| Class VB (Composite frame) Bogie vans |
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WAGR Official photo of VB10194 (RHWA collection) |
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The VA class van gradually evolved via longer wheelbase bogies and crate floors into the VB class. The VB class wagons essentially break down into two groups. Those converted from VA's and consequently having a composite underframe and those built new which had all steel underframes. This page deals with the first group which in 1936 were all reclassified from VA to VB. Some of these wagons had 5'-6" wheelbase bogies whilst others had the older 4'-6" type. There were eleven vans with 5'-6" wheelbase bogies and their fates are as follows. |
| 1936 | 10135, 10136, 10141, 10146, 10147, 10174, 10175, 10181, 10194, 10221, 10222 from VA |
| c1938 | 10136, 10174, 10181 and possibly 10194 fitted with ZJ bogies |
| ? | 10136, 10175 painted Indian red for use on the Westland
10135, 10147, 10175 used Perth-Wiluna |
| 1954 | 10147 written off |
| 1968 | 10136, 10211 written off |
| 1972 | 10141, 10174, 10175, 10222 written off |
| 1974 | 10135, 10146, 10194 written off |
| 1976 | 10181 written off |
| There were seven composite frame VBs with 4'-6" wheelbase bogies. Their fates are as follows: | |
| 1936 | 10134, 10138, 10153, 10159, 10171, 10177, 10203 from VA |
| 1948 | 10138 written off |
| 1963 | 10203 written off |
| 1972 | 10134, 10177 written off |
| 1973 | 10153, 10171 written off |
| 1976 | 10159 written off |
| Finally in 1939 VA3405, which had at one time been a WO was reclassified VB. This van is believed to have been only 30'-0" long in contrast to the other VBs which were 33'-0" long. It was written off in 1953 when another 30'-0" VA numbered 3259 was reclassified VB. This wagon was written off in 1960. Confirmation of the details of these two wagons is required. |
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The WAGR outline diagram is shown below. Note that it identifies 3 types of VB but probably includes the steel underframe vans. |
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