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 a more powerful and comfortable vehicle for longer journeys.

Double-Ended Railmotor
Leyland railmotor number 51
ManufacturerLeyland (Engine)
Victorian Railways (Body and frame)
DesignerVictorian Railways
AssemblyVictorian Railways
Order no.4 (Victoria), 2 (Tasmania)
Built atNewport Workshops
Constructed1925-1926
Entered service1925-1954
Number built4
Number in service0
Number preserved1
Number scrapped3
Design codeRM
Fleet numbers51-54
Capacity27 1st class and 29 2nd class passengers
Specifications
Car body construction42 ft 6 in (12.95 m)
Car length42 ft 6 in (12.95 m)
Width9 ft 6 in (2.90 m)
Height11 ft 11.375 in (3.64173 m)
Wheelbase28 ft 0 in (8.53 m)
Weight15.45 long tons (15.70 t)
Prime mover(s)Petrol
Engine typePetrol engine
Power output100 hp (75 kW)
Track gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)

Two similar railmotors were constructed for the Tasmanian Government Railways in 1925.

History

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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. They were also used on some mainline services.[1]

The Leyland railmotors remained in service until the last two were withdrawn in July 1954, following the introduction of the Walker railmotors.

Preservation

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53RM is preserved at the Daylesford Spa Country Railway.[2] 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.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Rail Motors Withdrawn". The Argus. 12 January 1927. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  2. ^ "Rail Motors and Trailers". Daylesford Spa Country Railway. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  3. ^ Bray, Vincent & Gregory, Preserved Rolling Stock of Victoria, 2013, ISBN 978-0-9806806-4-5, p.59