As built the car was finished externally with “match board” panels and crownlight configuration windows and internally had 10 x 2 berth sleeping compartments, an attendants compartment and male & female toilets.
During its passenger service life it carried original varnish, Tuscan Red & Russet and standard Indian Red liveries.
TAM 502 was transferred to mechanical branch service stock in 1978 and was dispatched to Goulburn Depot for use with the Breakdown Crane.
In Goulburn it was converted for use as a crew van at the Goulburn Perway Workshops under the guidance of DLE Mr Tony Smithton. 5 x Sleeping berths were removed from one end to make way for cooking and dining areas to be installed with 2 dining booths, stoves, fridges and a shower being fitted to cater for the breakdown crew staff when working away from their depot. At this time the car was recoded L516.
When Goulburn depot closed L516 continued its breakdown train duties after being transferred to Lithgow. When a crew van was sort to support the operation of locomotive 3801 and the Bicentennial train in 1988, Western Region Manager Tony Gogarty arranged for the car to be utilised and for further enhancements to be made. A Microwave oven, 240V generator and radio charging equipment were added and the car was wired for 240V power, lights and shore supply by Train Equipment Section Redfern, ACDEP & Lithgow Depots.
After making many long distance trips with locomotive 3801, the car was moved in 1994 to Port Kembla to support operations and maintenance staff working the 3801 Limited Cockatoo Run service. When this operations based closed, L516 returned to Eveleigh for use as an office and was then placed in storage for a brief period at Goulburn Roundhouse.
L516 again returned to Eveleigh in June 2007 so its restoration by 3801 Limited volunteers could commence.
Oldmates inside L516 in 1988.
A drawing of L516 as fitted out at Goulburn for breakdown train duties.
L516 behind 3801 at Spencer Street Station Melbourne 1988.
A TAM Sleeping car as originally built.
