Commonwealth Railways stainless steel carriage stock

In July 1965 Commonwealth Railways placed an order with Commonwealth Engineering, Granville for eight 22.92-metre (75 ft 2 in) air-conditioned stainless steel sleeping carriages and one dining carriage for use on the Trans Australian.[1][2] The first was delivered in July 1966.[3]

Stock on The Ghan approaching Alice Springs in July 2015

The carriages were built to a slightly narrower loading gauge than existing stock to allow their operation on other systems as a precursor to the commencement of transcontinental services. In May 1967 Commonwealth Railways placed an order for a further 59 carriages in various configurations for use on the Indian Pacific. Further orders saw the fleet total 124.[4]

Of these 60 were jointly owned by the New South Wales Government Railways, Commonwealth Railways and the Western Australian Government Railways for the Indian Pacific and the balance by the Commonwealth Railways for the Trans-Australian. In practice they were used interchangeably.[4]

Since 1980 the stock has been used on The Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs. From November 1983 until November 1987 they were used on The Alice from Sydney to Alice Springs. More recently they have been used on The Overland from Adelaide to Melbourne and The Southern Spirit.

In July 1975 all were included in the transfer of Commonwealth Railways to Australian National and in October 1997 to Great Southern Rail.

Construction

Between 1966 and 1975, the following carriages were built by Commonwealth Engineering at Granville for the Indian Pacific, Trans Australian and Ghan services[5]:

  • 8x BRG Second Class Twin berth sleeping cars (36 berths in 18 compartments) numbered 168 to 175.
  • 1x DE Dining car (48 seats) numbered 176.
  • 9x HGM Power and guards vans numbered 202 to 205, 296 to 298, 316 and 317.
  • 7x ER Dormitory staff cars numbered 206 to 211 and 313.
  • 22x BRJ Second Class Twin berth sleeping cars (36 berths in 18 compartments) numbered 212 to 223, 267 to 271 and 299 to 303.
  • 8x CDF Second Class Club/Dining cars numbered 224 to 229 and 265 to 266.
  • 11x DF First Class Dining cars (48 seats) numbered 230 to 235, 264, 294 to 295, 304 and 327.
  • 7x AFC First Class Lounge cars numbered 236 to 239 and 305 to 307.
  • 13x ARJ First Class Roomette sleeping cars (20 berths in 20 compartments) numbered 240 to 245, 272 to 273 and 282 to 286.
  • 23x ARL First Class Twinette sleeping cars (18 berths in 9 compartments + conductor's compartment) numbered 246 to 250, 261 to 263, 289 to 293, 308 to 310 and 320 to 326.
  • 6x ARM First Class Deluxe Twinette sleeping cars numbered 251 to 254 and 287 to 288.
  • 9x HM Baggage and mail vans numbered 255 to 259, 311 to 312 and 318 to 319.
  • 1x SSA Governor General's special car numbered 260.

Fleet details

Individual carriage details
Key: In Service Withdrawn Preserved Scrapped Unknown
Code Number Entered Service Withdrawn Current Owner Current Location Notes
BRG 168 1966-11-08[6] N/A[6] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In February 2006, the interior was stripped and the windows were removed in preparation of conversion to a deluxe sleeping car. It was sent to South Dynon in 16 August 2006, where there was a complete replacement of the interior from a Second class twin berth sleeping car to a deluxe sleeping car. In August 2008, the carriage reentered service as a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRG 969 1966-11-08[6] N/A[6] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1977, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific and renumbered 969 from 169.
BRG 170 1966-11-16[6] N/A[6] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In February 2006, the interior was stripped and the windows were removed in preparation of conversion to a deluxe sleeping car. It was sent to South Dynon in 16 August 2006, where there was a complete replacement of the interior from a Second class twin berth sleeping car to a deluxe sleeping car. In August 2008, the carriage reentered service as a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRG 171 1966-11-16[6] N/A[6] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In February 2006, the interior was stripped and the windows were removed in preparation of conversion to a deluxe sleeping car. It was sent to South Dynon in 16 August 2006, where there was a complete replacement of the interior from a Second class twin berth sleeping car to a deluxe sleeping car. In August 2008, the carriage reentered service as a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRG 972 1966-11-23[6] N/A[6] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1977, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific and renumbered 972 from 172. In February 2006, the interior was stripped and the windows were removed in preparation of conversion to a deluxe sleeping car. It was sent to South Dynon in 16 August 2006, where there was a complete replacement of the interior from a Second class twin berth sleeping car to a deluxe sleeping car. In August 2008, the carriage reentered service as a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRG 173 1966-11-23[6] N/A[6] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In February 2006, the interior was stripped and the windows were removed in preparation of conversion to a deluxe sleeping car. It was sent to South Dynon in 16 August 2006, where there was a complete replacement of the interior from a Second class twin berth sleeping car to a deluxe sleeping car. In August 2008, the carriage reentered service as a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRG 974 1966-11-30[6] N/A[6] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1977, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific and renumbered 974 from 174. In February 2006, the interior was stripped and the windows were removed in preparation of conversion to a deluxe sleeping car. It was sent to South Dynon in 16 August 2006, where there was a complete replacement of the interior from a Second class twin berth sleeping car to a deluxe sleeping car. In August 2008, the carriage reentered service as a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRG 175 1966-11-11[6] N/A[6] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In February 2006, the interior was stripped and the windows were removed in preparation of conversion to a deluxe sleeping car. It was sent to South Dynon in 16 August 2006, where there was a complete replacement of the interior from a Second class twin berth sleeping car to a deluxe sleeping car. In August 2008, the carriage reentered service as a Platinum Service sleeping car.
