NRY Refrigerator Van

NBTX 22705Y (ex NRNY) in general van service.

These ‘ice-chilled’ steel-bodied were built to replace the ageing fleet of timber bodied refrigerated vans then in service. They are a very plain looking van with a mansard shaped roof. There are 8 hatches on the roof for the loading of ice. 2 tons of ice was hand loaded for cooling purposes. Later these vans were modified for use as general vans without refrigeration.

Builders:

30 vans were built by Goninan in 1973-74 and were numbered 22701 – 22730.

Length: 11.58m Tare: 29t Capacity: Gross:

Bogies: 2CM (YMC) originally, then any bogie exchange type after they were converted to general box vans.

Coding:

- As introduced, they were coded NRY

- They were recoded NRNY in 1980.

- Most were converted to general use box vans and were recoded NBTX/NBTY.

Colour Scheme:

The vans have only ever appeared in one colour scheme. Body and roof is painted white, underframe and bogies are black.

Modifications:

During 1984, most vans were converted to general use box vans. As part of their conversion, the ice hatches were sealed and bogies were changed.

Operation:

The vans were used for the transport of perishable meat and fruit traffic from all areas of the state. When introduced they started to replace the timber-bodied MRC type vans. They were seen used together with TRC and other louvred vans on the faster perishable and fruit express trains. When this form of traffic was lost to road transport, the vans were converted for use in general box van duties. They were all withdrawn in the mid to late 90’s. As late as 1997, 11 wagons were on the books as the NBTY.

Modelling:

Sydney Hobbies have a HO scale kit available from Casula Hobbies.

Remaining Examples:

- Wagons are exist in Bathurst Yd, Junee Roundhouse and at Dorrigo.

The end of a NRY/NRNY freshly painted……………………………………………………and another van as they weathered over time.