63RM
63RM is the workhorse of our fleet and is incredibly striking with its distinctive silver stripes. Pictured above crossing the Leitches Creek Embankment. Image by James Brook, Daylesford Railway.
ID/Name: 63RM
Type: Railmotor
Description: DERM (Diesel Electric Rail Motor)
Built: 1930
Status: Operational
One of our most historically significant vehicles, 63RM represents the innovative spirit of early rail transport. Entering service in 1930, it was one of ten Petrol Electric Rail Motors (PERM) built by the Victorian Railways under licence from the Electro Motive Corporation (EMC) in the USA. They were converted to diesel engines in the early 1950s, thus becoming DERMs.
SERVICE HISTORY
From its introduction, 63RM served branch lines throughout Victoria, particularly those north of Bendigo. In the early 1950s, it was modernised with a diesel engine conversion, transforming from a PERM to a DERM. This adaptation extended its service life and reliability, allowing it to continue serving Victorian communities for decades
PRESERVATION JOURNEY
After a clutch failure in 1986 ended its commercial service, 63RM was purchased by Daylesford Railway in 1987 and made its way to its new Dayesford home via a careful road journey in January 1988. Over a two-year period, it was restored to its 1930s appearance and returned to service in 1992. In 2004, it was withdrawn for a major overhaul and returned again to service in 2007 following a meticulous two-year restoration to return it to its 1930s appearance, complete with distinctive silver visibility stripes at each end – a feature from its mid-1930s livery.
CURRENT STATUS
As the workhorse of our heritage railway, 63RM operates the majority of our regular Sunday heritage trains. Its reliable service and historical significance make it a cornerstone of our operating fleet.
FUN FACT
Between 1931 and 1934, the PERMs supplied the passenger service between Woodend and Daylesford as Petrol Electrics. In the 1970s, as DERMS, they occasionally visited Daylesford. We like to think it was our very DERM that would visit - and fate brought it back to its final home to be fully restored and given a second life.
63RM
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Two GM Detroit Diesel 6-71 engines
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63RM was built in 1930
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63RM is a diesel electric. The two diesel engines power a generator, which supplies electrical energy to traction motors on the No 1 end bogie.