Converted to “F” wagon
Nov 73	Written off

2478	Ipswich W/shops 1942. Rebuilt “V” wagon as “FS”
Sep 53	Reclassed “F” Wacol
Jun 61	Reclassed “F” Spring door stops & Tarpaulin rings fitted Ips.
Jun 69	Written off

Another block of cards were repair cards showing dates that wagons went into shops and departing with the repairs carried. Tons of information, but much use to the modeller. One card showed a wagon had been to the workshop 25 times in one year.

 

2737	Rockhampton Workshops In Service 1878
Jun 69	Written off

 

2746	Rockhampton Workshops In Service 1878
Feb 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jul 25	Fitted with wheels 8x4 journals, classed “FF”
Mar 28	Rebuilt with double doors classed “F”
Jan 41	Classed “FS”
Jan 43	Reclassed “F” Tare 4T 0c
Jul 54	Reclassed “FS”
May 61	Reclassed “F”  Tare 3T 19c
Mar 63	Reclassed “FS” Tare 4T 4c
Jan 70	Written off

 

3032	Queensland Carriage Co 1887 for Mackay Railway
May 60	Spring door stops and tarpaulins rings fitted
Dec	Written off

 

3137	Ipswich W/shop 1880 for Northern Railway
Apr 59	Spring door stops & Tarpaulin rings fitted
Aug 64	Written off

 

3188	Townsville Workshops
Nov 1911	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jan 25	Fitted with tarpaulin rings
Jan 77	Converted to Shunt Runner classed RF (Rton)
Mar 81	Written off

3396	Springall & Frost 1889. Built as a “T” wagon for the Cairns Rly
Feb 1906	Rebuilt as a “Q” wagons by W. Roberton Tve
Apr 12	Altered to “FC”
Aug 15	3 ship tanks fitted, classed “FCW”
Apr 17	Tanks removed classed FC
Jun 62	Written off

 

3472	Queensland Carriage Co 1889   Built as “F”
Jun 1934	Written off

 

3478	Queensland Carriage Co 1889   Built as “F” Normanton
Sep 1921	Written off

 

3518	Queensland Carriage Co 1891   Built as “F”  Southern
Oct 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jul 15	Fitted with 3 ship’s tanks (4’) classed FW
Mar 18	Reclassed “F”
Aug 70	Written off

 

3566	Hancock Bros 1892 Built as “F” wagon.
Dec 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Sep 40	Fitted with spring door stops
Sep 68	Written Off

 

4147	Townsville Shops 1915 Built as “DF” Dump wagon
May 38	Converted to “T” wagon
Jun 67	Written Off

4640	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1898 “DF” Wagon
Jan 1911	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Sep 73	Written Off

 

4679	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1898 “DF” Wagon
Dec 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jul 71	Written Off

4733	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1898 “DF” Wagon
Nov 1910	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes.
Feb 60	Written Off

 

4754	Wm. Robertson Townsville “DF” Wagon
Dec 1913	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Feb 73	Written Off

4854	Burns & Twigg, Rockhampton 1898  “F” wagon. Mackay Railway
	Fine of £20 reflected for late delivery of 20 these wagons
Feb 1923	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes.
Aug 43	Movable stanchions in lieu of fixed
Jan 53	Classed “FS”
Jun 53	Reclassed “F”
Mar 66	Written off

 

5044	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1899 “F” Wagon. two doors each side
Jun 1927	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes. Rebuilt as a standard “F”
Aug 57	Repaired Com Eng
Jul 58	Repaired Com Eng
Jan 65	Written off

 

5085	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1899 “F” Wagon. two doors each side
Dec 1912	Rebuilt as “F’ wagon
Jan 23	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes.
Nov 26	Rebuilt as “F” wagon
Mar 51	Reclassed “FS”
Nov 51	Converted to “FW” Twba. Fitted with 2 Galv tanks 6”2” dia. x 4’1” high 1500 galls
Jun 54	Tanks removed reclassed “F”
Oct 61	Spring door stops & tarpaulin rings fitted
Aug 64	Written off

5144	Toowoomba Foundry Co. 1899 ‘F” wagon Southern
Oct 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse barkes
Dec 70	Written off

5217	Toowoomba Foundry Co. 1899 ‘F” wagon Southern
Jan 1911	Written off. Wagon could not be found. Number given to ALG 1915.

