Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division)

Composite Sitting Car HCX 632

HCX 632 is a composite car (it has compartments for 1st and 2nd class passengers as well as accommodation for the train guard). Built as one of the CX class in 1912, it originally had two first class compartments in the centre and four second class compartments at the ends of the car. Today HCX 632 has three compartments - one first class and two second class. In 1961, the other half of the car was converted to provide a guard's compartment and space for parcels and other small items. The car is very significant for the Society, as it served in the 1960s and 1970s on the Goulburn mixed and pure freight trains which ran to Canberra and to Crookwell. In 1973 it starred in the filming of the ABC's 'Seven Little Australians' around Moss Vale, and while in ARHS service was used for filming of 'The Year My Voice Broke.' Prior to its withdrawal in November 1975, it was used as a terminal (end) car on a Wollongong suburban car set. The original configuration of separate compartments was known as 'dog-boxes', as each compartment was totally enclosed and each had its own entry / exit doors. Each compartment also had its own lavatory. The doors needed securing from the outside, meaning that on-board passengers needed to open the door window to open or securely close their compartment door. As part of the guard's area, there was also a coffin compartment, a feature included in guard's vans for many years. It was purchased by the Society in 1976 and during 2001 was restored for use on the Centenary of Federation train. The top photo shows the carriage after restoration, on 16 September 2001, at Queanbeyan station, being used on this charter. Today the 'dog-box' concept has been retained, with HCX 632 having two separate 2nd class compartments and one 1st class compartment, along with a guard's compartment. There has been additional restoration work on this valuable car and during 2004, it took part in the steam festival of the Rail Transport Museum in and around the Thirlmere area.

Click on picture for larger image; use your 'Back' button to return to this page    HCX 632, Queanbeyan station, 2001    HCX 632, Buxton NSW, 2004

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