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3 QR SX sets for State Rail Thailand
Above: 1717 being unloaded from MV Lindengracht in Bangkok, 1995.
According to Kev Drinnen's notes, the original contract with Thailand in 1995 nominated
SX sets 40, 46 and 47. 40 set had been out of traffic and maintenance service
since August 1993 and was in Redbank yard minus all bogies.
The contract called for sets to be in good condition to operate satisfactorily
in Thailand for 10 years with normal maintenance. Without bogies 40 set couldn't
be run to Mayne Junction to install new batteries, etc., so a substitution of
44 set for 40 set was arranged.
The internal luggage racks in 1719 of 47 set had previously been removed in an
ongoing modification by the Carriage Builders at Mayne so 1690 from 42 set was
provided as a substitute.
Each set had 2 vans (SXV) and 5 cars (SX): 44 set 1698-1704 inclusive, 46 set
1712-1718 inclusive, and 47 set 1690 than 1720-1725 inclusive.
All bogies were regauged to one metre at Redbank Shops. The first set (46) had
modified bogies fitted at Redbank and were sent by road on trucks to Hamilton
Wharf for loading onto the MV Lindengracht. The other two sets had their bogies
changed at Hamilton, not far from the wharf, and were then trucked to the MV
Lindengracht.
46 set was loaded 24/03/95 and unloaded in Bangkok 4/05/95 after a 10 delay as
no one knew about arranging priority berthing for the ship. Road testing was then
conducted by QR staff accompanying the vehicles, and the staff returned to Brisbane
for the other sets.
44 and 47 sets were loaded 28/06/95 and unloaded overnight 18/07/95 after a 3
day delay since priority berthing had been arranged. Again the QR staff accompanying
the sets conducted road tests before departing Bangkok 22/08/95.
The QR team was Scott Graham, assistant to the Mechanical Engineer in charge of
Mayne Junction workshops, Daryl Hibberd, Fitter in the Westinghouse section and in
charge of the Breakdown Gang for all derailments, AC Shed Mayne, and Kev Drinnen,
Leading Hand Electrical Fitter, AC Sheds Mayne.
As Kev recalls, the test run to and from Chiang Mai at speeds of up to 100 kph
had the potential for problems.
"All tests were OK [but] I will admit to having some misgivings about the
Chiang Mai trip as our sets had been used sparingly for a number of years with the
coming of electrification, and sometimes only did short runs morning and afternoon.
A round trip of 700 kms each way continuous to Chaing Mai could have brought out
some problems.
Some of the changes required for operation on SRT included removing a plate to allow
locos to connect to the SX cars, the closing of sliding electric and air-operated
doors, cutting steps and vestibules in ends of cars to suit low platforms, and the
removal of inter-car control cables (as there wouldn't be a Guard on the train to
control same from the van).
Photos
Image:
1713 being loaded in Brisbane
Image:
46 set being unloaded in Bangkok
Image:
44 and 47 sets in Bangkok during testing
Image:
Chaing Mai end of the test run
Image:
Vestibule modifications to 1712
Image:
Modifications to one of the vans with a temporary door plug fitted
Image:
07/11/00, SX carriages being overhauled, note the electrical cable above the
door, used to jumper to other cars if a flat battery occurs. QR practice was
to use temporary jumpers. Carriage is 1690, 42 set and is in the Carriage
Repair Shop, Makkasan Workshops.
Image:
07/11/00, SX carriages waiting for overhaul outside Carriage Repair Shop.
1724, 47 set is first from right.
qldrailheritage.com site developed and maintained for Queensland's rail heritage providers. Contents provided for non-commercial use only and are copyright © A C Lynn Zelmer or as indicated. Page last updated: 28/06/06 [lz].