 

5243	Toowoomba Foundry Co. 1899 ‘F” wagon Southern
Oct 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Aug 63	Fitted with 2in drawgear
Jul 73	Written off

Workshop Shops wagon, side cut down.

 

5366	Geo Agnew & Co Nundah 1899. Built as “F”  S & C Railway
Nov 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Sep 72	Written off

 

5304	Geo Agnew & Co Nundah 1899. Built as “F”  S & C Railway
Dec 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Sep 58	Written off

 

5463	Geo Agnew & Co Nundah 1899. Built as “F”  S & C Railway
Oct 1909	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Jul 70	Written off

From 1969 onwards, goods wagons were painted grey.

Prior to this, goods wagons were “Red Oxide”, ballast & coal hoppers, timber (S), water and steel wagons were painted black. Some departmental (wagons conveyed stores etc.) were painted a dark grey and stenciled to identify customer. I.e. Ipswich W/shops to Mayne Loco.  

 

5964	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1900 Built as “H” Wagon.
Mar 26	Rebuilt as “F” wagon
Feb 44	Reclassed “FS”
Apr 49	Reclassed “F”
Nov 61	Reclassed “FS”
Jul 66	Written off

 

6017	Toowoomba Foundry Co. 1900 Built as “DF”   Cairns Rly
Jan 67	Written Off

 

6068	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1900 “F” Wagon. S&C Rly
	Fine of £20 reflected for late delivery of 200 wagons.
Dec 71	Written off

6078	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1901 “F” Wagon. S&C Rly
May 10	Altered to carry pigs classed “FP”   Ips W/s
Feb 20	Converted back to “F” wagon
Oct 72	Written off

 

6267	Phoenix Engineering & R.S. Co 1901 “F” Wagon. S&C Rly
Apr 74	Written off

I think this photo is from the State Archives collection. Some publications show this as a load as wheat, I feel if it was the wagon of wheat, the wagon would be grossly overloaded. I think the load is chaff, stock feed. 

 

6430	Toowoomba Foundry Co 1901 Built as “F” wagon   S & C Rly
	Fine of £50 reflected for late delivery of 100 wagons.
Mar 69	Written off

 

6438	Toowoomba Foundry Co 1901 Built as “F” wagon   S & C Rly
Jun 40	Two having same number at Maryborough.
Jun 51	F 6438A given 19494
Mar 67	Written off

6531	G. Agnew & Co 1901 Built as “F” wagon   S & C Rly
Jun26	Rebuilt as “FM”
Nov 41	Class check and found to be correct.
Oct 71	Written off

 

6731	Shillito & Son 1902 Built as “F” wagon
Mar 58	Written off

 

7009	Toowoomba Foundry Co. 1902. Built as “F” wagon
	Wagon fitted 33½ in wheels with 8 x 4 journals. Tare 4T 12c Carry 11T 8c
Dec 25	Reclassed “FF”
Jan 59	“W” guards strengthened Com Eng
Nov 70	Written off

 

7022	Toowoomba Foundry Co. 1902. Built as “F” wagon
Apr 12	Sides & Ends removed to be a “runner”
Aug 46	Modified into Portable Saw Mill No. 1
Jun 57	Converted to “FF” Tve
Sep 71	Written Off Twba

7108	Bundaberg Foundry Co. 1902. Built as “F” wagon
Jan 24	Reclassed “FF”
Nov 53	Repaired by Napier Bros Dalby
Sep 64	Written Off

7119	Ipswich W/shop 1902 Built as “TW”
	Tank 15’ 6” x 6’ 0½” x 4’ side & end delivery 2400 galls
Oct 44	Re lettered “WT”
Nov 44	Reclassed “FFW”
Mar 54	Derailed Aldoga
Nov 56	Tank condemned, converted to platform wagon classed “FFP”
May 63	Written off

FFW on Rockhampton to Mackay shunt train 37 1967.

 

7123	Ipswich W/shops 1902 Built as ?? water truck
May 44	Classed as “WT”. same year reclassed “FFW”
Aug 56	Converted to platform wagon classed “FFWP”
Sep 64	Written off

 

7316	Ipswich W/shops 1905 Built as “FG” wagon
May 12	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Apr 59	Fitted with 2 in drawgear
Dec 71	Written off

FG loaded with empty 44gal drums. Full drums are loaded upright.

