NHBF Ballast Wagon

NHBF W1580E at Chullora in June 2006. Josh Beveridge

These ballast hoppers were built to replace the older riveted-version of the BBW ballast hoppers. They share many design features of the BBW type of hopper, but have much reduced external bracing.

Builders:

200 wagons were built by Mittagong Engineering from 1979 and are numbered W1401 – W1600.

Length: 11.5m Tare: 19.7t Capacity: 41t Gross: 60.7t

Bogies: 2CG

Coding:

- As introduced, they were coded with departmental W-series numbers.

- In 1980, they were recoded with general ROA coding to become the NHBF but retained their numbers.

Colour Scheme:

- As introduced, the body and bogies were painted in PTC Blue with 2-tone blue L7 logo.

- With the formation of the RAC, they were painted into their pale teal livery with appropriate signage.

Further Modifications:

Designed to only discharge into the centre of the track, some wagons were modified to divert ballast along the shoulders of the track formation.

Operation:

These wagons originally operated in conjunction with the BBW type hoppers on block loads and in other maintenance trains as required. Currently in 2006, there are 2 rakes based in Parkes. They can be seen all over the southern and western regions of NSW.

Modelling:

Hanovale Model Castings have produced a kit in HO, but is temporarily out of stock at this time (May 2006).

A partial view of a NHBF in Parkes Yd with a RSA logo. Josh Beveridge

NHBF 1559P at Chullora in June 2006 in their current livery. Josh Beveridge