62RM

ID/Name: 62RM
Type: Railmotor
Description: DERM (Diesel Electric Rail Motor)
Built: 1930
Status: Stored

62RM 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, 62RM 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 traction motor failure in 1986 ended its commercial service, 62RM was purchased by the Yarra Valley Railway and was railed to Healesville in 1987. Over many years it was used as a passenger car until those services ceased and it was stored out of service for many years.

In 2019 the Yarra Valley Railway decided that 62RM no longer fit into their future operational plans and generously donated it to Daylesford Railway made its way to its new home via a road journey in August of that year.

CURRENT STATUS
62RM is currently stored with it planned to be the next major restoration project to begin in 2027.

FUN FACT
In 1931, 62RM was operating the passenger service between Woodend and Daylesford as Motor No 62.