 

7330	Ipswich W/shops 1906 Built as “FG” wagon
Aug 12	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Dec 15	Fitted with tank 19’ x 6’ x 3’ classed “FGW”
Jul 50	Converted to Flat-Top classed “FGWP”
Oct 51	Tank fitted to UW 5567
Aug 53	Derailed and damaged Ogmore
May 57	Re-lettered “FGP”
Oct 63	Written off

 

7366	Ipswich W/shops 1907 Built as “FG” wagon
Jan 12	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Dec 42	Temp converted to “WFG” R’ton
Oct 48	Fitted with new tank classed “FGW”
Jan 65	Fitted with new 2125 gall tank Com Eng
Oct 86	Written off.

 

7395	Ipswich W/shops 1907 Built as “FG” wagon
Jan 12	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
	Carried the following classifications FG, FGW, FGWP, FGR, FGW
Jun 83	Written off

 

7399	Ipswich W/shops 1907 Built as “FG” wagon
Dec 11	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Nov 15	Fitted with tank classed “FGW”
Oct 25	Tank removed for wheat traffic classed “FGWC”
Apr 26	Tank replaced
Jun 79	Derailed Bundaberg
Oct 83	Derailed Quilpie
Feb 86	Derailed Mitchell
Jun 86	Written off

 

7415	Ipswich W/shops 1907 Built as “FG” wagon
Nov 11	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
1935	Wagon altered and fitted with 4 x 500 gall tanks to convey power alcohol Sarina to Whinstanes a/c Caltex.
Aug 42	Tanks removed Classed “FGP”
Mar 52	Written off

 

7416	Ipswich W/shops 1905 Built as “F” wagon  Mackay Rly
Mar 25	Brand “For use in Mackay Dist. only”
Aug 27	Rebuilt as standard “F” wagon R’ton
Sep 55	Repainted by Napier Bros Dalby
Jul 65	Written off Twba

 

7587	Ipswich W/shops 1907 Built as “FG” wagon   S&C Rly
Sep 55	Derailed Mackay West
Aug 59	Spring door stops, tarpaulin rings, movable stanchions & 2” drawgear
Mar 67	Written Off

7589	Ipswich W/shops 1907 Built as “FG” wagon
Oct 55	Spring door stops & Tarpaulin rings fitted
Jul 60	Painted Grey stencilled on four corners “GM Stores Brisbane”
Aug 64	Written off
FG 7599	Similar, “GM Stores Brisbane, written off Sep 67.

 

7609	Ipswich W/shops 1907 Built as “FG” wagon
Nov 08	Sides raised to carry coke
Dec 08	Sides & Ends reduced in height 5’1½” to 4’4’.
Jan 22	Coke frame removed.
Aug 50	Drawgear altered to 2”, removable stanchions fitted
May 69	Written off

 

7708	Ipswich W/shops 1907 Built as “F” wagon, shipped to Mackay
Feb 23	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
Apr 58	Badly damaged ND and written off Feb 61.

My guess, this load would have been covered with a tarpaulin  

 

8925	Ipswich W/shops 1942 rebuilt from “V” to “F” wagon
Jul 58	Reclassed “FS”
May 72	Written off

 

8963	Ipswich W/shops 1909 Built as “FC” wagon. Mackay Rly / Cairns
Oct 69	Written off

 

9268	Roberton & Co Tve. 1910 Built as “FG” wagon
Jan 13	Altered to “FGM”
Jun 42	Written off

9309	Roberton & Co Tve. 1910 Built as “FG” wagon
Oct 67	Convert to “FGC” for chopped cane   (Did come off Sarina Area)
Jul 72	Converted to PG   (2ft tracks removed)
Dec 76	Written off

 

9314	Roberton & Co Tve. 1910 Built as “FG” wagon
Nov 40	Fitted with tank classed FGW  Twba
Jul 45	Turned up numbered 8377, Tank & Headstock numbered 9314. Renumbered 9314A
June 49	FGW 9314 & FGW 9314A on same train
Aug 59	FGW 9314 renumbered 25505
Jan 85	Written off

