NHG 40’ Freight Brake Van

These steel bodied vans were the only type of brake van in NSW to be fitted with roof-mounted periscopes, which were so common on brake vans in the US. They have a central guards compartment with adjoining toilet cubicle. At each end of the van there is a 4.6m long goods compartment. One end is louvered for perishable traffic whilst the other is for general goods.

Builders:

100 vans were built by Commonwealth Engineering in 1965-66 and numbered 31701-31800

Length: 40ft / 12.19m Tare: 24t Capacity: 6t Gross: 30t

Bogies: 2AT/ATA

Coding:

- Originally coded NHG

- In 1970, 12 were recoded IHG for interstate working.

- Those not modified in 1970, were recoded FHG.

- In 1980, FHG’s were recoded NVFF and IHG’s were recoded NVIF.

Colour Schemes:

- Painted Black with silver roof as delivered.

- Some were repainted Gunmetal grey.

- In 1970, all were repainted into the Tuscan livery with rhombus NSWR on sides with silver roof as their overhaul became due.

- From 1973, PTC mk1 & 2 logos were applied and the Tuscan livery was retained.

Modifications:

- 12 were modified with internal equipment racks to enable them to operate interstate in 1970. These were recoded IHG

(‘I’ for interstate) and 31689-31700.

Modelling:

- Kits have been available in HO scale from Mains West Models and Stephen Johnson Models, but are no longer available.

- Trainorama released HO models of all versions in early 2006.

Remaining Examples:

- NVFF in Dubbo Yd

- FHG at the Cowra Railway Museum

- FHG at Dorrigo Railway Museum

NVIF in Goulburn, 1980 Josh Beveridge NVFF in Dubbo Yd, 2004 Josh Beveridge