Commonwealth Railways
Standard Gauge
Class operators: Commonwealth Railways
Condition: Good
Entered service: 2.8.1971
Entered the museum: 16.12.1996
Number in class: 23
Ownership: Port Dock Station Railway Trust
Provenance: Commonwealth Railways and Australian National
Withdrawn: 1996
This brake van was built by Comeng, of Granville, NSW for the Commonwealth Railways. It entered service as narrow gauge (1067mm) brake van NHRE85 on 2nd August 1971 at Darwin. In 1976, when the Darwin operation ceased, it was transferred to Marree.
These brake vans were used on the long haul runs where crews worked in relays, one set being on duty, while the other relaxed or slept. As well as the normal guard’s area it has a kitchen, shower, toilet and sleeping bunks for 8 staff.
Following the closure of the Marree operation it was converted to standard gauge.