Twelve (12) QLX wagons were converted to Power Cars. One even finding its way interstate onto the standard gauge network.
Three were classified QLP class and were used on rail recovery rail sets to provide power to electric cranes. The sets consisted of a QLP power car, QRGE wagon, five QRG wagons and another QRGE wagon, The QRG wagons were converted from QFX/C class platform wagons. All up the set was 127.8 metres long and was used to pick up part worn rail trackside and relocate the rail to another location somewhere on the network. QR plans suggest there were two types. I never saw these sets in operation, plans suggest there were other types of QRG wagons with different booms as well.
Wagon
Plans shows the following information. QLX 37035 was converted in 1985, and
QLX’s 32581 and 32582 in 1991. By the early 1990’s, first contract QLX’s brake
system was “old hat” and was causing issues at the end of longer freight
services now in operations, coupled with the down turn in box wagon usage due
to containers, these wagons were the “go to” wagon for new traffic types. Maybe,
one day I should cover the QLX story, they have a long history.
QLP 37035
The other type, half cabin.
QLP 32582
QRG wagon
|
QLP 37035 |
|
|
Dec 73 |
In
service as QLX |
|
Oct 85 |
Classed
as QLXP |
|
Dec 85 |
Converted
to QLP |
|
QLP 32581 |
|
|
Jan 65 |
In
Service as GLC, reclassified QLX same year.
|
|
Aug 72 |
Fitted
with auto couplers, classified QLXT |
|
Oct 88 |
Red
diamond replaced with red circle. Passenger train status removed. |
|
Jun 91 |
Converted
to QLP |
|
QLP 32582 |
|
|
Jan 65 |
In
Service as GLC, reclassified QLX same year. |
|
Oct 78 |
Fitted
with auto couplers and bifurcated brake pipes, classified
QLXT |
|
Jun 91 |
Converted
to QLP |
Other QLX’s were converted for A/C train operations and for powering refrigerated containers. These were given carriage numbers.
|
MPC/W 1917 |
|
|
Sep 76 |
In
Service as QLX 39127 |
|
Sep 81 |
Converted
to MLBC 1917 |
|
Jun 88 |
Converted
to MPC/W |
|
|
|
MPC/W
1917 was painted in “M” cars colours (White Mail)
In later years the wagon was painted in Corporate colours.
QPC/W 1917 on the Westlander. As far as I’m aware, this carriage was only an 80 Kmph runner.
|
MPC/W 1918 |
|
|
Aug 76 |
In
Service as QLX 39104 |
|
Sep 81 |
Converted
to MLBC 1918 |
|
Nov 88 |
Converted
to MPC/W |
|
Mar 91 |
Reclassified
to QPS |
|
Dec 98 |
Reclassified
to QPSR |
|
2001 |
Reclassified
to QPSY (NCL 100 Km/h upgrade) |
|
2003 |
Converted
to standard gauge for Interail (Casino – Fisherman Island container frozen
meat) |
|
Aug 2007 |
Scrapped.
|
I’m
not aware the reason for the QPSR classification, the date coincides with the
North Coast Line (NCL) 100 Kmph running upgrade project. Could be to identify
wagons for the Sea Freighters services, group ownership, ”R” for refrigerated??.
The
QPSY classification, “Y” indicates a 100 Kmph runner.
