Class VG and VGA bogie vans |
After the experimental conversion of 3 VD class vans with steel louvres to class VDA the best features of this design and the VF class were combined to produce the VG class. Forty of these wagons were built in 1969 (23367) and 1970 (23361-6, 23368-23400). The WAGR outline diagram is shown below - the width of the ventilators is not to be trusted. |
The design was quickly superseded by the American influenced VH class and no more were built. In 1979 VG23371 was rebuilt as QH 16141 and 23369 was written off in 1983. |
The end of wagonload traffic after the creation of "Total West" resulted in the conversion of the remaining 38 vans for grain traffic. The louvres were sealed and roof hatches were added to produce class VGA. Conversions were as follows: | |
1984 | 23362, 23365, 23367, 23368, 23370, 23372-5, 23378, 23379, 23380, 23384, 23385, 23388, 23389, 23391-3, 23395-23400 converted to VGA |
1985 | 23361, 23363, 23364, 23366, 23376, 23377, 23381-3, 23386, 23387, 23390, 23394 converted to VGA |
The converted vans did not, however, last that long. Disposals are as follows: | |
1987 | VGA23376, 23382, 23383, 23390, 23398, 23400 written off |
1990 | VGA23368, 23389, 23391, 23397 written off |
1996 | Remainder of class written off |
2005 | VGA23362, 23365, 23367, 23372, 23373, 23375,23377, 23378, 23379, 23380, 23381, 23384, 23386, 23387, 23394, 23396 noted at Forrestfield still extant. |