BPV Explosives Van

Still single compartment BPV 25736 at Clyde Yd on 19/9/73. John Miller

This group of BPV vans were converted from MBC type covered vans. During conversion, the ice roof compartment was removed, and the interior divided into two compartments. The larger compartment was 10m long and was designated for explosive substances. The smaller compartment was 1.6m long and was where the detonators were packed.

Builders: 8 vans were converted by the railways from the Commonwealth Engineering batch of 75 vans built between 1948-50. Van numbers were: 25708, 25733, 25736, 25740, 25741, 25748, 25762 and 25765.

Length: 11.58m Tare: 29t Gross: 62t Equiv Length: 2 Capacity: 22t of explosives, 11t of detonators.

Bogies: 2AE.

Coding:

- Originally coded BPV, some were recoded NZPA after 1979.

Colour Scheme:

- First conversions were painted PTC Blue.

- Later conversions and those overhauled were painted SRA Red with black underframe.

Period of Service: These vans replaced the MCV converted vans in 1974 to lasted until the late 1980’s.

Operation: They were used exclusively to transport dynamite and detonators from the Dupont Explosives plant at Bogan Gate to mine and quarry sites across NSW. The vans were also noted to be loaded in Tocumwal with explosives from Victorian manufacturers.

Modelling:

- a HO scale kit is available from AR Kits from the ex LMR range.

- SDS Models produced an RTR HO model in 2016.

Further reading:

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BPV 25733 at Albury in 1979. Rob O’Regan

BPV 25765 towards the end of it service life. Photographer Unknown

NZPA 25741 in storage at Tocumwal. Photographer Unknown