BME Flat Wagon

BME 31600. All photos Rob O’Regan.

These flat wagons are feature a 3ft collapsible bulkhead fitted at each end. The wagon has a heavy outer frame that gives the vehicle high capacity and unique appearance. There are provisions for 6 stanchions on each side.

They were designed as a stronger version of the MLE type wagon for use as sheet steel carrying vehicles. The end bulkheads were incorporated into the design after a few incidents involving steel sheets moving in transit on MLE’s.

Builder:

A.Goninan built 50 wagons during 1962. They were numbered 31561-31610.

Length: 13.72m Tare: 22t Capacity: 51t Gross: 73t Equiv Length: 2.2

Bogies: Originally fitted with 2CG bogies. Bogie exchange conversions were fitted with XCF bogies.

Coding:

- As introduced, they were coded BME.

- Those fitted with exchange bogies were coded BMX.

- After 1979, they were recoded NFFF. Bogie exchange version was coded NFFX.

Colour Scheme:

- As introduced, they were painted in the standard Gunmetal grey all over. Lettering was white.

- They do not appear to have been painted in any other colour scheme.

Modifications: Some wagons had their collapsible bulkheads welded up.

Period of Service: 1962 - 1991

Operation:

As these vehicles had a high capacity, they were used for steel and other heavy consignments all over the state and interstate.

Modelling:

A model would have to be scratchbuilt.

BME 31599 with XCF bogies.

BME 31605 at Albury with a heavy load of tractors.

A NFFX in steel traffic. Steven Pracy photo.