D33

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Restoration of a WAGR Goods Van

During 1994 the BBR was able to purchase from the Midland Workshops "Salvage" a grounded D van body which had been in use there for some time as Explosives storage. 

It was later delivered to the Mussel Pool depot and restoration was commenced. It was intended that the van should be ready for the Oct 94 Enthusiast Day, however with other rollingstock requirements needing completion, work on D33 stalled. 

D33reconstructa.jpg (83784 bytes) D33 as it was on delivery from Midland Workshops where it was used as an explosives store. Painted white with a roof ventilator in the centre of the van roofline and minus any running gear below chassis level
LA Spares.jpg (124414 bytes)  

The answer to providing a steel chassis & running gear for D33 was found in the use of a chassis from a LA ballast hopper. The BBR has a couple of spare LA wagons for use in similar future projects. 
D33reconstructLGW.jpg (100841 bytes) BBR Rollingstock manager at the time was Lindsay Watson, seen here with the chassis intended for use under D33 during 1994.
D33reconstructb.jpg (125364 bytes) With the hopper removed, the chassis was cut into 3 sections down the length of the chassis. The middle section was discarded and the two sides were then reunited and welded together. Newly re-gauged wheelsets were then fitted. Sections were then removed from the upper section of the chassis sole bars to enable the timberwork under the van floor to mesh with the new chassis

The drawgear was then installed at the lower BBR operating level.
D33reconstructc.jpg (111405 bytes) After preparation of the chassis and the Van, the van body was lifted into place and then lowered and secured to the chassis.
D33reconstructe.jpg (109750 bytes) Once the securing of the van body to the chassis was completed, it was naturally time for a test run
D33reconstructI.jpg (35063 bytes) Then it was time to sand back the existing paint work in preparation for a fresh undercoat of primer. 29/02/95
D33reconstructd.jpg (111445 bytes) A fresh undercoat is applied.
D33 Plain.jpg (18836 bytes) D33 starts to look more complete with a coat of WAGR indian red "Goods" livery applied to three sides.
D33reconstructg.jpg (99127 bytes) An authentic WAGR "Advertising Van" livery was then applied to the fourth side of the van by member N. Blinco .
D33reconstructh.jpg (112787 bytes) The Finished Product. D33 restored to running order.

D33 was released to traffic in March 1995 and it saw use on occasional Sunday steam services that year and later increased the size of BBR's demonstration freight train for Enthusiast Day  Oct 1995.

Ng118 DVan 1995001.jpg (121134 bytes)

D33 behind Ng 118 on a regular Sunday service train

It is an "Unfitted" vehicle meaning that it has no Vacuum Brake cylinder for Train Brake operation, although it is "Piped Through". This means that at all times when in use it must have suitable braking power attached in the form of another Fitted/Braked wagon.

This D van is the only ex WAGR D van still in use today, albeit with wheels a little closer together (2ft) than its original 3ft 6inch design. Often seen in use on work trains and occasional demonstration freight trains or when members just want to play trains.  

Click Here to visit the Demonstration Freight Trains page to see D33 in action

Late in 2009 the midweek crew commenced repainting some of the freight wagons on the BBR including some much need repair work on D33 - a new tin roof was applied and then a full repaint was commenced with the midweek creek painting the 3 sides of the van in Indian red and then Peter Monkhouse volunteered to repaint the authentic WAGR "McPhersons" advertising sign.

D33Reroof271109.jpg (90699 bytes) Peter is assisted by junior member James D33 050210.jpg (77112 bytes)

In March 2010 Peter completed the repainting of the D Van "Mc Phersons" Advertising Sign. 

Excellent Work Peter!

D33 as restored in 2010

 

 

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