QD - "Dragline" Transport


During 1965/1966 two surplus underframes were converted to transport departmental dragline cranes. These cranes were used initially for cleaning up right of way: embankments, culverts, etc. The code letters for the wagons were QD 1 and 2. The underframes were from _TT_ vans which by 1965 had been coded _BA_.

With the introduction of "Gradall" type equipment the draglines were placed in Way and Works service lifting rails during rerailing operations.

To provide flat wagons for sleeper discharge service in the mid 1980s, two underframes from ZMF_ brakevans were used. The wagons were fitted with rails which allowed the sleeper discharge unit to be stored away from the sleeper carrying vehicles. In use, bridge rails were used between wagons to allow the "kicker" unit to travel along the train. These wagons were QD 3 and 4. By this time, QD 1 and 2 were flat wagons in the same traffic

In the mid 1980s, service equipment was recoded to four letters. The code for QD became VZCA.

Vehicle history list