DE 176 1966-11-23[7] Unknown[7] Steve Moritz Tailem Bend, South Australia In 1980, the carriage was transferred to Broad gauge from Standard Gauge for use on an Australian National inspection tour of the Murray Lands lines. After the privatisation of Australian National, the carriage was sold to Australian Rail Track Corporation in 1998. The carriage was sold at an auction in March 2011 and DE 176 was purchased by Steve Moritz, who moved the carriage to Tailem Bend in September 2012.
HGM 902 1969-5-28[8] N/A[8] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 902 from 202 for the Indian Pacific train.
HGM 903 1969-2-21[8] N/A[8] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 903 from 203 for the Indian Pacific train. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
HGM 904 1969-5-1[8] N/A[8] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 904 from 204 for the Indian Pacific train.
HGM 205 1969-3-7[8] 1999-12-2[8] *scrapped* HGM205 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement power carriage for PHN2370 which was destroyed in the Violet Town rail accident. The carriage then entered service with Commonwealth Railways in December 1970 when replacement power carriage PHN2381 was built. The carriage was accident-damaged after Glenbrook rail accident and has since been scrapped.
ER 906 1969-5-1[9] N/A[9] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1976, the carriage was renumbered 906 from 206 for the Indian Pacific train. The carriage was internally refurbished in 1994 for use on the Indian Pacific train service.
ER 207 1969-5-1[9] N/A[9] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1988, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. On the 12 December 2006, the carriage was damaged in an accident involving a truck and the Ghan train at Ban Ban Springs. In February 2007, the carriage was then sent to Taree for repairs. It is still in service despite the accident.
RZBY 208 1969-6-19 (as a passenger car), 1997 (as a crew car) [9] 1997 (as a passenger car) N/A (as a crew car)[9] Pacific National In 1988, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In 1997, it was withdrawn from passenger service and sold to National Rail and converted to a crew car, recoded RZBY.
ER 909 1969-6-4[9] N/A[9] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 909 from 209 for the Indian Pacific train.
RZBY 910 1969-5-15 (as a passenger car), 1997 (as a crew car) [9] 1997 (as a passenger car) N/A (as a crew car)[9] Pacific National In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 910 from 210 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1997, it was withdrawn from passenger service and sold to National Rail and converted to a crew car, recoded RZBY.
RZBY 911 1969-6-2 (as a passenger car), 1997 (as a crew car) [9] 1997 (as a passenger car) N/A (as a crew car)[9] Pacific National In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 910 from 210 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1997, it was withdrawn from passenger service and sold to National Rail and converted to a crew car, recoded RZBY.
BRJ 912 1968-7-9[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia The carriage may have initially been coded BRH212 by mistake, but the mistake was corrected at the last minute before entering service. In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 912 from 212 for the Indian Pacific train. In November 1987, the carriage was trialled with desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior of one side for the Legendary Ghan. In 1994, the carriage was sent to Port Augusta for refurbishment and asbestos removal and just a year later sent back to Keswick being refurbished as an Indian Pacific carriage.
AFC 213 1968-6-28[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In October 1994, the carriage was converted from a BRJ 2nd class sleeping car to an AFC 1st class lounge car. After the conversion to a lounge car, AFC213 was named the Blue Mountains Lounge as part of the Indian Pacific upgrade. In 2008, the carriage was then refurbished as the Ernest Giles Outback Explorer Lounge.
BRJ 914 1968-7-16[10] 1998-6-12[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 914 from 214 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In June 1998, this carriage was burnt out and has since been withdrawn from use.
BRJ 915 1968-8-14[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 915 from 215 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1988, this carriage was used on the Brisbane Expo Express. In 1995, the carriage was internally refurbished in preparation for the Indian Pacific upgrade. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
BRJ 916 1968-7-24[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 916 from 216 for the Indian Pacific train.
