Needing some additional general purpose open wagons, I decided scratch build some of the early series of VOBX (ELX) wagons.
The wagons were built out of sheets Evergreen styrene (0.030' for sides, 0.060 for floor, 0.010 and 0.020' and channel for door, bracing and other detail). Chain links (from broken necklaces) and pin heads were used to complete the detailing.
I tried to replicate the look of these wagons in the early 80's, with batted doors and dents in the sides from loading incidents. Those that were used in container or briquette traffic seemed to sustain the most damage. Many of the early batches of VOBX rebuilt in the late 70's and had their damaged plain sides replaced with corrugated sides.
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| VOBX 45 in the yard of Ballarat North workshops. The wagon still needs roller bearings and bogie exchange (X) decals and a light weathering. VR symbols won't be added to this wagon. From June to August 1983 while awaiting the launch of V/Line, many wagons were outshopped without VR logos. |
There were two types of plain sided VOBX wagons built at Newport and Ballarat workshops between 1961-63. Diagram E4 carrying numbers 1-71 (excluding 52, 58 and 65 - 68*) and diagram E3- those with reinforced sides (91-106 and numbers excluded above).
I tried to replicate the look of these wagons in the early 80's, with batted doors and dents in the sides from loading incidents. Those that were used in container or briquette traffic seemed to sustain the most damage. Many of the early batches of VOBX rebuilt in the late 70's and had their damaged plain sides replaced with corrugated sides.
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| 3 VOBX's within Ballarat yard. The wagon covered in tarps is carrying hay from interstate (as part of drought relief efforts). |
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