NDPF Bogie Ballast Plough

NDPF 2003S in original condition at Parkes. Roger Jones

The four NDPF bogie ballast ploughs were supplied by EPT late in 1986. The photograph above was taken at Parkes only a few months later, in February 1987. The wagons were designed with facilities for the ballasting crew including sink, stove and fridge, table and fixed seats, WC, shower and berths

Builders:

- Built by EPT in 1986, contract 8/84. They were allocated numbers NDPF 2000 - 2003

Length: 11.582 m over headstocks Tare: 23.5 t Height 3.91 m Width 2.86 m over jack pads

Bogies: CQA

Colour Scheme:

- When introduced the body and roof were a deep chrome yellow with a mustard tint. The doors appear to have been silver. The underframe was dark grey/black

- The vans were painted in RSA Teal in 1996. NDPF 2002 has a white band along the edge of the underframe, presumably for improved visibility, however this feature is not shared by 2003. The underframe is dark grey and the bogies teal.

- In late 2001, at least 2 vans were painted in the RIC ‘Safety Vest’ livery. The body is painted orange with a silver diagonal stripe and RIC logo. The lower edge of the body has a white band and the bogies are black.

Operation:

These vans are used in conjunction with the NDFF air-operated ballast hoppers. A plough van is marshalled at one end of a ballast train; at the other end is usually an uncovered NZBF plough wagon.

Modifications:

At some time, about the time they were painted in RSA Teal, the original Beclawat windows were replaced with plain glass panes. The windows have been covered with screens to reduce vandalism.

Modelling:

No models are known and the model must be scratchbuilt.

A well-weathered original livered NDPF 2003S

NDPF 2002 (top) and 2003 at Werris Creek on 11/8/2005.

These photographs demonstrate both sides of the wagon. Both photos Roger Jones

NDPF 2001A in RIC ‘Safety Vest’ Livery. Grahame Baker 2003