PCP 294 – POWER / OBSERVATION VAN

PCP 294 was built in June 1957 by AE Goodwin in NSW as part of an order for 40 bogie guards vans. It was numbered 6 CP. It was modified at Bendigo North Workshops and re-numbered 6 VVCP in July 1985.

 

 

 

 

In 1987 four vans (including 6 VVCP) were fitted with a walkthrough connection at one end, painted orange and placed into passenger service. The van was re-numbered to 294 CP.

 

 

 

 

After transfer to the West Coast Railway in 1994 the van was fitted with a diesel generator to provide head end power and re-numbered PCP 294.

 

 

 

 

Since PCP294 arrived at 707 Operations in 2005 a safety fence has been fitted across the wide doors on each side of the cargo area. This allows the doors to be left open when the train is operating providing passengers with an observation area from which to experience the sounds and smells of mainline steam travel.

The exterior of the van has been repainted into red Vintage Rail Travel livery and the interior has been repainted and fitted with wooden tram seats providing passengers with an observation van from which to experience the sounds and smells of mainline steam travel.

Last Updated: 07 January 2009