CPH 13 - Railmotor ("Tin Hare" - 42 Footer)
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"CPH rail motors began service on country New South Wales rail lines in 1923 and they lasted well into the mid-1980s, providing 60 years of service.
CPH 13 was built in 1925. In its final years of regular service, it was based at Wollongong / Port Kembla, and provided local services on the Illawarra line until withdrawn in 1984. She arrived in Canberra that year. Until mid-2005, CPH 13 was on loan to the "Line of Lode" group in Broken Hill. This group was restoring it to service for use on a section of mine railway around "The Hill" but ceased work on this project in 2005. The unit was returned to Canberra Railway Museum." (source - ARHS (ACT) website) Goodwin Alco recently announced - "that it has secured vintage NSWGR railmotor CPH 13 for operation on the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway. The rebuilding of the first section of line to Hazelgrove on the former Oberon branch line is nearing completion by OTHR and the provision of “Tin Hare” CPH 13 for tourist service will be part of Goodwin Alco’s contribution to this worthy and exciting heritage project". |
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Planned use:
For less than coach loads of passengers (up to 45) the CPH will be used for tourist services between Oberon and Hazelgrove. Until recently we were under the impression that a CPH would be unable to make the gradient and curves. There is photographic evidence of CPH 34 carrying out just such a feat (ABOVE). We understand that there is also a photograph of the unit in Oberon Station. Priority: To be detrmined by Goodwin Alco Names: The term "Tin Hare" was coined as the railmotors were introduced around the same time as tin hares were introduced for greyhound racing. The term "42 Footer" refers to the imperial length of the units. |
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The photo gallery below was taken on 6th July 2008 during the early stages of negotiations to obtain the CPH for use on the Oberon line. Comments by Rick Fletcher - photographs by Kyle Rollinson and Mary Jordan.
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| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE | ||
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| General view - note that the distinctive radiators, cowcatcher and large headlights are removed and stored. This unit was built in 1925. | Photo 20 below shows what the final appearance would be. All roof items were removed to improve clearance when the unit was road transported from Broken Hill. | As it has been in the weather for a while there is some evidence of weathering and some rot in places. For its age, it is in very good condition. |
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The other end is in similar condition. It is obvious why these rail motors need to be stored under cover.
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The engine and underframe received considerable attention when the unit was at Broken Hill. The GM diesel was rebuilt and possibly the transmission but some work is needed on the latter. | |
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| The drive shaft had been removed to facilitate loading when it was retrieved from Broken Hill. | The bogies seem to be in good condition and the tyres (yellow arrows) have plenty of "meat". | The radiators and all roof gear have been removed but seem to be complete. |
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CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE
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| Driving compartment - reasonably intact appart from a paint "attack". | This is the other end from view 10 and shows how the driver sits in the middle with a passenger seat either side. | Looking through one compartment to the goods compartment in the middle and another passenger compartment at the other end. |
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| Seating is in good condition - some extra panelling is stored behind these seats. Seating is limited to approx 36 people | Considerable restoration has been carried out on the seating. The seats are very narrow for 2 passengers but fine for short trips. | Gas heating will be useful for Oberon. |
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| There is a toilet compartment but no holding tank which we would need to add... | ... there is also a hand basin & whilst dirty, the compartment would clean-up easily. | Iced water dispenser. Most of the interior is in good condition for a vehicle built in 1925. |
| CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE | ||
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| The cowcatchers, headlights and other bits and pieces are stored in the rail motor. | CPH37 showsthe nice appearance of a restored rail motor. | The drivers compartment of 37 shows that a large amount of work is needed on CPH 13. |