 

9674	Ipswich W/shops 1911. Built as “FGM”
Jun 58	Stencilled ‘Ipswich Loco Ash Only’
Aug 64	Written off

 

9763	Ipswich W/shops 1911. Built as Water Truck
Jul 17	Classed “FGW”
Sep 40	Classed “FGR” runner for crane 5667
Dec 72	Written off

 

9892	Ipswich W/shops 1911. Built as “FG”
Nov 55	Fitted with tarpaulin rings
Oct 70	Written off

 

9971	Ipswich W/shops 1911. Built as “FG’.
Nov 15	Fitted with tank classed “FGW”
Mar 56	Fitted with welded tanks, fabricated parts from England
May 91	Written off.

 

10000	Ipswich W/shops 1912. Built as “FG”
Nov 61	Fitted with tarpaulin rings
Oct 65	Written off.

10006	Ipswich W/shops 1912. Built as “FG”
May 38	Rebuilt as “FF”
Jun 65	Written off

 

10090	Robertson & Co T’ville. 1912 Built as “FG”
Dec 58	Fitted with spring door stops, tarpaulin rings & removable stanchions.
Jul 65	Written off

 

10879	Ipswich W/shops 1911. Built as “FGW”
Jul 39	Tank removed classed “FGR”
Apr 40	New tank fitted classed “FGW”
Feb 83	Written off

 

10952	Ipswich W/shops 1911. Built as “FC”. Materials shipped to Mackay
Feb 24	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes and 2in drawgear.
Jul 65	Written Off

 

10959	Ipswich W/shops 1911. Built as “FC”. Materials shipped to Mackay
Mar 24	Fitted with brake pipe.. Branded “for use Mackay Dist only”
Apr 29	Fitted with Westinghouse brakes
May 29	Rebuilt as 2 door “F” wagon
Jan 59	Reclassed “F” to “FS”
Mar 65	Converted to “FC”
Nov 71	Written off

 

11197	Toowoomba Foundry Co Built 1898.
Dec 1911	Purchased from Cairns Mulgrave T’way
Dec 20	Fitted with Westinghouse brake
Jun 37	Fitted with 2in drawgear
Aug 70	Written off Twba

 11199 – 11204 were purchased from Cairns Mulgrave Tramway.

 

11405	Ipswich W/shops 1913. Built as “FG”.
Sep 56	Written off
11501	Ipswich W/shops 1913. Built as “FG” Shipped to T’ville
Feb 15	Fitted with tank, classed “FGW’
Jul 54	Fitted with new tanks, parts from England.
Jul 84	Written off

 

11552	Ipswich W/shops 1914. Built as “FG”
Sep 43	Fitted with tank Classed “WFG”
Ded 45	Three G.I tanks were leaking badly. Tanks removed restated as “FG”
Mar 71	Written off

 

11555	Ipswich W/shops 1912. Built as “FGM”
Apr 58	Incorrectly stencilled “FG” M’boro
Feb 59	Written off

 

11603	Ipswich W/shops 1912. Built as “FGM”
Oct 62	Spring door stops fitted
Sep 69	Written off

 

F 11926 – 11940, FC 11941 – 11957 Purchased from Cairns Mulgrave T’way

FC 11958 – 11988 Purchased from Chillagoe Rly. 1911    

12231	Shillito & Son. 1914. Built as MG sheep wagon
Nov 13	Converted to PG
Oct 14	Converted back to MG
Jan 17	Converted to MGP
Jun 25	Reclassed MGR
Jul 36	Written Off

 

12501	Wm Roberston & Co 1914 Built as FC
Sep 44	Converted from “FC” to “F”
Feb 60	Reclassed “F” to “FS”
May 67	Written Off

 

12657	Shillito & Son. 1914. Built as “FG”
Nov 70	Written off

 

12718	Brown & Broad 1914. Built as “FG”
Sep 66	Reclassed “FGP” M’boro
May 69	Written off ND.

 

12719	Brown & Broad 1914. Built as “FG”
Nov 48	Converted to “FGW”
Jul 51	Fitted with pump hose Etc for Jubilee Art Train attached to Staff Car 920
Feb 84	Written Off

 

12878	Brown & Broad 1914. Built as “FG” and altered to “FGW”
Nov 56	“ For drinking purposes only, Brisbane District” Stencilled on red band.
Nov 85	Written Off. Card shows ARHS.

