Considered as a early post war standard coal hopper wagon. the VJM class were constructed in large numbers. 2300 entering service between 1947 and 1955. 23501 was one of a order for 1000 (23370- 24639) delivered by Commonwealth engineering Co. Rocklea between October 1950 and June 1951. An all steel vehicle with 8in. by 4in. (203 X 102 journals) and 2ft.2in. (610mm) diameter wheels these were still small wagons for their time with their load limited to some 12 Ton ( 12193 kg). They were all constructed to arrangement drawing 5523. With the emergence of much larger capacity bogie coal wagons many of the VJM class were rebuilt with wooden bodies (drawing 8983) and used as ballast wagons. It was at this time they were reclassified VTJ.

23520 has virtually an identical history to 23501, having been built during the same contract and even delivered during the same month, December 1950. Both were converted to VTJ class during October 1969, with 23501 being written off in June 1986, while 23526 outlasted its counterpart by remaining in service until August 1989.