NZR
Wairarapa Railcars
These railcars
entered service in 1936 specially designed to be used
on services between Wellington and the Wairarapa
district. This route included a section which went
over a mountain range which included the then famous
Rimutaka Incline. The railcars which were classified
RM (Rail Motor) like all other New Zealand railcars
were numbered from 4 to 9 inclusive and were single
ended nccessitating turning at each end of their
journey.
A distinctive
feature of these railcars were the large wheels on the
rear axle which were necessary for the final drive
unit and the axle itself to clear the centre rail of
the incline. In 1955, an eight kilometre tunnel was
opened through the Rimutaka Ranges and this saw the
end of services by these railcars. They were gradually
scrapped, however two were acquired by a Wellington
railway preservation group and our car, RM5 is now the
only survior.
With its
interior framing of wood, it soon became unservicable
and a decision was made to completely reframe it using
steel and after the chassis being overhauled, the
framing is now being completed. Once finished, it is
hoped to be able to run on the mainline over short
distances within the local area.