 

14477	Ipswich W/shops 1918. Built as “FGM”
May 67	Written Off

 

14497	Ipswich W/shops 1920. Built as “F”
Feb 66	Written off

 

14576	Ipswich W/shops 1920. Built as “F”
Jun 66	Written off

 

14725	Ipswich W/shops. 1921. Built as “FG” shipped to Cairns
May 50	Repaired by Napier Bros Dalby
Nov 77	Written off.

14725 – 14749 all shipped to Cairns

14771	Ipswich W/shops 1921. Built as “FG”
Dec 42	Converted to “WFG”. 3 G.I. Tanks fitted, end delivery only
May 43	Convert back to FG
Sep 61	Written off

14810	Ipswich W/shops 1921. Built as “FG”
May 30	Converted to “FGW”
Oct 59	Tank commend, converted to “FGP” (Flat top)
Oct 64	Written off

 

14958	Ipswich W/shops 1922. Built as “FG”
Feb 32	Converted to “FGC” for cane
Jan 43	Converted back to “FG”
Nov 44	Two wagons with the same number, One numbered 14958A
Oct 50	Written off

14980	Ipswich W/shops 1922. Built as “FG”
Oct 67	Converted to “FGC” for chopped cane. 2 ft cane tramway tracks
Feb 75	Written off

I recall two wagons coming to Mackay during the 67 sugar season, they spent most of their time sitting on the stop blocks. Carmilla area was still stick cane and was about to change over to chop cane. Plan 1 was to run the mill 2 ft wagons onto the QR wagons for a run to Sarina mill. Not sure if any consideration was given into how the 2ft wagons would be secured. A few years later bins were fitted to FJS wagons (CFJS). This was the last working for four wheeled wagons in the state ending in the early 1990’s.   

 

15024	Ipswich W/shops 1922. Built as “FG”
Aug 47	Written off

 

15343	Ipswich W/shops 1923. Built as “FG”
Nov 43	Fitted with tank. Emergency water supply Tve
Mar 44	Wagon returned to traffic
Mar 70	Written off

 

15485	Ipswich W/shops 1923. Built as “FG”
May 67	Written off

 

15870	Ipswich W/shops 1925. Built as “FG”
Oct 86	Written off

 

16192	Rockhampton W/shops 1924. Built as “FG”
Jan 72	Written off

 

16242	Evans Deakin & co 1924. Built as “FG”
Dec 58	Written off

 

16741	Evans Deakin & Co. 1925. Built as “FG”   (500 in one order)
Nov 70	Written off

 

17102	Rockhampton W/shops 1925. Built as “FM”
Jun 54	Repaired Com Eng Rocklea
Mar 68	Written off

 

17151	Rockhampton W/shops 1926. Built as “FM”
Aug 66	Written off

 

17502	Evans Deakin & Co 1925. Built as “FG”
Dec 66	Written off

18001	Evans Deakin & Co 1926. Built as “FG” (500 in one contract)
Jan 59	Written off

 

18112	Rockhampton W/shops. 1926. Build as “FM”
Jun 65	Written off

 

18136	Rockhampton W/shops. 1926. Build as “FM”
May 65	Written off

 

18757	Rockhampton W/shop 1927. Built as “FM”
Feb 58	Written off

 

18781	Rockhampton W/shops 1927. Built as “FM”
Aug 70	Written off

 

19119	Rockhampton W/shops 1928. Built as “FM”
Mar 72	Written off

 

19143	Rockhampton W/shops 1928. Built as “FM”
Jun 65	Written off

19426	Rockhampton W/shops 1929. Built as “FM”
Feb 53	Written off

 

19450	Rockhampton W/shops 1929. Built as “FM”
Oct 62	Spring door stops, tarpaulin rings fitted
Aug 66	Written off

19645	Ipswich W/shops 1939. Built as “FF” built on 10’ 6” frames Classed “FJ”
Oct 66	Written off

 

19646	Ipswich W/shops 1939 Built as “FF”. ridge pole & tarpaulins
Nov 52	Converted to “FFC” for bulk cement. Wunderlich Ltd
Jun 62	Written off

