The VFJX were a short bogie flat wagon with a fixed bulkhead at one end and an adjustable bulkhead at the other, which was moved to secure the load. They were originally constructed for panel board traffic from Rosedale to Melbourne. They were constructed in 2 batches, the first 5 from Bendigo North workshops in 1964 and the second from Ballarat North workshops in 1969. The Ballarat North batch of 8 had a different arrangement for the fixed bulk head.
In the early 1980's the VFJX were being used as safety wagons in block oil trains. A VFJX was placed between the locomotive and tankers and between the tankers and guards van. Below are photos on the North East line of VFJX being used as a safety wagon on Shepparton block oil train.
I chose to model two of the Ballarat North batch for use on the Horsham and Mildura block oil trains. The models use a shortened Lifelike 40ft boxcar underframe and have scratchbuilt bulkheads, body and deck. The adjustable bulkhead is modelled in a fixed end position with the arms folded up. Brakewheel, valves and shunters steps are from Steam Era Models.
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T356 hauls the Horsham block oil train upgrade through Ballarat North. VFJX are acting as safety wagons between the locomotive and tankers and the guards van
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| VFJX 10 and 7 at their birthplace, Ballarat North railway workshops |
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| VFJX 10 had the adjustable bulkhead paint grey (I assume this was to distinguish it from the fixed bulkhead) |
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VFJX 7 had a adjustable bulkhead painted wagon red. It's code board had a different arrangement of the wagon code and number to VFJX 10.
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| T356 hauls the Horsham block oil train past the way and works depot at Ballarat North. VFJX 7 is the safety wagon between the loco and the oil tankers. |
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