|
MPC/W 1919 |
|
|
Jul 76 |
In
Service as QLX 39088 |
|
Feb 82 |
Converted
to MLBC 1919 |
|
Feb 89 |
Converted
to MPC/W |
|
Mar 91 |
Reclassified
to QPS |
|
Dec 98 |
Reclassified
to QPSR |
|
2001 |
Reclassified
to QPSY (NCL 100 Km/h upgrade) |
|
MPC/W 1920 |
|
|
Jul 76 |
In
Service as QLX 39094 |
|
Feb 83 |
Converted
to MLBC 1920 |
|
Apr 89 |
Converted
to MPC/W |
|
Mar 91 |
Reclassified
to QPS |
|
Feb 2000 |
Withdrawn
from service |
|
MPC/W 1937 |
|
|
Mar 76 |
In
Service as QLX 38548 |
|
Jun 87 |
Reclassified
QLXW |
|
Oct 88 |
Red
diamond replaced with red circle. |
|
Jan 91 |
Converted
to MPC/W |
|
Mar 91 |
Converted
to QPS |
|
Dec 98 |
Reclassified
to QPSR |
|
2001 |
Reclassified
to QPSY (NCL 100 Km/h upgrade) |
|
MPC/W 1938 |
|
|
Mar 76 |
In
Service as QLX 38544 |
|
Jul 87 |
Reclassified
QLXW |
|
Nov 88 |
Red
diamond replaced with red circle. |
|
Mar 91 |
Converted
to QPS |
|
Dec 98 |
Reclassified
to QPSR |
|
2001 |
Reclassified
to QPSY (NCL 100 Km/h upgrade) |
|
2010 – 13 |
Stored
Rockhampton |
History
card for QLX 38544 does not show conversion to QPS.
QSPY 1938 Townsville (Corporate Logo).
|
MPC/W 1939 |
|
|
Sep 76 |
In
Service as QLX 39117 |
|
Sep 87 |
Reclassified
QLXW |
|
Sep 88 |
Red
diamond replaced with red circle. |
|
Sep 91 |
Converted
to QPS |
|
2001 |
Reclassified
to QPSY (NCL 100 Km/h upgrade) |
|
2010 - 13 |
Stored
Rockhampton |
Two QPSY were withdrawn Jan 2003.
|
MPC/W 1940 |
|
|
Mar 76 |
In
Service as QLX 38546 |
|
Jun 87 |
Reclassified
to QLXW |
|
Oct 87 |
Reclassified
to QLX |
|
May 88 |
Red
diamond replaced with red circle. |
|
Oct 91 |
Converted
to QPS 1940 |
|
Feb 2000 |
Withdrawn
from service |
|
MPC/W 1941 |
|
|
Jun 71 |
In
Service as QLX 34864 |
|
Jun 87 |
Reclassified
to QLXW |
|
Jan 91 |
Converted
to MPC/W |
|
Oct 91 |
Reclassified
QPS |
|
Feb 2000 |
Withdrawn
from service |
MPC/W 1917 was mainly used by Traveltrain on smaller services.
It was also used with Trade Trains.
This trade train has two MPC/W power cars.
The
other power cars were used on North Coast Line Sea Freighter services between
Fisherman Islands to Biloela and Townsville to power refrigerated containers on
QFCR wagons. By the mid 1990’s, power pack containers were being introduced and
by the year 2010, most QPSY wagons were not required.
A
number of other QLX’s were painted for A/C train operations. Train Notice 933
dated the 13th April 1984 showed four (4) QLXs being withdrawn from
general traffic and specially modified for exclusive use on the “Capricorn”
service between Brisbane and Rockhampton. The modification includes the removal
internal battens, addition of sidelight brackets for trailing purposes and
repainted in white and blue colours to conform with AC consists. Numbers of
wagons are: QLX 37042, 39459, 39442, 32515.
|
QLXP 39442 |
|
|
May 77 |
In
service as QLX |
|
Aug 80 |
Partition
modified. (# Note below) |
|
Oct 82 |
Derailed
St Laurance area |
|
May 84 |
Side
light brackets fitted |
|
Oct 84 |
Reclassed
QLXP |
|
Oct 94 |
Reclassed
QLDP |
(# Note). A centre partition divided the wagon into two compartments, A & B. Battens in the roof section were removed to allow long light items to be loaded as top loading.
QLXP 39459 Roma Street.
|
QLXP 39459 |
|
|
Jun 77 |
In
service as QLX |
|
Jul 78 |
Derailed
Cooroy – Eumundi Section |
|
Aug 84 |
Side
light brackets fitted |
|
Oct 84 |
Reclassed
QLXP |
|
Dec 94 |
Reclassed
QLDP |
These maybe the first QLXP wagons, not the differences in the roof and logos colours.