BRG 917 1968-8-28[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 917 from 217 for the Indian Pacific train. In 2019, the interior was stripped for conversion into a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRJ 918 1968-8-14[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 918 from 218 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1995, the carriage was internally refurbished for the Indian Pacific upgrade. In April 2001, the carriage was fitted with a Red Kangaroo (now Red Service) class logo.
BRJ 919 1968-8-20[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 919 from 219 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1995, the carriage was internally refurbished for the Indian Pacific upgrade. The carriage is now a crew car, not in passenger service, with a small kitchen dining area added to replace some of the sleeping compartments.
ECA 220 1969-2-21[10] 1997[10] *scrapped* In 1989, the carriage was converted into an ECA crew car for use by Australian National. The carriage was destroyed in an accident at Mt Christie.
BRG 221 1969-3-28[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia BRJ221 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a LAN roomette sleeping carriage that was destroyed in the Violet Town rail accident. It entered service on the Commonwealth Railways on the 28 March 1969. In 2019, the interior was stripped for conversion into a Platinum Service sleeping car.
AEC 222 1969-3-21[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia BRJ222 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a LAN roomette sleeping carriage that was destroyed in the Violet Town rail accident. It entered service on the Commonwealth Railways on the 28 March 1969. In November 1986, the carriage was converted into a First Class Entertainment Car that was coded AEC. In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In 2006, it was sent to United Group Rail at Ballarat North for refurbishment and was finally refurbished in February 2010 with a new internal layout. AEC222 is now the Sir John and Alexander Forrest Outback Explorer lounge car for Gold Service.
ACC 223 1969-3-21[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia BRJ223 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a LAN roomette sleeping carriage that was destroyed in the Violet Town rail accident. It entered service on the Commonwealth Railways on the 28 March 1969. In November 1986, the carriage was converted into a First Class Conference Car that was coded ACC. In August 1987, the carriage was briefly converted to Broad gauge using the bogies from Bluebird trailer 106, before being converted back to Standard Gauge several days later. In July 2002, the carriage interior was altered so it can be used as a Gold Kangaroo class lounge car called the Oodnadatta Lounge. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004. Around 2008, the carriage was converted to the Len Beadell Outback Explorer lounge car for use on the Gold Service.
CDF 924 1969-6-24[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 924 from 224 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In August 1993, the carriage was converted to a buffet/dining car with similar seating to the first class dining cars called "Matilda's Restaurant". This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
CDF 225 1969-7-11[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In July 1992, the carriage was converted to a buffet/dining car with similar seating to the first class dining cars called "Matilda's Restaurant".
DF 226 1969-7-17[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 2019, the interior was stripped and the carriage was converted into a DF first class dining car.
AFC 227 1969-7-24[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1990, the carriage was refurbished as the "Marree Refreshment Car", with a very similar interior to the original CDF carriages, except for the fact that Dreamtime art was installed inside. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. The carriage wasn't used on the Ghan since September 1992, when the Ghan's desert-coloured stripes were removed from the carriage. In 2019, the interior was stripped and the carriage was converted into an AFC first class lounge car.
CDF 928 1969-8-15[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 928 from 228 for the Indian Pacific train. In May 1992, the carriage was converted to a buffet/dining car with similar seating to the first class dining cars called "Matilda's Restaurant". However, unlike other Matilda's Restaurant dining cars, this one was specifically designed for The Ghan with a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
CDF 929 1969-9-18[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 929 from 229 for the Indian Pacific train. In August 1993, the carriage was converted to a buffet/dining car with similar seating to the first class dining cars called "Matilda's Restaurant".
DF 930 1968-3-29[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1977, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific and renumbered 930 from 230.
DF 231 1968-4-4[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. Furthermore, the carriage was also internally refurbished as the Stuart Restaurant. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004. In August 2009, the carriage was converted to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant for use on the Ghan.
DF 232 1969-2-8[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia DF232 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for RMS2358 that was partially damaged as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. It entered service on the Commonwealth Railways on the 17 October 1969 after RMS2358 was repaired. In February 1994, the car's interior was rebuilt, making it one of the Queen Adelaide Restaurant cars for use on the Indian Pacific (along with DF233 and DF304). This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
DF 233 1968-11-29[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In December 1993, the car's interior was rebuilt, making it one of the Queen Adelaide Restaurant cars for use on the Indian Pacific (along with DF232 and DF304). This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
DF 934 1968-5-3[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 934 from 234 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards.
