JX Cement Hopper

 

VPBX 144B at Cootamundra in 2003.                                                 Josh Beveridge

 

This design of steel cement hopper was introduced by the VR in 1963 as the JX. The wagon features 3 large individual silos mounted on a deep side sill underframe. They are gravity filled, but discharged by compressed air.

 

Builders:

            158 wagons were built in 2 contracts

-                     108 were built at the Newport Workshops in 1963/77 and were numbered 1 - 108

-                     50 were built at the Bendigo North Workshops in 1981-82 and were numbered 109-158.

 

The height of the cones on top of the silos can be used to distinguish the two batches. The second batch are higher than the 1st batch and have a rounded edge where the top meets the silo sides, the first batch have a sharper edge.

 

Length: 14.1m                          Tare:    26t                   Capacity:          50t                   Gross: 76t

 

Bogies: VXSC

 

Coding:

-                     As introduced, they were coded JX.

-                     In the 1979 recoding, they were recoded VPCX.

-                     In 1992, wagons 64-108 were fitted with low-pressure discharge system and recoded VPAX.

-                     In 1996/97, the 2nd batch was modified with high-pressure discharge and recoded VPBX.

 

Colour Scheme:

-                     As introduced, they were painted VR red with a white VR logo. Various size VR logos have been applied.

-                     In late 1983, the logo was replaced by the V/Line logo.

-                     In 1996, the logo was replaced by the V/Line Freight logo.

-                     From 1999, they were repainted into the Freight Australia green and yellow livery. Various size FA logos have been used.

-                     In mid 2007, Pacific National refurbished some 1st batch hoppers. They have been painted all over in light grey with a PN logo on the silo sides. Road numbers include 4L, 6G, 7P, 9K, 10G, 11P, 13K, 14T, 19S, 27X, 29D, 30W, 31X, 35V, 40H, 42C, 43L, 48K, 49T, 50P, 52K, 56A, 60A, 62S, 63E.

 

Further Modifications:

            The wagons have been coded into 3 codes to signify minor changes –

-                     VPAX’s have a low-pressure discharge system fitted and have modified roof hatches.

-                     VPBX’s have a high-pressure discharge system.

-                     VPCX’s cover the rest of the standard hoppers in the fleet.

 

Operation:

These wagons have been used randomly in NSW since the mid-80’s, to transport normal grey (G.P) cement powder from BCSC Berrima to Somerton in Victoria. It is also thought that a special consignment of white cement was railed from Victoria to Canberra for use in the construction of the new Parliament House in the late 1980’s.

 From mid-2000, FA took up the haulage of a regular M-F service of cement from Berrima to Somerton, VIC. The train (MV9/VM9) usually comprised of 12-15 hoppers. At first the service was hauled by 2 refurbished JL (442) class locos, but later could be seen with a combination of any of the G/EL/X/48/T classes.

In mid 2007, PN started refurbishing a number of 1st batch hopper for use on the TEJV track upgrading program, which is believed to operate between Berrima BCSC works and Grafton when it starts shortly.

 

Modelling:

-           A HO scale kit is available from BGB for the 1st batch (Low-pressure) version.

-           Austrains are to release a RTR model of 1st batch wagons in late 2007.

-           Powerline have also announced a run of 1st batch hoppers, delivery TBA.

 

 

JX 104 in VR red and white logo                                              Photo courtesy Mark Bau

 

   

VPCX 138J in V/line livery                                                                   PJ Vincent

 

VPBX 129H in V/line Freight livery at Junee                                         Josh Beveridge

 

VPBX 139P in FA livery                                                                      Alex Nandalini

 

VPBX 119X in PN livery at Somerton, Vic                                                      Alex Nandalini

 

 

VPCX’s 63E and 56A at Korragang on trial.                                                    Brad Coulter