QLXP wagons came about due to change in specification for wheelsets for passenger trains following a number of issues on freight services. The new standard required a solid wheel that needed to be ultrasonic tested every 3 months. All QLX wagons entered service displaying a red diamond making them available for passenger and express freight train operations at 50 mph and after 1972 that became 80 Kmph due to metric measure being introduce to our part of the world. In 1985 all QLX’s had their red diamond replaced with a red circle making available for express freight trains only. QLX wagons used on passenger trains had new wheels fitted to meet the requirements and reclassified QLXP, plus they scored a new paint job to make then fit in a little better on the passenger trains. These wagons displayed a red diamond. A few years later it was decided that all QLXP would have the same brake equipment resulting in some reverting back to red circle wagons.
I’m aware of one QLXH being painted in A/C train corporate colours.
Small White Mails on the QR Network.
Train “8S” crossing the Angellala Creek approaching
Westgate.
Cunnamulla – Charleville section.
In
1964 a CMIS “Ice” wagon was modified into a Power/Refrigerated Car MPR class,
this car was added to the train in Toowoomba and conveyed chilled goods and took
on a second role between Charleville and Quilpie as a power car for the
carriages previously left in Charleville and provided an air condition service
to Quilpie. The train consisted of a MCL “Composite Lavatory Sitting Car” (Car
8), MBC Baggage Car, MPR Power/Refrigerated Car. At first a wooden guards van
was used on the train. QLX wagons were also added to the train. The train was
known by locals as “The Flying Flea”.
The Flying Flea” train 98 leaving “Westgate” for Quilpie.
Over time the train did change, following the Binadango derailment in November 1987 were the MPR was written off, an “R” class refrigerated wagon and PCR power pack was used to do the job.
Train 3Q84 cross the Warrego River at Westgate. Quilpie Branch.
Other changes included replacing the wooden van with a steel van, then no van and later again a MCS composite sleeping car was added to the train. 1720 locos replaced 1700's
Loco 1707 at Charleville off the Quilpie train is awaiting
the arrival of the Westlander from Cunnamulla to attach their train into the
Westlander.
Westlander arriving from Cunnamulla.
Who said you can’t have operations running passenger trains.
Another
small A/c train was the Daylight Rail Tour, a five (5) day trip between
Brisbane and Cairns travelling during daylight only.
Power
pack (PYCR or PCR class), two (2) sitting cars and a MBV steel van, this train
included a MLBC baggage car as well. In peak periods addition sitting car was
added. This train replaced the non-air-condition 2000 class rail cars.
2000 class Rail Car. Mayne 1968.
Then, there
are specials that ran, below is a “Winelander” leaving Wallangarra on an AHRS
train.
From
time to time there were test trains for new carriages. The new “L” cars did a
test run between Rocklea and Beenleigh before entering service.
Photo
R. White. Train leaving Beenleigh on the return.
If
modelling today railway, the “Westlander” and Inlander services are still
running, a much smaller train than them “hay days” of the 60’s and 70’s.
The “M” cars are now all out of service and all trains are
made up with “L” cars.
The train consists of a power car, crew car and two sitting cars. Still running on an overnight timetable???
How about some modellers licence, a western day train for the layout, the “Mulgalander”. We can show the government of the day how to run a train service that people could use.
Model. Frist up, we need a power car to keep the lights on and everyone cool for a comfortable ride. From above you have guessed it, an MPC/W power car.
Model chosen for the project is a “Wuiske Models” QLX wagon. Some modifications were required, cutting out the fuel tank section, the exhaust duct in the roof and closing off some louvered panels. As an extra, the lights on the side were going to work.
To
make the mods a bit easier, I needed to break into the wagon. At first, it
looked like the floor would come out, no that didn’t work. Playing around a bit
more the roof looked to be a separate section, bingo that was a winner.
Pressing in on one end releases the clips holding the roof on.
Sections were cut out for the fuel tank filler and the exhaust duct, brass screen (woven mess) was used for the exhaust duct.
