Top Ten rail photos – 2012

Well as we have just entered the new year, despite still being behind on the blog (and indeed even uploading photos), it’s time to look back at which of my rail related photos from 2012 I was happiest with. They may not be technically perfect, but they are those that tickle my fancy the most.

It has been an interesting, difficult, and in one regard a disappointing exercise – about half of the photos were certain of a place in the top ten, but the other places were much harder to fill, and after more than a week of going over them on and off, I am still not certain I have them right. As such I will explain with each, and also link to the alternatives.

The disappointment came from the fact the all but one are from the first half of the year – January and April in particular were very good to me, but then things got very busy, and a long holiday to Europe was plonked in the middle, and I don’t seem to have fully gotten back into my stride. I took a small number of rail related photos in Europe, but sadly these did not make the cut either. Interesting also is the fact the majority are in Black and White – a medium I am getting more and more comfortable with.

Anyway, let’s get on with it – I will place them in chronological order, and let you decide for yourselves which you like the most …

As usual, you can click through to Flickr for larger versions of the pictures.

Photo one – Hunter Valley Coal: (January)
IMG_1364
The endless procession of coal trains in the Hunter Valley never ceases to amaze me – this picture was taken at Sandgate station, and captures an Xstrata empty coalie snaking it’s way through the section near the flyover, as a QR National (if I remember correctly) loaded coalie is stopped awaiting a path into port.

Photo two – Lost in the Trees: (January)
IMG_2724
I am the first to admit this is not the perfect shot – it was rushed, and was questionable whether it deserved a spot. Whilst I got the framing of the trees, they are perhaps a little too dominant in the foreground, and the second loco is obscured by a branch. The locos being dark are also a little lost in the picture. Despite all this though, I like the country feel to it, and it makes me want to head back up that way to see what other scenes there are.

Photo three – Xploring Gunnedah: (January)
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There is not much I can say about this shot, except it is not just a favourite of 2012, but of all time. I’ll let the photo tell the story …

Photo four – Parked in Parkes: (April)
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Quad 48s pulled up breifly at Parkes station. This was another I wasn’t sure about – night shots are something I am still getting to grips with, and I know I pulled this one off, but can’t help wonder if the 81 in the background adds to, or interferes with the shot?

Photo five – Country Steam: (April)
IMG_7313
On Easter Sunday, LVR’s 3237 was running shuttles between Parkes and Forbes, and I got photos at various spots along the way. I expect this may not be a popular choice, as the feedback since originally posting it has been nil. It suffers from 3237 being tender leading, and the back of the train being tucked behind the tree, but again the countryside really does it for me, and this is a personal favourite.

Photo six – Relaxing on the Aurora: (April)
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April marked the 50th anniversary of the Southern Aurora, and I was at Sydney Terminal just prior to its departure. Again I will let the picture tell the tale.

Photo seven – A Sad Sight: (April)
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Earlier in the year, IRA’s MZ1438 was involved in a shunting accident in Botany, which bent the impacted cab downwards. When I heard it was to be moved by truck to Braemar, I headed down there to capture some pictures before the headed off – I wound up there both the Saturday when the MZ still sat sadly alongside the track, and Sunday where it had already been loaded on the truck. Here it is on the truck already, with a chain across the distinctive headlight fitting to help secure the load.

This was a toughy, not because of anything I dislike about this picture, but that there were three contending pictures from these two days to choose from – for more pictures, see my blog post Bent, battered, and broken – MZ1438.

Photo eight – Werai Grain: (April)
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This photo was always certain on a place – yes, it is at Werai (a known hack spot), but a lesser used spot at the other end of the curve, and is a not often seen (by me at least) sight of an entire CFCLA train on hire to El Zorro. This shot was also a challenge – those that know the spot will know the small bridge has extremely high walls, and I had nothing to stand on except my toes, only just being able to peek over the top.