19710	Ipswich W/shops 1939. Built as “FF”
Jul 70	Written off

 

19711	Ipswich W/shops 1939. Built as FJ”
Aug 60	Written off

 

19740	Ipswich W/shops 1940. Built as “FF”
	Written off

 

19789	Ipswich W/shops 1940. Built as “FF”
Sep 42	Converted to Emergency Transport “FWF”
Feb 50	Converted back to “FF”
Jun 66	Written off

 

19815	Ipswich W/shops 1940. Built as “FF”
Jun 57	Written off

19864	Ipswich W/shops 1940. Built as “FF”
Jun 66	Written off

 

19895	Ipswich W/shops 1940. Built as “FF”
Feb 67	Written off

 

20024	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FF”
Jul 51	Fitted with 2 tanks, 7’ x 5’ x 5’ to convey power kerosene & Diesel. Caltex reclassed “OFF”.
Jun 53	Tanks removed, classed “FF”
Aug 66	Written off

 

20025	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FF”
Sep 46	Converted to carry bulk cement classed “FFC”
Jul 56	Converted back to “FF”
Apl 68	Written off.

The early “FF” wagons were built with centre ridge pole along the wagon for supporting a tarpaulin. 

 

20037	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FF”
Sep 42	Converted to “FWF” Emergency transport
Apl 50	Converted back to “FF”
Jul 72	Written off

 

20080	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FF”
Sep 62	Written off

 

20106	Ipswich W/shops 1940. Built as “FJ” from DF 4668
Mar 61	Written off

 

20107	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FJ” Replaces FG 12879
Feb 72	Written off

 

20110	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FJ”, Replaces H 3359
Nov 57	“W” guards strengthened Comm Eng
Nov 67	Written off

 

20121	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FJM”
Nov 57	Fitted with spring label holder & door stops
Sep 72	Written off

 

20170	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FJM”
Aug 66	Written off

20300	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FF”
Sep 42	Converted to “FWF” Emergency Transport
Apl 50	Converted back to “FF”
Mar 60	Written off

 

20319	Ipswich W/shops 1941. Built as “FF”
Jun 69	Written off

 

20450	Townsville W/shops 1942. Built as “FF”
Mar 54	Sulphuric acid tank transferred from FG 8476 Aust National Power Alchol
Jun 70	Written off

 

20460	Rockhampton W/shops 1942. Built as “FF”
Oct 65	Written off

 

20469	Rockhampton W/shops 1942. Built as “FF”
Jan 65	Written off

 

20708	Rockhampton W/shops 1942. Built as “FF”
Apl 70	Written off

20718	Townsville W/shops 1942. Built as “FF”
Aug 66	Written off

 

20778	Townsville W/shops 1943. Built as “FJ”
Sep 71	Written off ND

 

20788	Rockhampton W/shops 1943. Built as “FJ”
Mat 68	Written off

 

20797	Rockhampton W/shops 1943. Built as “FJ”
Aug 62	Written off Bowen

 

20900	Rockhampton W/shops 1943. Built as “FJ”
Mar 67	Written off Bowen

 

20910	Townsville W/shops 1943. Bulit as “FJ”
Oct 52	Removable stanchions & spring door stops fitted Ips
Aug 59	Written off

 

20919	Townsville W/shops 1943. Built as “FJ”
May 68	Written off

21420	Rockhampton W/shops 1944. Built as “FJ”
Sep 65	Written off

 

21439	Rockhampton W/shops 1944. Built as “FJ”
May 68	Written off

 

21445	Townsville W/shops 1944. Built as “FJ”
Oct 80	Written off

 

21464	Townsville W/shops 1944. Built as “FJ”
Feb 67	Written off

 

21765	Ipswich W/shops 1945. Built as “FJ”    (10 wagons)
Mar 72	Written off

 

21774	Ipswich W/shops 1945. Built as “FJ”
May 65	Written off

 

1952 the steel open wagon hit the rails, the FJS class which was the start of the end for the wooden wagons. An odd F wagon stayed around until the 1970’s as part of departmental wagon fleet. 

Not all wagons carrying an “F” classification came from the wooden “F” wagon.

