JLX/JLY Louvred Van

New JLX 33801 at Redfern in 1969. SRA Photo

These vans were the first large louvred vans built as part of a goods rollingstock rehabilitation program that the PTC introduced to replace the fleet of ‘steam era’ rollingstock they inherited. The vans were built to a new ‘high cubic capacity’ design, which was developed to cater for the growing trend of palletised loads, loaded with forklift trucks.

They feature fully louvred sides and outside-hung double sliding doors in the middle of each side. They were designed to operate at express goods train speeds up to 115km/h.

The first 20 vans were the first goods rollingstock to be fitted with ‘Freight Master SP-E7’ drawgear. This drawgear has a built in hydraulic cushioning to reduce train shock and provide a smoother ride for the van’s contents.

Builders:

135 vans were built by Tulloch Ltd in 1969-70 and were numbered 33801-33935.

Length: 17.07m Tare: 28t Capacity: 47t Gross: 75t

Bogies: JLX – 2CL, JLY – 2CM.

Coding:

- As introduced, they were coded JLX.

- In 1974-75, some were fitted with 2CM bogies and recoded JLY.

- In 1980, the vans coded JLX were recoded NLJX, and the JLY’s were recoded NLJY.

Colour Scheme:

- As introduced, all vans were painted PTC Blue body, white roof with black underframe and bogies. They featured the red ‘worm’ logo and white lettering.

- Some vans were repainted into the SRA red livery as they were overhauled in the mid-1980’s.

Further Modifications:

Some of the vans were converted to container wagons and recoded NQRX.

Operation:

Originally intended for fast general goods traffic, these vans were also used on fruit expresses. As demand for louvred vans declined in favor of containerized transport, the vans were either, converted, stored or scrapped.

Modelling:

- Rails North produced a kit for these vans, but they are no longer available.

- Ian Lindsay Models have a HO scale kit of the JLX/JLY.

- Hawkesmoor have released a kit, which is available from Casula Hobbies

NLJX in a faded SRA red. Casula Hobbies Collection

NQRX converted from a JLX van. Casula Hobbies Collection