Louvered
panel were fill in to make a later contract QLX, 5 thou styrene sheet was used.
My
old method used from painting locos was to paint the lining colour first and
mask that off. May be not the best way to apply various colours starting off
with a darkish colour to be followed by white. Some time back I was given some
Jammdog micro masking tape, 1 mm, .75 mm and .5 mm wide. I decided that the .5
mm looked to be near to the correct size.
Not
the best move, the masking tape has a plastic backing and will not flex to cover
the up and down across uneven surfaces.
To fix the problem I recalled a mate saying he uses decal paper sprayed with paint cut into strips for lining. I should have stripped the whole thing and started again, no, it will look OK from a couple of feet away, I continued on and paid the price.
Brass
tube was used to form the side lights. SMD 0603 LED’s were used to light them
up. The leads ran down the inside of the wagon in styrene tube, a small section
at the top was cut away to form a backing for the LED, that also assist in
placing the LED in front of the light socket. The lights are powered with a
2032 button battery, a latching reed switch with a magnet turns the lights on
and off. A 2.2 K resistor was placed in the circuit to reduce the brightness of
the LED’s. Micro Kristal Klear was used to glaze the lights. The layout is DC,
thus the battery for continuous lighting.
The
rest of the wagon was left as it, the WF triple value was painted silver. The
triple is a cast alloy and is silver in colour. It reminds me which side of the
reed switch is located on.
Decal
rivets were used on the engine hatches. Full length Caintode Flats buffers were
used, they don’t cause any issues on the layout.
Only
light weathering was applied, mainly fuel spill around the fuel tank filler,
being part of the passenger train fleet they would have been washed regularly. Somewhere
down the track a couple of “Power Car” decals need to be added.
At
the same time a Guards Van was completed for the train.
A
TVG guards van kit was purchased from Caintode Flats and painted in “M” cars
colours giving me a MBV van. The van was weathered a bit more than the power
car in an attempt to cover up my stuff ups. Information on these vans can be
found in April 2022 posting. Looking at the crew compartment (L/H end), I not
sure if porting staff would be over happy loading luggage (suitcases, bags
etc.) into that end of the van twisting around threw a small door.
Paint.
PGC
Scale Models have three colours shown as early diesel based on 1966 colours.
The bottle of acrylic lacquer goes a long way thinning 2 to 1, the paint dry’s quickly in a gloss finish. I used their paint as follows.
QR Diesel Blue Used for the top blue strip above the windows.
QR Dawn Grey Used for the roof section.
QR Horizon Grey For me this colour is to dark. My understand
the white we see on the “M” cars is Dove Grey. I use this colour to knock down
the brightness of the QR Rollingstock White. Just a drop or two.
QR Rollingstock White As above.
All painting was done using my $ 80.00 rechargeable air brush. I also painted two kit locos at the same time. (These will follow in the next posting).
Decals. Decals used are a mix of what I could find in the decal box, some are from Ted Freeman, other are Wuiske Models I didn’t use from kits. For the MBV some supplied with the kit were used along with some homemade Inkjet.
Weathering.
After the decals were set and dry the model was sprayed with Testors Glosscote.
Before using the glosscote I sit the bottle in a tub of hot water, then thin 1
for 1. Weathering does give that in service appearance.
Vallejo
Model Air (water-based acrylic) colours are used, the paint is thinned to a
wash consistency and sprayed with a low air pressure. The photo highlights the
difference a bit of weathering makes to your models.
Some time back, a Wuiske Models QLX was painted in QLXP colours.
Lesson Learnt. Stop fooling myself that paint can cover your mistakes.
Trust, you find the information helpful and assist you with your modelling ventures. Construction method and materials can be used for any scale or prototype.
It’s that time of the
year again, another year has passed. We here at Westgate wish you all a Blessed
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. We looking forward to
catch up with many of you in the New Year.
Arthur H.
Acknowledgements.
Australian Model Railway
Association Queensland Library
QR Plans
Queensland State Archives
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