DF 935 1968-7-29[12] 1995-12-x[12] 707 Operations Newport Workshops In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 935 from 235 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1995, this carriage was withdrawn from use and was recorded to be scrapped. However, like many other carriages, DF935 was sold to International Development Services. In 1998, the carriage was sold to Mr M.Menzies of Victoria for a company called Rail Experience. As of March 2012, DF935 belongs to 707 Operations as a dining and kitchen carriage, and is currently undergoing overhaul.[13]
AFC 936 1969-2-22[14] N/A[14] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 935 from 235 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1995, the carriage was completely rebuilt from a First Class lounge car to a Holiday (Second class) Lounge Car. In April 2001, the smoking booth was opened up (with the door and several windows being removed). This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004. In 2010, the carriage was then rebuilt with a new internal layout and refurbished as the Red Gum Lounge. The former bar area became a cool room store with a single lounge area with tub chairs with the exception for the vestibule end of the carriage where there are three tables with four seats each. The Red Gum lounge was withdrawn on the 1st April 2013, after the BRJ (Red Class) sleeping cars were also withdrawn. In 2016, along with AFC938, AFC939 and AFC306, AFC936 was refurbished as the Platinum Club car, featuring a bar as well as a lounge that can be converted into a dining area and back. This carriage seats 30 in the dining configuration and 20 in a lounge configuration in an Art-Deco style.
AFC 937 1969-2-22[14] N/A[14] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 937 from 237 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1991, AFC937 ws briefly transferred to the broad gauge as a spare club car whilst the Overland Club Cars were undergoing repairs. In 1995, the carriage was rebuilt as the Hannans Bar Lounge with a smoking compartment when the Indian Pacific was undergoing an upgrade. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004. In 2008, the carriage was then refurbished as the Edward John Eyre Outback Explorer Lounge car.
AFC 938 1969-2-8[14] N/A[14] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia AFC938 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for BCS2355 that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. It entered service on the Commonwealth Railways on the 27 February 1970 after BCS2379 was built. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 938 from 238 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1995, the carriage was completely rebuilt from a First Class lounge car to a Holiday (Second class) Lounge Car. In 2010, the carriage was then rebuilt with a new internal layout and refurbished as the Red Gum Lounge. The former bar area became a cool room store with a single lounge area with tub chairs with the exception for the vestibule end of the carriage where there are three tables with four seats each. The Red Gum lounge was withdrawn on the 1st April 2013, after the BRJ (Red Class) sleeping cars were also withdrawn. In 2016, along with AFC936, AFC939 and AFC306, AFC938 was refurbished as the Platinum Club car, featuring a bar as well as a lounge that can be converted into a dining area and back. This carriage seats 30 in the dining configuration and 20 in a lounge configuration in an Art-Deco style.
AFC 939 1969-3-14[14] N/A[14] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 939 from 239 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1995, the carriage was completely rebuilt from a First Class lounge car to a Holiday (Second class) Lounge Car. In 2010, the carriage was then rebuilt with a new internal layout and refurbished as the Red Gum Lounge. The former bar area became a cool room store with a single lounge area with tub chairs with the exception for the vestibule end of the carriage where there are three tables with four seats each. The Red Gum lounge was withdrawn on the 1st April 2013, after the BRJ (Red Class) sleeping cars were also withdrawn. In 2016, along with AFC936, AFC938 and AFC306, AFC939 was refurbished as the Platinum Club car, featuring a bar as well as a lounge that can be converted into a dining area and back. This carriage seats 30 in the dining configuration and 20 in a lounge configuration in an Art-Deco style.
RZAY 940 1968-12-6 (as a passenger car), 1997 (as a crew car) [15] 1997 (as a passenger car) N/A (as a crew car)[15] Pacific National In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 940 from 240 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1997, it was withdrawn from passenger service and sold to National Rail and converted to a crew car, recoded RZAY.
ARJ 941 1968-11-22[15] N/A[15] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 941 from 241 for the Indian Pacific train. In April 1995, the train was internally refurbished as the Mt Christie Car for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had a Waratah theme on the interior.
ARJ 242 1969-2-7[15] N/A[15] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia ARJ242 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a LAN carriage that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. After replacement LAN carriages were built, the carriage was returned to Commonwealth Railways. In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In August 1991, the carriage was again refurbished for the Ghan, but this time internally. ARJ242 was named the Brachina Car after refurbishment.
ARJ 243 1969-2-7[15] N/A[15] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia ARJ243 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a LAN carriage that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. After replacement LAN carriages were built, the carriage was returned to Commonwealth Railways. In 1995, ARJ243 was refurbished for the Indian Pacific and the interior theme was the Sturt's Desert Pea.
RZAY 944 1969-2-7 (as a passenger car), 1997 (as a crew car) [15] 1997 (as a passenger car) N/A (as a crew car)[15] Pacific National ARJ244 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a LAN carriage that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. After replacement LAN carriages were built, the carriage was returned to Commonwealth Railways. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 944 from 244 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1997, it was withdrawn from passenger service and sold to National Rail and converted to a crew car, recoded RZAY.
ARJ 945 1969-2-21[15] N/A[15] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 945 from 245 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1995, ARJ945 was refurbished for the Indian Pacific and the interior theme was the Sturt's Desert Pea.
