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 a more powerful and comfortable vehicle, for longer journeys.

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The Leyland railmotors remained in service until the last two were withdrawn in July 1954, following the introduction of the Walker railmotors.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

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.^[2]

References[]

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