NZZA 530 Transformer Wagon

A loaded TW 530 at Darling Harbour. SRA Archives photo

This special purpose vehicle was built in 1948 at Clyde Wagon Workshops. It was designed to carry transformers to power stations then under construction. TW 530 was built with 3 optional load carrying beams –

No.2 Beam – Plate frame construction 15.83m long. It provides an open load space 9.14m long and adjustable between 2.14m – 2.35m wide.

No.3 Beam – Plate frame construction 17.37m long. It provides the same open load space as beam No.2 but can be adjusted between 2.36m - 2.97m wide.

No.4 Beam – Is a transformer stator beam 15.3m long. The 4.8m centre stabilizer beam can be adjusted to 3.9m long.

Length: 22.181m (with No.3 beam) Tare: 50t Capacity: 133tt (when fitted with No.3 beam) Gross: 183t

Bogies: 4 x 70t DAA. Max speed 65km/h.

Coding:

- TW as delivered

- NZZA in the ROA system.

Colour Scheme:

- As built, the wagon was painted all over gunmetal grey with white lettering.

- It was painted PTC blue with white lettering in the mid 70’s and it still exists in this livery today.

Period of Service: 1948 – mid 1990’s

Operation:

This vehicle transported transformers from Darling Harbour to power stations within NSW. More information of its operation is needed. The wagon is currently stabled at Pt Kembla fitted with No.3 beam.

Similar Wagons: NZZA 440 and NZZA 600.

Modelling:

- Northern Models produced a HO scale kit of the wagon, but it is no longer available.