ARL 246 1969-2-07[16] N/A[16] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia ARL246 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a NAM carriage that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. After replacement NAM carriages were built, the carriage was returned to Commonwealth Railways. In September 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior and the carriage was internally refurbished as the Tarcoola Car after refurbishment. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARM 947 1968-9-24[16] N/A[16] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 947 from 247 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1995, the train was internally refurbished with a Wooden interior. In September 2002, two of the centre compartments (9/10 and 11/12) were converted into one single luxury compartment and the carriage was recoded ARM. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 248 1969-2-07[16] N/A[16] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia ARL248 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a NAM carriage that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. After replacement NAM carriages were built, the carriage was returned to Commonwealth Railways. In December 1988, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In July 1990, the carriage was internally refurbished as the Tarcoola Car after refurbishment. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 249 1968-9-25[16] N/A[16] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia ARL249 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a NAM carriage that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. After replacement NAM carriages were built, the carriage was returned to Commonwealth Railways. In July 1994, ARM951 was refurbished for the Indian Pacific and the interior theme was the Ocean. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 250 1969-10-11[16] N/A[16] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In December 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior and the carriage was internally refurbished as the Kulgera Car after refurbishment. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARM 951 1969-2-08[17] N/A[17] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia ARM951 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a NAM carriage that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. After replacement NAM carriages were built, the carriage was returned to Commonwealth Railways. In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 951 from 251 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In August 1994, ARM951 was refurbished for the Indian Pacific and the interior theme was the Ocean.
ARM 952 1969-2-08[17] N/A[17] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia ARM952 was leased to Victorian Railways as a replacement carriage for a NAM carriage that was destroyed as a result of the Violet Town rail accident. After replacement NAM carriages were built, the carriage was returned to Commonwealth Railways. In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. On the 10 September 1970, TVs were fitted inside the carriage compartments at Sydney. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 952 from 252 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1988, this carriage was used on the Brisbane Expo express. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In July 1994, ARM951 was refurbished for the Indian Pacific and the interior theme was the Ocean. In January 2002, the interior was refurbished for the second time.
ARM 953 1969-1-16[17] N/A[17] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 953 from 253 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In July 1994, ARM951 was refurbished for the Indian Pacific and the interior theme was the Ocean. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARM 954 1969-2-08[17] 1998-6-12[17] *scrapped* In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 954 from 254 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. On the 12 June 1998, the carriage was destroyed in a fire whilst being stored at Keswick.
HM 255 1969-5-16[18] N/A[18] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In December 1995, the carriage was fitted with a smoking compartment.
HM 256 1969-6-11[18] N/A[18] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In February 1996, the carriage was fitted with a smoking compartment.
HM 957 1969-6-12[18] N/A[18] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 957 from 257 for the Indian Pacific train. In February 1996, the carriage was fitted with a smoking compartment.
HM 958 1969-6-17[18] N/A[18] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 958 from 258 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In December 1995, the carriage was fitted with a smoking compartment. In 2000, the carriage was renamed Chalaki after the former Overland sleeping car for use as the Overland's baggage car.
HM 959 1969-7-9[18] N/A[18] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 959 from 259 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1996, the carriage was fitted with a smoking compartment.
SSA 260 1969-3-3[19] N/A[19] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia On the 23rd February 1970, SSA260 was used on the inaugural Indian Pacific train so that the Governor General at the time - Paul Hasluck. In 1982, the carriage's interior was redecorated, with new carpets, curtains and upholstery. The carriage was briefly converted to the Broad gauge, but was converted bac to Standard Gauge not long after. In 1992, the carriage was converted to the Chairmans Car from the Governor General's Car due to the refurbishment of the original Governor General's Car SSAF27, which was wooden. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 961 1970-2-5[20] N/A[20] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 961 from 261 for the Indian Pacific train. In December 1994, the train was internally refurbished as the Mt Christie Car for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had an Ocean interior.
ARL 962 1970-2-2[20] N/A[20] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 962 from 262 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1995, ARL262 was refurbished for the Indian Pacific and the interior theme was the Sturt's Desert Pea.
ARL 963 1970-2-13[20] N/A[20] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 963 from 263 for the Indian Pacific train. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
DF 964 1970-2-10[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 964 from 264 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. The carriage was named the Tarcoola Restaurant somewhere between 2002-2006.
AOB 265 1969-11-4[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In May 1989, the interior was stripped for the conversion to the "Oasis Bar" lounge for use on the Legendary Ghan. Four months later, the carriage entered service with a central bar and longitudinal seating fitted. In May 2000, AOB265 was sent to the Islington Workshop for conversion to the Menindee Lakes lounge car with a smoking compartment. The carriage reentered service as the Menindee Lakes lounge car in July 2000 and received a lot of attention from Menindee Lake's tourism board and government authorities, local politicians and media guests. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004. In 2008, the carriage was then refurbished as the Sir Augustus & Francis Gregory Outback Explorer Lounge car.
