The AEC railmotor was the first generally successful railmotor built for the Victorian Railways. 19 vehicles were constructed from 1922 to 1925, along with 24 trailer vehicles built to a similar design.

A.E.C. railmotor
AEC railmotor near Fawkner
In service1922–1954
ManufacturerAssociated Equipment Company (Chassis & Engine)
Victorian Railways (Body)
DesignerVictorian Railways
AssemblyVictorian Railways
Built atNewport Workshops
Constructed1922–1925
Number built19
Number scrapped19
Design codeRM
Fleet numbers1–19
Capacity32 to 37 passengers
Specifications
Prime mover(s)Petrol
Engine typePetrol engine
Power output45 hp (34 kW)
Track gauge5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)
10 RM At Mornington

Design

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Four different internal layouts were used, providing for different traffic.

Railmotor First Class Second Class Railmotor First Class Second Class
AEC 1 0 37 AEC 10 32 0
AEC 2 0 37 AEC 11 32 0
AEC 3 0 37 AEC 12 0 37
AEC 4 0 37 AEC 13 0 37
AEC 5 0 37 AEC 14 10 22
AEC 6 0 37 AEC 15 32 0
AEC 7 10 22 AEC 16 32 0
AEC 8 32 0 AEC 17 32 0
AEC 9 11 21 AEC 18 10 22
AEC 19 32 0

Construction

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In service

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  • AEC railmotors were used on the Reservoir – Whittlesea shuttle service from 1924 until 1931.[1]
  • On the Outer Circle line, a pair of AEC railmotors coupled back to back operated the Deepdene Dasher service from Riversdale to Deepdene from 15 August 1926 until 10 October 1927, after which the service was replaced by buses.[2]
  • A single AEC railmotor operated a shuttle service on the Upfield line, between Fawkner and Somerton (just south of the site of the current Roxburgh Park station), from 1928 until 1956. A turntable for the railmotor was installed at Fawkner and Somerton.[3]

Withdrawal & preservation

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The AECs were progressively withdrawn in the early 1950s as the new Walker railmotors came into service.

None survive into preservation.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Jack McLean (November 1995). "Reservoir – Whittlesea: Signalling and Safeworking". Newsrail. Australian Railway Historical Society (Victorian Division): 333–337.
  2. ^ David Beardsell and Bruce Herbert (1979). The Outer Circle: A history of the Oakleigh to Fairfield Park Railway. Australian Railway Historical Society (Victorian Division). p. 63. ISBN 0-85849-024-2.
  3. ^ "Somerton" (PDF). Victorian Signalling Histories. Andrew Waugh. Retrieved 22 January 2008.