Brief History Of The Class.

The W class Workmen's sleeper vans were a mixture of old downgraded surplus carriages and new purpose built vehicles. The first of these new purpose built workmens vans was constructed in 1901. After a few slight modifications, all new vans were built to a similar design. New W class vans were constructed in 1911, 1914, 1928/29, 1934, 1936/37, 1943, 1945, 1958 to 1960. In addition, some surplus fixed wheel wagons were converted to W class vans.

There were many uses for W vans. They were used by roving painters, bridge gangs, weighbridge fitters and track gangs to move from site to site as the work demanded. In later years track gangs camped at stations in districts. The train would be moved as required to a new district.

Some men lived in these vans for most of their railway life, 15 to 20 years or more.

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References: Vincent, Peter, "W - Workmens Sleeper Van", Victorian Railways Rolling Stock 1886 - 1996, CD-ROM, 1998

History of W409 (From P. Vincent)

1945	Built new
1979	Off register.
1979	Modified at Bendigo Workshops.

Heritage Significance

The collection of workmens sleeper vans are a physical reminder of the rough lifestyle of many railway employees that moved around the state in the execution of their duties. The CHTR collection are believed to be the only purpose built W class vans in preservation. Several examples of W class vans converted from old passenger cars exist at the VGR and MRPS.

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References:
Fell, Barry & Brook, Arthur, CHTR Rollingstock Register, CHTR, Daylesford, Victoria, 2001.
Medlin, Peter, E-mail on 19/7/2002.
Vincent, Peter, "W - Workmen's Sleeper Van", Victorian Railways Rolling stock: 1886 - 1996, CD-ROM, 1998.