TLV Tinplate Van

A repainted TLX 29474 in the late 70’s. SRA Photo

These vans were converted from 2^nd and 3^rd batches of LLV vans. They were converted to allow the carrying of Tinplate from Pt Kembla to canneries in Victoria and South Australia. The conversion work started in 1958 and involved strengthening the centre divider and the addition of load-retaining gates.

Builders:

47 vans were converted by Chullora and Clyde wagon workshops

- 28 vans of the 2^nd batch in the range of 29425 – 29499.

- 19 vans of the 3^rd batch in the range of 31361 – 31560.

Length: 13.72m Tare: 28t Capacity: 45t Gross: 73t

Bogies: TLV - 2CF, TLX - XCL.

Coding:

- As introduced, they were coded TLV.

- By 1969, most of the class was converted for bogie exchange and were recoded TLX.

- From 1979, TLV became NLTF and TLX became NTLX.

Colour Scheme:

- As introduced, they were painted silver and later fitted with yellow signboards with ‘Australian Tinplate Express’ written in black on them.

- In the mid 70’s, some received an experimental black and white rhomboid ‘NSWR’ logos.

- Most vans were repainted PTC Blue then SRA red as they were overhauled in time.

Further Modifications:

After their use had passed, some were converted to NLBX Banana vans and many of the underframes were converted to container wagons and departmental wagons.

Operation:

The ‘Tinplate Express’ began running in 1961. The initial trains consisted of a block of 12 TLV’s, hauled by 2 x 44 class diesels between Pt Kembla and Goulburn, then a garratt or 57/36 combo to Junee and lastly double standard goods engines to Albury.

Similar Wagons: LLV, GLV

Plan: Outline Drawing

Modelling:

- AR Kits produce a HO scale kit of the TLV/X with the yellow signage included.

- On Track Models produced a RTR HO scale model in 2008.

TLV 31472 in new condition. SRA Photo

Loading Tinplate at Pt Kembla in the late 60’s. SRA Photo