The end of wagonload traffic left the WAGR with a large surplus of wagons, some of which were found other uses. Freezer traffic had passed to the roads before most other types and so from 1978 some of the old freezer vans were re-branded as diesel locomotive filter vans and reclassified VT. Three different but related classes were involved (WA, WAM and WAR). In the case of the WAR the mechanical refrigeration equipment was removed leaving a small platform at one end of the van.

The vans involved were as follows:
1978	23401, 23453 ex WAR
1980	23403 ex WAR
1982	23473 ex WA
1986	23465 ex WAM
1987	23465 to SB
1993	23401 written off
1996	23473 written off

Other non freezer vans were also involved. VDB 23087 was reclassified VT (in 1982) although it only lasted until 1987. Two VD class vans (23021 and 23081) were then reclassified VT in 1987 and lasted on this traffic until 1996 when they were written off. VT23021 (right) was preserved.