Leyland railmotor
| Double-Ended Railmotor | |
|---|---|
 Leyland railmotor number 51 | |
| Manufacturer |
Leyland (Engine) Victorian Railways (Body and frame) |
| Designer | Victorian Railways |
| Assembly | Victorian Railways |
| Order number | 4 (Victorian), 2 (Tasmanian) |
| Built at | Newport Railway 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) |
Design
The Leyland railmotor (also known at the Double ended railmotor) was introduced by the Victorian Railways in 1925. After the success of the A.E.C. 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 Railways in 1925.
In Service
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.
Preservation
The Leylands remained in service until the last two were withdrawn in July 1954, following the introduction of the Walker railmotors.
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
- ↑ Bray, Vincent & Gregory, Preserved Rolling Stock of Victoria, 2013, ISBN 978-0-9806806-4-5, p.59