Re: Z Brake Van (Victorian)

[dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage)]

Rod Cairns (rca@echuca.net.au) wrote:
> Can anyone help me with a plan and any historical information about
> Victorian Z Brake Vans

There have been a couple of articles and plans in the Australian Model
Railway Magazine over the years. You can probably get a plan through the
Railfan Shop, if you're beave enough to enter. :)

As to historical information, they go back to the very early days of
railways in Victoria.

The major sub groups were:
ZL - auto couplers with a 3 link chain
ZD - loco style dual couplers
ZP - dual couplers with 3t of rail in the floor, hence only 2t capacity.
     Allowed 60mph on passenger trains.
ZZ - a one off bogie version (c1959?)

As late as 1979 there was a ZH van at Ballarat. It was ex-Melbourne &
Hobson's Bay Railway stock, and had also been owned by the Deniliquin &
Moama Railway.

Cheers
David