200MT

ID/Name: 200MT
Type:  Carriage
Description: Brill Railmotor Trailer
Built: 1928
Status: Operational

A fascinating piece of cross-colonial railway history, 200MT began its journey with the South Australian Railways before being purchased by the Victorian Railways along with Brill railmotor 44RM in 1928. This versatile trailer car exemplifies the innovative approaches to passenger transport in early 20th-century Australia.

SERVICE HISTORY
From its Victorian debut in 1928 until 1949, 200MT faithfully served the Toolamba-Echuca-Deniliquin passenger route, operating alongside 44RM until the latter's unfortunate write-off in a level-crossing accident. As passenger numbers declined, it found a new purpose in Melbourne, partnering with DERM (Diesel Electric Rail Motor) units on the Thomastown-Whittlesea shuttle service when passenger numbers exceeded DERM's 54-seat capacity.

Following the closure of the Whittlesea line in November 1959, 200MT was transferred to Bendigo, supporting DERM services on the northern branch lines until a shunting accident in the early 1970s altered its course. The vehicle then began its preservation journey, first allocated to the ARHS museum at Spotswood workshops before moving to Seymour Rail Heritage Centre in the 1990s for planned restoration alongside 58RM. However, this work was interrupted when 58RM was transferred to Newport.

In 2006, as part of a funding package for the South Gippsland Railway, 200MT's restoration was completed at SRHC, and it was transferred to Korumburra. After successful service there, it was eventually withdrawn due to a skidded wheel in the early 2010s.

PRESERVATION JOURNEY
When the South Gippsland Railway closed and VicTrack assets were reallocated, 200MT found its new home with us at Daylesford Railway in 2018. While its previous restoration had made it operational, our team decided to undertake the meticulous job of returning it as accurately as possible to its 1950s Whittlesea service appearance.

CURRENT STATUS
Today, 200MT continues to serve our visitors, operating during peak times alongside either 63RM or DRC40 and on special running days with Y159, offering an authentic glimpse into Victoria's rich railway heritage.

FUN FACT

Until 200MT went to Bendigo in the 1960s, the vehicle was fitted with a dry hopper toilet.

200MT FAQs

• Can be 200MT be hauled by a locomotive?

  MT class carriages were hauled by locomotives when required and 200MT sees service at Daylesford with both our DERM 63RM and diesel locomotive Y159.

• Does 200MT have a driving cab?

  No. The 200MT is only fitted with a passenger compartment and a guard van. It is not possible to drive the 200MT so it must always trail a railmotor or locomotice.