CDF 966 1969-9-18[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 966 from 266 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1990, the kitchen was extended into the sit-down table area, reducing the capacity of the carriage. In April 1994, the carriage was converted to a buffet/dining car with similar seating to the first class dining cars called "Matilda's Restaurant".
BRG 267 1969-10-10[11] N/A[11] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 2019, the interior was stripped for conversion into a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRJ 268 1969-10-22[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia
BRG 269 1969-10-30[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 2019, the interior was stripped for conversion into a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRJ 270 1970-2-27[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia BRJ270 was damaged on a delivery route from Sydney to Adelaide and had to be returned to Comeng at Granville for repairs. In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. It is the only Indian Pacific with the small blue plate that has not been renumbered to the 900 range. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
BRG 271 1969-11-21[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In January 1995, the interior of BRJ271 was refurbished for the Indian Pacific. In 2019, the interior was stripped for conversion into a Platinum Service sleeping car.
ARJ 272 1969-9-17[15] N/A[15] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In December 1994, the carriage was sent to Port Augusta for general refurbishment and asbestos removal. In July 1995, ARJ272 entered service as a refurbished Indian Pacific carriage with a Kangaroo paw theme.
ARJ 973 1969-9-19[15] N/A[15] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1970, the carriage was allocated to the Indian Pacific joint stock, with a small blue plate that says "Indian Pacific Car" affixed to the right end of each side of the carriage. In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 973 from 273 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 2006, the carriage was sent to Victoria for refurbishment.
ARJ 282 1972-2-8[15] N/A[15] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In March 1991, the carriage was again refurbished for the Ghan, but this time internally. ARJ282 was named the Alegebuckina Car after refurbishment.
RZAY 283 1972-2-22 (as a passenger car), 1997 (as a crew car) [15] 1997 (as a passenger car) 2009-1-30 (as a crew car)[15] *scrapped* In 1997, it was withdrawn from passenger service and sold to National Rail and converted to a crew car, recoded RZAY. On the 30 January 2009, the carriage was destroyed in an accident at Golden Ridge and eventually scrapped.[21]
ARJ 984 1972-3-2[15] N/A[15] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 984 from 284 for the Indian Pacific train.
RZAY 985 1972-2-22 (as a passenger car), 1997 (as a crew car) [15] 1997 (as a passenger car) N/A (as a crew car)[15] Pacific National In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 984 from 284 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1997, it was withdrawn from passenger service and sold to National Rail and converted to a crew car, recoded RZAY.
RZAY 986 1972-2-22 (as a passenger car), 1997 (as a crew car) [15] 1997 (as a passenger car) N/A (as a crew car)[15] Pacific National At an unknown period of time (possibly somewhere between 1972-1992), the carriage was renumbered 986 from 286 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1997, it was withdrawn from passenger service and sold to National Rail and converted to a crew car, recoded RZAY.
ARM 987 1969-2-08[17] Unknown[17] *likely scrapped* In 1977, the carriage was renumbered 954 from 254 for the Indian Pacific train. Because it wasn't recorded on the sale to a third-party and the carriage being leased back to Great Southern Rail in 2002, the carriage is very likely to be scrapped.
ARM 288 1969-2-08[17] N/A[17] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1988, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In June 1990, the carriage was again refurbished for the Ghan, but this time internally. ARM288 was named the Alegebuckina Car after refurbishment. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 289 1972-7-7[20] N/A[20] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In December 2003, the carriage was fitted with even newer Indian Pacific nameboards.
ARM 990 1972-6-30[20] N/A[20] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 990 from 290 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1988, ARM990 was used on the Brisbane Expo Express to Brisbane. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In September 2002, two of the centre compartments (9/10 and 11/12) were converted into one single luxury compartment and the carriage was recoded ARM. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 291 1972-7-19[20] N/A[20] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1988 the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In May 1990, the carriage was internally refurbished as the Edward's Creek Car. In September 2002, the carriage was refurbished with a wheelchair-accessible compartment replacing the conductor's compartment. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 992 1972-8-30[20] N/A[20] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 990 from 290 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In December 1994, the train was internally refurbished as the Mt Christie Car for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had an Ocean interior. On the 12 December 2006, the carriage was damaged in an accident involving a truck and the Ghan train at Ban Ban Springs. In February 2007, the carriage was then sent to Taree for repairs. It is still in service despite the accident.
ARL 293 1972-9-01[20] N/A[20] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In December 2003, the carriage was fitted with even newer Indian Pacific nameboards.
DF 294 1972-10-3[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1988, this carriage was used on the Brisbane Expo express. In 2006, the carriage was sent to Victoria for refurbishment and returned to service in 2008 as the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car.
