KMQ 4 wheeled flat wagons

 

Built between 1974 and 1984, 314 KMQ flat wagons were converted from U, T and KAB underframes from scrapped wagons. The KMQ wagons were a stop gap measure until more funds could be obtained to construct additional bogie container wagons. KMQ's were numbered 1 to 314, although not all were in service at the same time.

The KMQ's were converted from U, T and KAB wagons by removing the body from the underframe, then installing a chequerplate deck with brackets and container locks. Almost all KMQ's had wheel handbrakes but a few had lever handbrakes.

KMQ 51 shows the original raised number boards.

Originally the number boards were raised at the left hand end. However the loading and unloading of containers caused these panels to be damaged. Wagons were gradually modified with number boards mounted centrally on the underframe. I have modelled KMQ's with both styles of number boards, as early KMQ's continued in service with the original raised style number board until there next visit to the workshops.

KMQ's with the repositioned number board to the centre of the underframe.

In the early 1980's the majority of the KMQ fleet were employed in export rice traffic from Denilliquin and Echuca and export canned fruit traffic from Shepparton. There were several KMQ's painted bright orange used in explosives traffic, 

A KMQ loaded with a PF flour container.

On the layout the KMQ's are used to container traffic for car parts from Bendix Mintex at Redan. They are also used occasionally to Pittong on the Skipton branch for Kaolin traffic. Two KMQ's loaded with PF flour containers are used in dedicated traffic from Garden City Flour Mill at Ballarat North. There are also a couple in use with MC cattle containers in livestock traffic. 

A KMQ loaded with an MC cattle containers in livestock traffic. 

The KMQ's are a mixed group, most were converted from Steam Era Models U or T van 15ft underframes although there are a number of earlier ones converted from Lima European wagon underframes. The decks, container brackets and locks are made from styrene sheet and shapes.

A few further KMQ's are under construction. These are the special use KMQ's, numbered 78 to 80 fitted with container locks to suit loading with two 10ft flour containers. 

KMQ's with flour containers together with VPFX at the Garden City Flour Mill at Ballarat North.

A special use KMQ loaded with two 10ft flour containers