After a morning of exceptional luck and timing, this was basically the end of my run that day as I missed every other freight I was after in the afternoon – after this shot though I didn’t mind. I also didn’t mind freezing my butt off in strong winds whilst waiting for this shot, though my wife who was in the car may have had different views on that …

Photo nine – Spoiled: (May)
Suburban spoil
As you probably know from my blog, perway equipment is a particular point of interest for me – luckily on afternoon train during trackwork on the inner west line I got the perfect lighting to get something a bit more than your standard reference shot (which most my perway equipment shots are). The one problem I do have with it though is I also took this wider angle photo in colour and it frequently changes for me as to which one I prefer – at least one deserves a spot though, so I’ll give it to the B&W …

Photo ten – Goulburn Yard: (September)
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This shot was a late contender as I finalised the list – I know it’s not perfect as the scene is a little bit “busy”, but I still feel it has a nice, overall feel to it.


Well, there we have it. I hope you’ve enjoyed my pictures throughout the year, and hopefully 2013 will see many more to come …

Spoiled for choice – NSW Spoil Wagons – part ten – noted wagon codes / modelling recap

Updated 30 October 2012

I am restructuring this page as a detailed summary of all known RailCorp spoil wagons. Once complete, the old posts will be removed, and this republished.

I hope to have one representative photo of each wagon, with links to more photos I have uploaded on Flickr.

Wagon code check letters are not always visible, legible, or even present, but I’ve filled what I can.



NACF (former NDSF)
A former NDSF side tipper with the sides welded shut, and the lifting gear removed – I am only aware of the one conversion at this stage.

Codes:
– 1470B

Modelling: No model that I am aware of – scratchbuild.


NDBF
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More photos

Formerly a BD/NOAF open wagon, the NDBF has a shortened open section to allow end decks – this means whereever it is in the consist, it allows passage from one side of the train to the other. It can also be used as a shunter’s float, and is typically seen at the ends of the consist (occasionally around the middle also).

You can see in some photos signs for the “Emergency Brake Release Valve” – a friend has advised that these wagons are also fitted with a very primitive brake valve for the use of the person controlling the propelling movement … basically it’s just a standard ball cock valve mounted up on the handrails.

Codes
All the below have long decks, unless otherwise noted.
1602Y
– 2067C
– 2071C
2072L
– 2075P
2081K (two large ribbed panels on one side now replaced by flat panels)
– 2083E?
2540E
2542W (rebuilt – all side panels flat)

Modelling: Richmond Line Models NDBF, or kitbash Silvermaz BD/NOAF.


NDCF
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More photos

The NDCF I understand to be converted from GP/NOHF concentrate wagons, and at one stage I believe were all painted yellow. Recently however they are being repainted in bright orange.

Codes:
1609A (noted as yellow 13/10/2012)
– 1615S (different fabricated ends) (last noted as yellow 13/10/2012)
– 2091K (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 2096C (now orange)
– 2098E (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 2103J (last noted as yellow 25/08/2012)
– 2503Y (pressed ends) (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
2506S (last noted as yellow 13/10/2012)
2507E (last noted as yellow 13/10/2012)
– 2524Q (last noted as yellow 13/10/2012)
– 2761U (last noted as yellow 25/08/2012)
– 2936B (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)

Modelling: Kitbash Silvermaz GP/NOHF.


NDCH (type one – ex NOBX)
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More photos

Formerly common, but now harder to find are the rusty old NDCHs that originate from NOBX open wagons.

The majority seem to be rib-sided with flat panels where the doors used to be, however there is at least one with all flat panels. There is a mixture in the ends also – I believe the flat paneled wagon(s) have flat ends, where the rib-sided ones have either pressed or corrugated ends – some have one of each.

Codes
1610E (ribbed ends)
2063M (ribbed ends) (last noted as rust brown 13/10/2012)
2074G (one ribbed end, one pressed end)
2526T (ribbed ends) (last noted as rust brown 13/10/2012)
– 2751
2754Q (one ribbed end, one pressed end)
– 2760L (pressed ends)

Modelling: Plain-sided, IDR Castings NDCH. Rib-sided, kitbash AR Kits BDX/NOBX or IDR Castings NDCH.