DF 295 1972-10-3[12] 1995-12-x[12] Mark Stapleton Rothbury, New South Wales In 1995, this carriage was withdrawn from use and was recorded to be scrapped. However, like many other carriages, DF295 was sold to International Development Services. In 1998, the carriage was sold to Mr M.Menzies of Victoria for a company called Rail Experience. It is currently leased to Mr Mark Stapleton operating heritage tourist trains in NSW.
HGM 296 1973-1-9[8] N/A[8] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia
HGM 297 1973-12-19[8] N/A[8] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
HGM 298 1974-1-16[8] N/A[8] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 2006, the interior was refitted. The interior was refurbished and the control system was updated.
BRG 999 1973-7-5[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1974, the carriage was renumbered 999 from 299 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1995, the carriage was internally refurbished for the Indian Pacific upgrade. In 2019, the interior was stripped for conversion into a Platinum Service sleeping car.
BRJ 300 1973-7-27[10] 1995-12-x[10] Port Pirie Train Graveyard Port Pirie, South Australia In 1995, this carriage was withdrawn from use due to accident damage and was recorded to be scrapped. However, like many other carriages, BRJ300 was sold to International Development Services. In 1998, the carriage was sold to Mr M.Menzies of Victoria for a company called Rail Experience. The carriage is now derelict at the Port Pirie Train Graveyard.[22]
AFC 301 1973-8-13[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In October 1994, the carriage was converted from a BRJ 2nd class sleeping car to an AFC 1st class lounge car. After the conversion to a lounge car, AFC213 was named the Flinders Lounge and fitted with a smoking compartment as part of the Indian Pacific upgrade. Due to negative attitudes against smoking, the size of the smoking lounge was reduced in 2003. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004. In 2008, the carriage was then refurbished as the John McDouall Stuart Outback Explorer Lounge car.
BRJ 302 1973-11-8[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. The carriage was also internally refurbished in an upgrade for the Indian Pacific in 1995. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
BRJ 303 1973-11-8[10] N/A[10] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with the Legendary Ghan nameboard and colour scheme. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
DF 304 1974-1-29[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In December 1993, the car's interior was rebuilt, making it one of the Queen Adelaide Restaurant cars for use on the Indian Pacific (along with DF232 and DF233). In January 2002 and again in 2008, DF304 had both the interior and exterior refurbished.
AFC 305 1974-3-1[14] N/A[14] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In August 1974, the ceilings and air ducting panels were removed for the installation of colour TV due to the technology being ubiquitous. 2 months later, in October 1974, the trial was proved to be unsuccessful and therefore the colour TV was removed. In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. Furthermore, the carriage was also internally refurbished as the Dreamtime Lounge. On the 12 December 2006, the carriage was damaged in an accident involving a truck and the Ghan train at Ban Ban Springs. In February 2007, the carriage was then sent to Taree for repairs. It is still in service despite the accident. In 2010, AFC305 had the internal layout replaced with the Outback Explorer Lounge format, and the carriage was renamed to the William Christie Gosse Outback Explorer lounge car.
AFC 306 1974-2-8[14] N/A[14] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1981, the lounge chairs were recovered after the carriage lost the chairs to an unknown cause. In 1983, colour TV and video was installed in the carriage. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1995, the carriage was completely rebuilt from a First Class lounge car to a Holiday (Second class) Lounge Car. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004. In 2010, the carriage was then rebuilt with a new internal layout and refurbished as the Red Gum Lounge. The former bar area became a cool room store with a single lounge area with tub chairs with the exception for the vestibule end of the carriage where there are three tables with four seats each. The Red Gum lounge was withdrawn on the 1st April 2013, after the BRJ (Red Class) sleeping cars were also withdrawn. In 2016, along with AFC938, AFC939 and AFC936, AFC306 was refurbished as the Platinum Club car, featuring a bar as well as a lounge that can be converted into a dining area and back. This carriage seats 30 in the dining configuration and 20 in a lounge configuration in an Art-Deco style.
AFC 307 1974-3-29[14] N/A[14] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1984, colour TV and a video cabinet was fitted inside the carriage. The carriage was refurbished in 1995 with a smoking compartment and renamed the Silver City Lounge as part of the Indian Pacific upgrade. In 2008, the carriage was then refurbished as the Robert Burke and William Wills Outback Explorer Lounge car.
ARL 308 1973-9-20[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In March 1995, the train was internally refurbished as the Mt Christie Car for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had an Ocean interior. On the 12 December 2006, the carriage was damaged in an accident involving a truck and the Ghan train at Ban Ban Springs. In February 2007, the carriage was then sent to Taree for repairs. It is still in service despite the accident.
ARL 309 1973-10-04[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. In August 1990, the carriage was internally refurbished as the Marla Car after refurbishment. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 310 1973-10-26[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In September 1994, the train was internally refurbished as the Mt Christie Car for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had an Ocean interior.