FO 36273 Sand Wagon. Converted from condemned VJD 24219 wagon in 1983, W/O 91 Rockhampton.

Open goods wagons carried just about everything. Drums of fuel, tanks, machinery, motor cars, sleepers, coal, steel & concrete pipes etc. Some load types needed weather protection such as wool, hay, general store goods, tarpaulins were used. 

To assist employee, loading diagram were available in the General Appendix. Not all loads would have been a full load.

Wool loads.

The 1962 General Appendix showed the following for wool. Size Length - 4 ft., 2ft 5 in. wide and 2ft 4 in height. Placing two rows of bales lengthwise on the top pier should be avoided, as the slight lean inwards forms a gutter or trough on top and when raining the water accumulates and enters where the sheets (traps) overlaps.  

The 1981 Loading and Securing manual shows the size of a bales as 4 ft. 6 ins (1370mm) in length, width and heights as 2 ft. 6 ins (760mm). The average mass being 152 kilograms (335 lbs.).

The following guidance was provided for loading chaff.

The 1991 Loading Manual only showed diagrams for 8 wheeled wagons, mainly HJS, HSA, HWA (32 ft.) wagons.

 At the end of steam in 1969, the following numbers of each class were still on the books.

 

Class	Numbers
FGW	158
FO	1
DF	57
F	633
FS	55
FG	461
FGM	51
FM	47
FJ	33
FJM	13
FF	158

 

Models.

A FF wagon with two rows of wool. Built many years ago, tarpaulin not to correct size.

Most of my “F” wagons were scratch built using styrene and Peco “BR” underframes available in the 1970’s. The underframes are a long way from home for QR wagons. The frame thickness was reduced and they were cut in half and reversed. Steam Era derin bearing are added to the axle boxes and metal wheels from various manufactures were used. QR wagons have inside springs, these have outside springs. So don’t look to hard. This wagon would be over 40 years old. An old handkerchief was used for the tarpaulin.     

This next wagon as two rows of wool, the second row is not a full row. 

An “F” wagon with a full load.

 The next three wagons including the “DF” are Wuiske kits.

The next three wagons are 3 D printed manufacture by Scale Rail Qld, purchased at the 2025 Brisbane Model Train Show.  

The next batch of 12 wagons were built a few months ago using PECO underframes and parts in the cupboard. The underframes were not cut down making the floors a bit high, thus all have tarpaulins to hide the high floor. All wagons were weighted to 27 grams.

Tarps on these wagons were made from used washed tea bags. The tea bags were cut to size and painted with Vallejo Model color # 70-922 Uniform Green and/or # 70-942 Light Green.

Trap numbers were home made using an ink jet printer. Decals are a mixed of manufactures found in the decal draw.   

The FFW were build a few years back using PECO underframes and styrene.

The FJ wagons were built many years ago using PECO underframes and styrene sheet. This first wagon is a wool load using a paper tissue for the tarpaulin as a trial.

This first batch of FG wagons are Chivers Fine scale kits, the buffers were replaced with Caintode Flats parts

This wagon is usually attached to a Camp Wagon for a plant operator. Portable toilet, shower, drums of fuel, toolbox and other machinery parts used by a grader working on drainage beside the track.  

 The next batch of FG are scratch built using Caintode Flats bogie and parts and styrene.

If modelling an era, car/vehicle need to be from the same era.

 

At the start it was planned to cover the full “F” wagon group of wagons, but the early history of the wooden wagons was so complex, I guess they were around for 100 years. I will come back the steel (FJS) open wagons later on. My apologies for such a long-winded post.

 

It’s been a busy month, just before we left for a two week cruise the SDS/CGL 1620 locomotives arrived in the mail.  What a smart looking engine that is and runs great.

Some footage of them on the Layout. 

Next month we will look at a project that has been on the “To Do” list for a long time. QR heavy haul Drop Centre PWZ wagon.

Enjoy the hobby and as they were saying on our cruise, make every day a “Fun Day”

Arthur H.  
  

Acknowledgements.
QR Plans
QR Weekly Notices
QR General Appendix’s
AMRA Qld Library
Photos from various Modelers and Historians
Queensland State Library.     
Wooden Wagons of the Queensland Railways 1880 – 1980. John Armstrong