In 1983 all the VBPY ( ex _BP_) vans were recoded and placed into a new number group of 301 onwards and recoded D. This group also comprises of VBAX/VBAY recoded back to passenger traffic.
The D van numbers were 301 to 361. Vans 332, 336 and 338 may not have been converted as no conversion records have been found to date.
With the introduction of 'through' cabling between loco and carriage sets the D vans were also modified. To denote the modification a 'T' was painted onto the number board. The first few vans had the 'T' painted with the lettering to show 'DT'. The D vans were never coded 'DT' although it may seem so from photographs.
With the rationalisation of parcels traffic to road carrier the majority of D vans were stored in Melbourne Yard from the 1990's. From about 1995 most were removed from Register ( ROSCO), scrapped or sold.
Vehicle history list