HM 311 1974-3-26[18] N/A[18] *scrapped* In December 1995, the carriage was fitted with a smoking compartment. In August 1999, the carriage was severely accident-damaged at Zanthus and eventually scrapped.
HM 312 1969-4-22[18] N/A[18] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia For a brief period of time, the carriage was allocated to CME at Port Pirie. In 1996, the carriage was fitted with a smoking compartment.
ER 313 1974-6-5[9] N/A[9] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. The carriage was internally refurbished in 1994 for use on the Indian Pacific train service. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
HGM 900 1975-7-19[8] N/A[8] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1976, this carriage was renumbered from 900 to 316 for the Indian Pacific train service.
HGM 317 1975-7-1[8] N/A[8] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
HM 901 1975-5-10[18] N/A[18] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 901 from 319 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In 1996, the carriage was fitted with a smoking compartment.
ARL 920 1974-11-19[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 920 from 320 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In August 1995, the train was internally refurbished as the for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had a Waratah interior. Furthermore, compartments 17/18 were merged with the conductors compartment to make way for a disabled-access compartment. On the 12 December 2006, the carriage was damaged in an accident involving a truck and the Ghan train at Ban Ban Springs. In February 2007, the carriage was then sent to Taree for repairs. It is still in service despite the accident.
ARL 921 1974-12-18[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 921 from 321 for the Indian Pacific train. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 922 1974-12-24[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1977, the carriage was renumbered 922 from 322 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In August 1995, the train was internally refurbished as the Mt Christie Car for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had a Kangaroo Paw interior. Furthermore, compartments 17/18 were merged with the conductors compartment to make way for a disabled-access compartment.
ARL 923 1975-1-6[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1977, the carriage was renumbered 923 from 323 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. Furthermore, compartments 17/18 were merged with the conductors compartment to make way for a disabled-access compartment. In August 1995, the train was internally refurbished as the for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had a Waratah interior.
ARL 324 1975-5-6[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1989, the Legendary Ghan colour scheme was applied to the exterior, which included a new Ghan board and desert-coloured stripes applied to the exterior. However, the only reason for the carriage being painted was because it was a spare car. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
ARL 925 1975-5-19[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1977, the carriage was renumbered 925 from 325 for the Indian Pacific train. In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. In December 1994, the train was internally refurbished as the for the Indian Pacific upgrade and had an Ocean interior.
ARL 326 1975-7-15[23] N/A[23] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1992, the carriage was externally refurbished, fitted with Indian Pacific nameboards. This carriage featured on the first Ghan to Darwin on the 1st February 2004.
DF 327 1975-3-6[12] N/A[12] Great Southern Rail (Australia) Keswick, South Australia In 1975, the carriage was renumbered 927 from 327 for the Indian Pacific train. In 2006, the carriage was sent to Victoria for refurbishment and returned to service in 2008 as the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car.
  • A Commonwealth Railways Stainless Steel Carriage pictured at Alice Springs
  • Inside a CDF dining car, The Matilda's Restaurant - formerly offered as a Red Class Dining Car on the Indian Pacific and Ghan.
  • A Gold Class Sleeping Car (possibly ARM, ARL or ARJ) is pictured on the Ghan Service.
  • A Platinum Class Sleeping Car (BRG) is pictured on the Ghan Service.
  • Inside a BRJ Red Class Sleeping Car.
  • Inside an AFC Gold Class Lounge Car.
  • Inside the Queen Adelaide Restaurant (DF Gold Class Dining Car).
  • The exterior of AOB265. AOB265 was formerly the Oasis Bar and the Menindee Lakes Lounge Car.

References
  1. BRG Class Second Class Sleeping Car Chris' Commonwealth Railways Pages
  2. DE Dining Car Chris Commonwealth Railways Pages
  3. Dunn, John (2010). Comeng A History of Commonwealth Engineering Volume 3 1966-1977. Rosenberg Publishing. pp. 16–35. ISBN 9781877058905.
  4. "Carriage Review" Railway Digest November 1986 page 351
  5. "Comeng car contract". www.comrails.com. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  6. "BRG - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  7. "DE - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  8. "HGM - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  9. "ER - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  10. "BRJ - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  11. "CDF - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  12. "DF - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  13. "- 707 Operations Inc - Mainline Steam Train Trips in Victoria". www.707operations.com.au.
  14. "AFC - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  15. "ARJ - Classification". www.comrails.com.
  16. "ARL - Classification". www.comrails.com. Retrieved 27 October 2019.
  17. "ARM - Classification". www.comrails.com. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  18. https://www.comrails.com/cr_carriages/r_hm.html
  19. https://www.comrails.com/cr_carriages/r_ssa.html
  20. "ARL - Classification". www.comrails.com. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  21. https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/1521123/ro2009003.pdf
  22. "Photographer captures haunting images of abandoned carriages at Australian train graveyard". BT.com.
  23. "ARL - Classification". www.comrails.com. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
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