Leyland railmotor

Double-Ended Railmotor
Leyland railmotor number 51
Manufacturer Leyland (Engine)
Victorian Railways (Body and frame)
Designer Victorian Railways
Assembly Victorian Railways
Order no. 4 (Victorian), 2 (Tasmanian)
Built at Newport Workshops
Constructed 1925-1926
Entered service 1925-1954
Number built 4
Number in service 0
Number preserved 1
Number scrapped 3
Design code RM
Fleet numbers 51-54
Capacity 27 1st class and 29 2nd class passengers
Specifications
Car body construction 42 ft 6 in (12.95 m)
Car length 42 ft 6 in (12.95 m)
Width 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m)
Height 11 ft 11.375 in (3.64173 m)
Wheelbase 28 ft 0 in (8.53 m)
Weight 15.45 long tons (15.70 t)
Prime mover(s) Petrol
Engine type Petrol engine
Power output 100 hp (75 kW)
Track gauge 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)

The Leyland railmotor (also known at the Double ended railmotor) was introduced by the Victorian Railways in 1925. After the success of the AEC railmotor the Victorian Railways wanted to build a more powerful and comfortable vehicle, for longer journeys.

The Victorian Railways also built two similar railmotors for the Tasmanian Government Railways in 1925.

History

Four of the railmotors were built by the Victorian Railways for use in Victoria, mostly on the services to Echuca, Cohuna, Whittlesea and Tallangatta with the occasional trip to Mansfield and Maffra.

The Leylands remained in service until the last two were withdrawn in July 1954, following the introduction of the Walker railmotors.

Preservation

53RM is preserved at the Daylesford Spa Country Railway, it is planned to return it to service when time and funds permit. The vehicle had been taken off register on 30 July 1954 in lieu of 52RM, which experienced a crack in the drive bogie at Picola.[1]

References

  1. ↑ Bray, Vincent & Gregory, Preserved Rolling Stock of Victoria, 2013, ISBN 978-0-9806806-4-5, p.59


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