The modern P's numbered from 1 - 51 and were built in batches between 1953 and 1959 from scrap 10' 6" wheelbase U underframes for the carriage of explosive materials. he first batch: 1 -25, were built from 1953-1954. The second batch: 26-51were built in 1958-1959, this batch had much more substantial side and end bracing as compared to the first batch. As built they had bulbous looking roof vents which were later replaced Their main traffic was from the ICI plant at Ardeer. When loaded, departmental regulations required "safety" wagons coupled between the loaded P's. Safety wagons were also required between a loaded P and a loco or guards van. P vans were not painted the usual VR freight red but were painted a very bright red, even brighter than VR passenger red.
Steam Era Models make a HO scale kit.
ABOVE: P 6 at Tottenham, Dec. 1982, photo courtesy Rob O'Regan
ABOVE: P 10 photographed Dec 10 1982, photo courtesy Peter J Vincent.
ABOVE: P 28 at Dry Creek yard, S.A. The colour in this photo may be off as the slide is severely underexposed. Feb 17 1986.
ABOVE: Article from the August 1953 VR newsletter.
ABOVE: This wonderful old photo probably dates from the 1870's. It shows Powder van #1 which the 1904 diagram book and the register tells us was built in 1862 by Wright & son a group of 5 wagons (1 - 5) It was equipped with Westinghouse air brake in 1912 and is shown as scrapped 16/6/1954.