NBJX Tautliner Van

The first JLX conversion, NBJX 33921 in new condition. Phillip Clarke

To help streamline the handling of palletised bagged flour, Manildra Group, with consultation with EPT, designed was what to become NSW’s first curtain-sided van. In 1988, NLJX 33921 louvre van was chosen as the first to be converted. Only the roof and underframe was retained, new ends and curtain sides were fitted to the vehicle. Internally the van was divided into 2 compartments by a traverse bulkhead.

The conversion must have been some sort of a success, as another NLJX was converted, along with 10 NLGX vans that would become the NGFF Tautliner vans.

Builders:

- EPT in Pt Kembla converted NLJX 33921 in 1988 and NLJX 33927V in 1990.

Length: 18m Tare: 27t Capacity: 49t Gross: 76t

Bogies: XCG

Coding:

- It only ever carried the NBJX code.

Colour Scheme:

- As introduced, the body was painted SRA red. Curtain was painted Candy red with black curtain straps and silver buckles. A pair of yellow L7’s was printed onto the curtain. Bogies were gunmetal grey.

Operation:

The van was pooled into use with the NGFF vans for the movement of bagged flour from Manildra to Clyde. Although it is unclear at this time, they did not remain in the traffic for very long, as early as 1993, some were seen to be stored.

Modelling:

No kit is available, but it could be converted from combination of parts from NGFF and NLJX van kits, available from Ian Lindsay Models or from Casula Hobbies.

Plan: NBJX drawing

Similar Vehicles:

- The NGFF was built in a similar fashion for the same duties.

NBJX 33927V on 16/2/1990, after receiving some attention at Clyde Wagon Works.

John Miller photo

A weathered NBJX 33927. Phil Collins

The reinforced end of the NBJX. Phil Collins.

NBJX 33927 towards the end of its service life. Phil Collins photo