TVF ‘Flexivan’ Container Wagon

VR built TVF4 demonstrating the unique ‘Flexivan’ method of transferring a container from road to rail. NSWGR photo

General information, history of conversion, defining features etc.

Builders: 59 wagons were built in 5 batches:

- 15 were built by Newport Workshops between 1962-63 and numbered 1-15 (later 12401-12415)

- 10 were built by AE Goodwin during 1964 and numbered 16-25 (later 12416-12425)

- 10 were built by Newport Workshops during 1965 and numbered 26-32 (later 12426-12432) and 12433-35

- 16 were built by Clyde Engineering between 1965-66 and numbered 12436-51

- 8 were built by Clyde Engineering during 1970 and numbered 12452-59

Other Running Numbers: When introduced, were originally intended for joint-stock fleet, and numbered from 1 onwards. They were later taken over by NSWR and renumbered in the 12400 series.

Length: Tare: Capacity: Gross: Equiv Length:

Bogies: detail types fitted (dates if possible)

Coding:

- As introduced, TVF. Bogie-exchangable version TVX

- TVF recoded NQVF and TVX recoded NQVX

- Those sold to Silverton Rail, recded SQVF and SQVX.

Colour Scheme:

- As introduced, VR built ones were painted in VR wagon red with white lettering. NSW built ones were painted in Gunmetal grey with white writing.

- Investigation of the prototype reveals that some were repainted in NSW PTC blue.

- When rebuilt into conventional container wagons, they were paint in SRA red.

Modifications: Between 1982-83, the wagons were converted to carry standard ISO containers. They were extensively rebuilt to achieve the result.

Period of Service: 1962 to 2013

Operation: The ‘Flexivan’ bi-modal service operated between Brisbane-Cooks River-Melbourne-Adelaide-Mildura. After conversion to conventional ISO container wagons, they were pooled into the interstate intermodal fleet.

Plan: TVF 16-25 GA

Modelling:

Hanovale Models produced a HO scale model.

The rotating turntables used to position the container. NSWGR photo

Underside of turntable showing container locking bars. NSWGR photo

AE Goodwin built TVX 12419 at South Dynon in 1979. Rob O’Regan photo

2^nd batch of Newport W’shops built TVX 28 showing the turntable operating equipment in 1977.

Rob O’Regan photo

2^nd batch Newport W’shops TVX 12437, after renumbering to the 12400 series. Rob O’Regan

1^st batch Clyde Engineering built TVX 12444 at Enfield in 1979. Rob O’Regan photo

SRA Red NQVXs at Clyde Yard.

2^nd batch Clyde Engineering built NQVX 12449 on SteelLink service in 2005. Justin Moy

SQVF 12452 in service on a QUBE train in 2013. Chris Jones