NLJF ‘Jewellery’ Van

NLJF W2701B New in 2001. Note the NLJF has yet to be applied to the codeboard. Graham Baker

These four vans were modified from NLHX vans at Goulburn workshops in 2001. Officially known as materials vans, they are commonly refered to as ‘Jewellery’ vans by track maintenance personnel. The modifications made were the fitting of 3 skylights and seats underneath the floor on both sides of the chassis centre beam. A hatch is fitted to the floor, to enable the operator to get into position and receive hardware from another worker inside the van. They are numbered 2701B, 2702K, 2703T and 2704F.

Length: 13.72m (45ft) Tare: 20t Capacity: 30t Gross: 50t

Bogies: XCF, XCH and XCG bogies.

Coding:

Only ever been coded NLJF. They also have a W before the number to signify ‘works’ vehicle.

Colour Scheme:

They are painted in RSA Teal blue with a standard codeboard and RSA Logo’s.

Signage is also fitted to the ends, it states ‘You are now passing another mechanized track service work train’.

Period of Service: 2001 - current. With the near completion of metropolitan concrete resleepering, 3 were converted to NQAF container wagons in late 2008, leaving only NLJF 2702.

Operation:

They are attached to the end of concrete sleeper wagons behind the sleeper laying machine. As the sleeper layer progresses forward, operators inside and underneath the van, lay out and distribute track fastening clips and any other hardware needed to permanently fasten the rail onto the newly laid sleepers.

Similar Wagons: Modified from HLX (NLHX) vans. Converted to NQAF.

Modelling:

- AR Kits and On Track Models produce a HO scale HLV/X. Bakers SRM also made a decal set for the RSA livery (DC032), but availability is unknown.

Weather beaten NLJF 2702K at Chullora in 2005. Josh Beveridge

End of NLJF 2702 showing signage. Josh Beveridge

Operators position under NLJF. Josh Beveridge