SDS Models

NSWPTC Pneumatic Discharge Cement Hopper

PRX, NPRX, NPRY, NPRF

First introduced in 1978, these hoppers were built by COMENG Braemar for the NSWPTC and their customer Blue Circle Southern. They replaced an aging fleet of bottom discharge wagons.

Commencing in 1978, the first contract was for 100 wagons coded PRX 12061-12160. These were delivered with 3 piece Bettendorf style roller bearing bogies. The second contract in 1981 was for 25 wagons coded NPRY 18201-18225 and were delivered with 1 piece 2CM style bogies, the third contract was in 1987 for 30 wagons coded NPRF 82030-82059 and had also the same 1 piece 2CM bogies. Whilst similar in appearance to the first contract, the second and third contract featured the same tank body mounted closer to the wagon chassis the result was a lower centre of gravity.

In 1980 there were several derailments at express train speeds with PRX/NPRX wagons, the Railways determined that the 3 piece Bettendorf style bogies too light in design and commenced upgrading them to 2CM bogies, upon return to traffic they were coded NPRY.

By the mid-1980s daily despatches from Berrima, Portland and Kandos were being sent to Unanderra, Sydney depots, Wyee and North Coast depots, Wauchope, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Lismore and Murwillumbah. By November 1981 BCS were despatching three 24 wagon block cement trains to North Coast depots per week.