NDCH (type two – ex NOGF/NOGX)
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More photos

The second type of NCDH is easily distinguished by it’s different underframe, and that they all have flat panels the whole length of the wagon. The origins of this wagon appear to be NOGF and NOGX (HGM/HGX) wagons based on information on the Comrails website. It also mentions NOAF (BD) wagons, but I believe these to have been recoded NDNF (see below).

Codes:
1613X (pressed ends, two codeboards each side) (last noted as rust brown 13/10/2012)
– 2101Y?
2502N (pressed ends) (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 2528R? (fabricated ends) (noted as rust brown 25/08/2012)
2534J? (codeboards mostly illegible – one pressed end, one NDCF style end) (last noted as rust brown 13/10/2012)
2545D (pressed ends) (last noted as rust brown 13/10/2012)
2769A (fabricated ends) (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)

Modelling: Kitbash Silvermaz HGM/HGX/NOGF/NOGX.


NDMX
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More photos

Whilst I have seen Louvre Vans such as the NLGX mentioned as the origin of the NDMX, some research and debate has led me back to the NOBX open wagon. See Railpage for details.

They were easily distinguished from other spoil wagons in that they were the only ones painted blue, however they are rapidly being repainted bright orange, and I haven’t seen a blue NDMX for a while.

Codes:
– 1801V (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 1802H (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
1804C (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 1805L (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 1808P (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
1809B (first noted as orange 13/08/2011)
– 1810U (last noted as blue 13/08/2011) (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 1811G (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 1812L (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 1813B (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 1815T (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
1816F (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
– 1817Y? (first noted as orange 13/10/2012)
1819J (first noted as orange 13/08/2011)
– 1820F (first noted as orange 25/08/2012)

Modelling: Kitbash IDR Castings NDCH, or use bases from AR Kits NOBX.


NDNF
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More photos

Similar to the NDBF, the NDNF is also a former BD/NOAF wagon, but with the full length being open (ie no end decks). Note most have partially corrugated sides and pressed ends, however NDNF 2637N has completely flat side panels, and NDNF 2536E had one pressed end, and one corrugated end.

Codes:
1604J (flat panels one side, though one reenforced – ribbed ends) (last noted as rust brown 13/10/2012)
– 2066Q?
– 2531?
2536E (pressed ends) (last noted as rust brown 13/10/2012)
– 2537N (flat panelled)

Modelling: Kitbash Silvermaz BD/NOAF.


NDQF
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More photos

The NDQF container wagons are usually seen these days carrying spoil bins. They, along with the NQJX have also been leased out to private operators in the past, to be used as normal container wagons (for example Silverton trip trains).

I understand that these wagons are former NDXF concrete sleeper wagons (some of which are now NDYF concrete sleeper wagons), which in turn are cut down NOBX open wagons.

Codes:
– 1608K
– 2050L
2084C
– 2089B
– 2623K
– 2627A
– 2636W
– 2666A
2680X
– 2685H
2751A
2755N
– 2756W
2757X
– 2773L

Modelling: No model that I am aware of – scratchbuild, possibly using an NOBX as reference for measurements.


NDSF (type one – reinforced panels)
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More photos

The NDSF is a side-dumping wagon, generally used to deliver ballast, but sees occasional use on spoil trains. It comes in two types distinguished by how much angular support the sides have.
Some useful info, pictures, and line drawings can be found on Railpage.

Codes:
1470 (now NACF 1470B)
1482L (noted still yellow 27/10/12)
1483V (noted orange 27/10/12)
– 1484H

Modelling: No model that I am aware of – scratchbuild.


