VHJA gypsum hopper

For gypsum traffic from Cowangie, ten wagons VHCA covered cement hopper wagon were converted in 1984. The class was given the code VHJA and was numbered 1 to 10. These wagons were originally J open hopper wagons imported from the USA in 1925, which subsequently had their sides extended and a cover placed over the hopper section for cement traffic from Fyansford to North Melbourne in the 1950's.

Two VHJA hopper wagons are on the front of Cowangie bound empty gypsum train hauled by a flat top and a second series T class.

In the code VH stood for Victorian and Hopper-type respectively, the third letter indicated the traffic and in this case J was used for Gypsum (probably as G was used for grain). The final letter A indicated that

The ex J series VHCA hoppers (51, 53, 54, 81, 82 and 84-87) were reclassed to VHJA 1-10 for gypsum traffic in 1984. In the conversion the covered roof was removed but the vertically extended box structure above the original J hopper was retained. Inside this structure two steeper sloped sheets were inserted to improve  unloading through the hopper doors.

VHJA9=P was modified from a Athearn hopper wagon. The sides were reduced in height and a styrene box and sloped sheets were inserted into the hopper body.

End detail of VHJA9-P showing the steps and platforms at the end of the wagon.

In 1992/1993, another batch of wagons were modified from the standard type VHCA wagons. These wagons were numbered 11 to 25. The conversion involved removal of the hopper roof.

VHJA 12-G is a BGB model with Steam Era Model bogies that was built in the mid 90s while living in the Mallee. It was converted from VHCA 46 in 1993.

Wagons 11 through 16 were converted from VHCA 35, 46, 42, 22, 15 and 24; VHJA 19 came from VHCA 13, and VHJA 25 came from VHCA 95. It is not clear which VHCA wagons were used for conversion to VHJA 17, 18 and 20-24.

Interior view of the hopper section of the VHJA hopper wagon.

I have fond memories of the Cowangie block Gypsum train from when I lived in the Mallee from 1994-97.  At the time the Ouyen = Pinnaroo line was one of the last branchlines to have regularly scheduled goods services. I had a few encounters with the gypsum train out on the branch, usually when working, unfortunately mostly when I didn't have my camera or when the light was poor. I use to take the Patchewollock- Ouyen Road when travelling from Hopetoun to Mildura for work. On one occasion I turned off this road onto the Mallee Hwy to see X40 struggling upgrade to the level crossing hauling a rake of VOJF and VHJAs towards Ouyen.

Often gypsum wagons for branch could be found sitting in Ouyen yard. I have included some photos taken in May 1996 of both empty and loaded VHJA's at Ouyen.  

At Cowangie trucks just reversed on an earthen loading ramp and dumped directly into the open and hopper wagons. A tractor was used to assist with moving the wagons for loading.    

I'll cover the VOJF open wagon's that were also used in gypsum service from Cowangie in another blog.