ROLLING STOCK CLASSIFICATION & NUMBERING

Andrew Rayment, with whose kind permission I include it, wrote this document. I point out to readers that at least one example of each type still exists on Puffing Billy. Can any other museum claim such a representation?

I have added some information to bring this document up to date. Italics indicate my additions. W.R.

The narrow-gauge rolling stock classification system is based on the Victorian Railways broad-gauge classifications.

With the prefix letter N to indicate a narrow-gauge car, each class of vehicle originally had code letters similar to its counterpart on the broad-gauge, and all having bogies, most were double-letter identified, e.g. NBB, NABAB, NUU, NMM, etc. The double-letter classification was dropped with the general simplification of V.R. passenger car coding in 1910.

The letters following the N prefix refer to the vehicle's use and type. e.g. A was used to indicate first-class passenger accommodation, B was used to indicate second-class passenger accommodation and C was used to indicate Guard's Van/Brake Van.

Numbers started at 1 for each class of vehicle and progressed in numerical order.

Based on this, the following are the rolling: stock classifications and numbering:

NAB

COMBINED FIRST-CLASS AND SECOND-CLASS PASSENGER CAR. Four were built during 1906-1909, numbered 1-4. With the cessation of first-class facilities on the narrow-gauge, they were reclassified NB between 1916 and 1923 and renumbered 24-27 to fit into the NB numbering sequence.

NAL

See NBL below.

NB

SECOND-CLASS PASSENGER CAR. There were three types: Nos. 1-6 were Saloon cars having end platforms and a ladies toilet, and were built from 1899-1904. Nos. 7-23 were 5-compartment side loading cars, built from 1906-1915.

Nos. 24-27 were the former NAB class cars mentioned previously and were also side loading, having 6 compartments and two ladies toilets.

NBC

COMBINED SECOND-CLASS PASSENGER. CAR AND GUARD'S VAN. Six cars, numbered 1-6, were built during 1898-1905 and originally classed NBDBD. The D was previously the letter code for Brakevans/Guard's Vans, but was changed to C when the double-letter code was dropped in 1910. A final NBC numbered 7 was added to the fleet in 1910.

NBH

SECOND-CLASS EXCURSION CAR. The H was recognising their use for "Holiday" traffic. 15 of these cars were built in 1919 and numbered 1-15. Two more were built in 1981, and numbered 16 & 17. Two extended versions for wheelchair passengers were built in 1981 & 1983. These were numbered 51 & 52 - a separate number series due to the different type of vehicle.

Six, numbered 18-23, were built in 1997-98. These had steel frames, padded seats, and a wide "window sill". At first glance they look the same as the previous NBHs. There are other minor construction differences due to the use of steel framing. 18NBH entered traffic 19/4/1997; 19NBH on 5/12/1997; 20NBH on 19/12/1997, the others added in 1998.

These six (18-23) are being modified to provide double doors and space for wheel chairs at one end. Currently one has been modified.

NC

BRAKE VAN/GUARDS VAN. No. 1 was built in 1909 as NDD and reclassed NC in 1910. Four more were built during 1912-1915 numbered 2-5, No. 6 was added to the fleet in 1919.

NQ/NQR

MEDIUM OPEN WAGONS. 218 of these goods vehicles were built between 1898 and 1914? numbered 1-218. Originally, these wagons carried the code letter R as they were built with sides and ends. They later had the R removed if they had sides/ends or fittings that could not be removed. NQR 191 was modified to carry pulp-wood. This framework could not be removed and hence the vehicle became NQ 191.

Over the years, a number of NQRs were provided with removable wood and steel frameworks with canvas roof canopies and side curtains, and internal seating to supplement the rest of the passenger stock during busy holiday periods.

Puffing Billy has re-created these for emergency capacity. Five more NQRs, numbered 219-223, were built between 1990 and 1992 initially for passenger use so were fitted with the removable frames.

NM

CATTLE WAGON. Four of these were built during 1899-1901 and eleven more were built during 1910 and 1918, a total of 15. They were numbered 1 - 15.

NH

COVERED VAN Built in 1910 as 1NPH, this combined powder and goods wagon was the only one of its type built. It was reclassed NH later the same year when the explosives or powder compartment was converted to carry general goods.

NT

INSULATED VAN. Built in 1899 and numbered 1, it was the only one of its type built.

NU

LOUVERED VANS. Eight louvre vans for carrying general goods were built during 1899-1901 and a further six in 1911, a total of 14 louvre vans numbered 1-14.

The term Louvre Van describes the sides which consist of fixed louvres for ventilation. The aim was to keep the goods inside cool.

Post-Preservation Classifications

NAC

COMBINED NB PASSENGER CAR AND GUARD'S VAN. A compartment NB which has had a guard's compartment temporarily added in one end. Due to the temporary nature of the guard's compartment, this vehicle retains its number in the NB numbering sequence, but is classed NAC to differentiate it from the standard NBC. The use of the A is possibly a recognition of the car's original NAB classification despite it now being a "second-class" car.

NAL ex NBL

FIRST-CLASS SALOON CAR. Four saloon end-platform cars originally built during 1901-1902 by the Lancaster Railway Carriage and Wagon Company Ltd. for the 3'6" gauge Mt. Lyell Mining & Railway Company in Tasmania and classed O. Converted for use as second-class cars on the 2'6" gauge Puffing Billy Railway during 1965-1966, these cars were reclassified NBL and numbered 1-4. The L recognises their Mt. Lyell origin, No. 1 was kept for use as the Railway's VIP car and was reconditioned to a higher standard. No. 2 was similarly upgraded in 1985 for use on special occasions. In 1989 No. 3 was similarly reconditioned with No. 4 receiving similar treatment in 1995. These cars will be re-classified NAL in recognition of their new first-class nature.

These carriages are now classified NAL (WR).

NBD

COMBINED NB PASSENGER CAR AND GUARD'S VAN. A saloon or end platform NB which has had a guard's compartment temporarily added in one end. Due to the temporary nature of this conversion, this vehicle also retains its number in the NB numbering sequence but is classed NBD to differentiate it from the standard NBC and the NAC. The use of the D is recognising the code for guard's vans prior to 1910.

NBHC

COMBINED NBH PASSENGER CAR AND GUARD'S VAN. An NBH which has had a guard's compartment temporarily added in one end. Due to the temporary nature of this conversion, this vehicle also retains its number in the NBH numbering sequence, but has the C added to indicate its use as a guard's van.

NNN ex NQG

BALLAST HOPPER, This vehicle was built by the Tasmanian Govt. Railways in 1954 and classified QG, A number were obtained by the Puffing Billy Railway for use on ballast trains and are undergoing conversion. This is the only vehicle that doesn't recognise the V.R. classification system and has kept the Tasmanian QG with the addition of the N prefix and also kept its Tasmanian number of 3. The nearest counterpart on the V.R. would most likely have been the broad-gauge NN which if the same criterion was followed would make this narrow-gauge vehicle NNN.

This vehicle's classification was changed from NQG to NNNin June 2003. It also was renumbered 1.

NWT now NQ

WATER TANK WAGON. This vehicle is an NQ with a 2000 gallon water tank fitted--hence the code WT - although it keeps its number in the NQ numbering sequence.

Over the years of V.R, operation a number of NQs were fitted with the water tanks, but retained their NQ code and number. The present NWT is following broad-gauge practice.

In June, 2003 the classification reverted to NQ. (Not NQR for the water-tank is not easily removable.)

Sources

Peter Medlin,

Steam On The 2'6" Vol. 2, Passenger Carriages- by Peter Medlin. (in prep.)

Speed Limit 20- by E. A. Downs.