NDSF (type two – flat panels)
The NDSF is a side-dumping wagon, generally used to deliver ballast, but sees occasional use on spoil trains. It comes in two types distinguished by how much angular support the sides have.
Some useful info, pictures, and line drawings can be found on Railpage.

Codes:
– 1476R
– 1477
– 1479V
– 1480

Modelling: No model that I am aware of – scratchbuild.


NDVF
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More photos

Ten NDVF container wagons were built in 2005 by UGL at the Goulburn Rolling Stock & Fabrication Centre, and they are a complete new build.

Codes:
– 4080Q
– 4081C
4082L
– 4084G
– 4085P
4087K
– 4089F

Modelling: No model that I am aware of – scratchbuild.


NHSF
Another side-dumping wagon used mainly for delivering new ballast, the NHSF do see occasional use on spoil trains.
Again some useful info and pictures can be found on Railpage.

Codes:
– 1460J
– 1462E
– 1463N
– 1464W
– 1466R

Modelling: No model that I am aware of – scratchbuild. American style Difco side dumpers are similar however.


NQAF
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More photos

A more recent wagon type is the NQAF. This is an unusual wagon, which are former NLJF “jewellery vans”, which in turn are former NLHX lourve vans. RailCorp had four of these jewellery vans, which travel at the end of concrete sleeper rakes, and have seats and equipment below floor level to allow pandrol clips to be placed on to newly laid track, but I have only ever seen NLJF 2072K in service. The other three (2071, 2073, and 2074) have since been cut down and converted into NQAF container wagons.

Codes:
2701H
2703C
2704L

Modelling: No model that I am aware of – scratchbuild, or heavy kitbash of AR Kits or On Track Models HLX/NLHX louvre van.


NQJX
IMG_0643
More photos

The NQJX container wagons are usually seen these days carrying spoil bins. They, along with the NDQF have also been leased out to private operators in the past, to be used as normal container wagons (for example Silverton trip trains).

These wagons are cut down NOBX open wagons. The possible exception is NQJX 10101L, which the NSW Rollingstock site reports came from an unknown louvre van, though it doesn’t have the characteristic louvre van ends, and the code boards show the same weight, capacity, and only a minor difference in length between 10101L and the other NQJX wagons (14.9m vs 14.96m). It is probable that NQJX 10101L is also a former NOBX.

Codes:
10101L
– 10102U
– 10105B
10106K
– 10107T
– 10108F
10109Y (missing code board on one side 23/10/2012 – spray painted number)
– 10110K
10111T
– 10112F
– 10113Y
– 10115J
– 10116S
– 10117E
10118N
– 10120S
– 10121E

Modelling: Hanovale or Scaleways NQJX, if either is available. Otherwise scratchbuild using an NOBX as reference for measurements.



Credits
I wish to thank Chris Jones for helping me fill in some gaps, the NSW Rollingstock website, the Comrails website for providing leads on the origins of some wagons, and those on Railpage that were able to provide information also.

Spoiled for choice – NSW Spoil Wagons – part nine – NHSF

Gallery

This gallery contains 12 photos.

Last in the series is the NHSF, another side dumper – again some useful info and pics can be found at http://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11339456-s0-0-asc.htm No model is available that I know of, though an Amercian Difco side-dumper could probably be kit-bashed into … Continue reading

Spoiled for choice – NSW Spoil Wagons – part eight – NDSF/NACF

Gallery

This gallery contains 22 photos.

Updated 3 October 2012 The NDSF is a side-dumping wagon, and seems to come in two types distinguished by how much angular support the sides have. You can find some useful information on these on Railpage, including a friend’s photos … Continue reading

Spoiled for choice – NSW Spoil Wagons – part six – NDMX

Gallery

This gallery contains 12 photos.

Whilst I have seen Louvre Vans such as the NLGX mentioned as the origin of the NDMX, some research and debate has led me back to the NOBX open wagon. See http://www.railpage.com.au/f-p1595453.htm#1595453 for details. They were easily distinguished from other … Continue reading