Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division)

Power Van PHN 2381 PHN 2381 is a stainless steel power / brake van built by Commonwealth Engineering. It entered service on the Sydney-Melbourne run on 31 December 1970. The van was built as a replacement for a similar vehicle - PHN 2370 which was destroyed in the Violet Town (Victoria) accident of 7 February 1969. The PHNs were originally built in 1961-2 for use on the Southern Aurora and Spirit of Progress, but were occasionally used on the Brisbane Limited Express. The interior of PHN 2381 features a 27' 4" (8.33 metre) lockable luggage area which can hold up to 6 tons. Next to this compartment is a 6' (1.82 metre) guard's section. The remainder of the van is devoted to a compartment housing two Caterpillar model D generator sets, each with a capacity of 165kva. The PHNs were withdrawn from service mainly in 1992. PHN 2381 was stored at Eveleigh railway workshops until purchased by the Society in 1999. It is regularly seen as a terminal (end) car on tour trains operated by the Society, where power is required for passenger services.

Click on picture for larger image; use your 'Back' button to return to this page    Power van PHN 2381, Albury, 2004    PHN 2381, Parkes, 2002

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