Rail Motor
CPH13 on it’s way to Oberon thanks to our good friends at Goodwin Alco.
Donations for the restoration costs are tax deductible and corporate sponsorship is available. Have your name associated with this exciting project.
Read the story on the Goodwin Alco Blog
CPH13 in service at Waterfall 1978. Photo Steve Preston
We are indebted to our friends at Goodwin Alco for sponsoring this project: - ”While currently in a partially dismantled state, restoration plans to rebuild and reactivate CPH 13 will soon have it ready for the next stage of its operating career at Oberon”.
OTHR intends to run the railmotor between Oberon and Hazelgrove particularly for less than coach load groups of passengers.
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of regular service, it was based at Wollongong / Port Kembla, and provided local services on the Illawarra line until withdrawn in 1984.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 announced in May 2010 – “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”.
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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- General view – note that the distinctive radiators, cowcatcher and large headlights are removed and stored. This unit was built in 1925.
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- This is the other end from the drivers compartment view and shows how the driver sits in the middle with a passenger seat either side.
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- there is also a hand basin & whilst dirty, the compartment would clean-up easily.
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- There is a toilet compartment but no holding tank which we would need to add…
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- Gas heating will be useful for Oberon.
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- CPH13 in service at Waterfall 1978. Photo Steve Preston
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- The cowcatchers, headlights and other bits and pieces are stored in the rail motor.
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- Iced water dispenser. Most of the interior is in good condition for a vehicle built in 1925.
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- The drive shaft had been removed to facilitate loading when it was retrieved from Broken Hill.
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- The radiators and all roof gear have been removed but seem to be complete.
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- The bogies seem to be in good condition and the tyres (yellow arrows) have plenty of “meat”.
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- All roof items were removed to improve clearance when the unit was road transported from Broken Hill.
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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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- CPH37 showsthe nice appearance of a restored rail motor.
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- The drivers compartment of 37 shows that a large amount of work is needed on CPH 13.
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- 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 engine and underframe received considerable attention when the unit was at Broken Hill.
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- The GM diesel was rebuilt and possibly the transmission but some work is needed on the latter.
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- Driving compartment – reasonably intact appart from a paint “attack”.
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- 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
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- Considerable restoration has been carried out on the seating. The seats are very narrow for 2 passengers but fine for short trips.
