ZL guards vans
| 3 axle ZL's were built with 4 cupola windows, the 2 centre windows were covered over in the mid 60's as shown here. ZL 607 was built as Z 607 in 1928 and converted to ZL 607 in 1966 |
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The ZL classification came about by installing modified couplers to standard Z vans in an effort to reduce harsh slack action In latter years the guard's union limited the the number of wagons ZL's could be used behind. The limit was reduced by 5 vehicles every year, in 1980 the limit was 45, 4 wheel wagons. |
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The article below is from the Jan. 1960 VR Newsletter
| ZL 723 is a good example of the final group in close to "as built" condition. Note the lack of a gusset between the cupola and body and the flat bottomed end windows. This series were built with only 2 windows in the cupola. In latter years some of these "smooth sided" ZL's recieved planked side and/or end panels. ZL 723 was built as Z 723 in 1951 at Newport, it was converted to ZL 723 in 1960.
Sadly, I am not aware of a any 2 axle ZL's being preserved. |
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