SDS Models new container wagon and others

SDS Models have formally announced they will produce a RQBY container flat. That is, a OCY with holes cut in the deck to reduce weight.

These wagons were converted during 1989 to 1992, when most of the remaining 370 NQOY wagons of the series 15000, 34000, and 35000 series were converted for the transport of 20 and 40 foot ISO containers. These modifications were carried out at the Cooks River rail yard. bt the end of 1992, the 15000 series had been recoded to NQBY. Most of the NQBY/RQBY wagons had been originally coded NQSY. The deck patterns on these wagons were different to the standard NQSY pattern. Under NRC these have been recoded to RQBY.

RQBY art work: SDS Models

Edit Note: Many of the 63ft container flats in service have their origins in the OCY/X and FQX flats. 


The FQX class was VR's primary container wagon for many years, almost identical to NSW OCX/NQOX wagon ( a kit is available from AR Kits), and SAR FQX /AQCX version, which had differences, the most notable being only having two chain boxes rather than four.  Steam Era models produce a FQX kit
 Recently, many have had their tare weight decreased, with hole cut in the decks and other weight removed. The other main class are the Commonwealth Railways RMX flats, used by all operators today. So far, only QRNational have weight reduced some of these wagons, by removing deck plating, coded QQEY.
Later built skeletal container flats in NSW and Victoria (QMX) are based on the OCY/X/FQX design, except for the NQKY,  which is converted CDY open wagon, with sides and floor removed.

NQKY Skeletal

RRTY ex RQTY ex AQTY ex FQX (With Polar Pack cut out)

Two version of the RQSY (OCY modified) modeled from old Callipari Kits, obtained from Casula Hobbies. (Powerline use the same unit for their RTR wagon).

RQSY with more extensive deck cut outs

QUBE back in Horsham

Rail freight has returned to the Horsham station yard, with QUBE beginning containerized grain traffic, between the rural city and Melbourne.  The first service out, was on 31 October,  hauled by GL105 with 23 wagons.. This Viterria traffic has been gained from WCL



From the Wimmera Mail Times.

HORSHAM Rural City Council will meet Melbourne-based container logistics company Qube to discuss operations at the Horsham rail freight terminal.
Qube has confirmed it intends to operate from the Horsham terminal.
The meeting comes after Horsham residents voiced their concern at the prospect of rail freight returning to the city when crews started work at the site.
Workers from rail contractors McLeod Rail have been working on the rail track this week in readiness for Qube to move in.
Horsham Rural City Mayor David Grimble said company representatives and council would meet mid next week to find out what the company intended to do.
"They have a commitment to provide a rail service under contract," he said.
"We need to find out why they can't provide that service under contract at the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal at Dooen.
"We also want to reassure people that we don't want a freight handling facility in the city it is not part of our long-term vision for Horsham.
"We understand the angst from the community. Council is united and we will exercise our political influence.
"This came as a surprise to us as well."
A spokesman for Qube said the arrangement in Horsham was temporary.
He said the company had been trying to gain access to the new terminal at Dooen, which officially opened in September.
"It is not our intention to remain at the Horsham terminal indefinitely but we cannot use Dooen until an agreement is reached with Wimmera Container Line," he said.
Wimmera Container Line operates the Dooen terminal.
The spokesman said Qube made alternative arrangements to access the Horsham terminal so that its customers were protected and to ensure freight remained on rail.
"Qube is continuing its discussions with Wimmera Container Line on a potential access agreement to the Dooen terminal, but is unable to say when that agreement will be reached," he said.
"However the community can be assured that we are working in good faith to enable us to commence operations at Dooen as soon as commercially possible."
Carly Werner