DB993750 at Perth North yard prior to preservation.

The Shark is a 20T ballast plough barkevan is function is to provide a brakevan for ballast trains and level any ballast dropped from hopper wagons in that train.  I acquired DB993750 from EWS in November 2000 it had been withdrawn at Perth North Yard from here it was moved by low loader to Brechin.

Key Benefits

The Shark is an interesting vehicle as it is fully fitted with guard’s Vacuum application valve, gauge and vacuum cylinder to allow automatic braking.  Normally brakevans were only fitted with through pipes, gauges and application valves for the automatic braking system fitted either vacuum or air.

Sharks also have a small wheelbase at only 9ft, this allows the large ploughs be kept within the length of the under frame of vehicle.  Above the under frame there are two large verandas at each end and a small central cabin.  The cabin has lookout duckets and a central Screw brake stove and small desk.  Across the end of each veranda is a tool box behind this sits the mechanism to raise and lower the ploughs which consists of a large ship like wheel, guides and screw clamps.

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Last modified: 11/30/02