4-wheel Goods Brakevans (Blue Brakes)

Approximately eighteen of these distinctive little vans (known as blue brakes) ran on Eyre Peninsula. At this late date it is difficult to be certain as to which vehicles were actually transferred, and whether or not they ran as brakevans or only in their later converted form as departmental vehicles. The ‘best guess’ list from available records is included here.

2031 was the first brakevan (of any kind) at Port Lincoln, in 1907, and was joined by 2036 later that same year. The other blue brakes followed between 1915 and 1928.

Five of these vans were adapted for departmental use. 914 became a weighbridge fitter's van c.1915. 1008 and 1301 became a pump fitter's sleeping van and pump fitter's workshop respectively in 1942. 1302 became an employee camp van in 1942. 3054 became a kitchen car in 1941-42.

914 in its final form, at Port Lincoln in 1962. One end platform has been enclosed, but it is otherwise in near-original condition. Photo: Graeme Westwood