YDA-C + VXA 'Autoballaster' vehicles

[MidlandT]

Just wondering if anyone has any information regarding the what i believe to be, an older variant of YDA(-C) vehicle and its accompanying VXA generator van, if possible the history of the vehicles and what flows they currently work as from what i remember this is the last remaining set


Thanks,(apologies about the poor picture quality)

 

[Defiance149]

This is the Skako auto-ballaster set, ten YDA Octopus numbered DR92213-22 and built on the frames of Clyde Cement presflos by Powell Duffryn for NSE, delivered at the start of 1993. Mated with generator van DC210306 which was converted from a VDA van. The train was highly innovative for its time and allowed for remote-controlled discharge of new ballast and also precision laying around conductor rails, something that was difficult to achieve using manually-controlled hopper doors. Passed to Mainline Freight ownership, then EWS and now DB, based at Carlisle Yard.

 

[MidlandT]

thank you