Silver City Comet - Rolling Stock

Rolling Stock

The New South Wales Government Railways placed orders for five diesel power vans with Eveleigh Carriage Workshops and 12 trailer cars with Ritchie Brothers, Auburn in the mid-1930s. The double ended power cars were each fitted with two Harland and Wolff Hardlandic diesel engines. One was destroyed by fire at Ivanhoe in January 1950 with the remaining four repowered with General Motors 6-110 engines between 1952 and 1957. Another was withdrawn after being struck at a level crossing at Forbes in August 1982. The carriages were the first in Australia to feature air-conditioning.

Originally painted silver with blue lining, in the 1950s they were repainted in the standard tuscan and russet livery. By the 1970s they had returned to their original livery. In the 1980s they were repainted into the State Rail Authority's candy colours before once again being returned to their original livery in time for their 50th anniversary in 1987.

In its twilight years the Silver City Comet became a popular train for enthusiast tours including operating up the North Coast line to Brisbane in April 1986 and the Main Northern line to Tenterfield in October 1989.

In September 1987 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their entry into service, a set operated tours from Sydney to Canberra and Kiama.

Following their withdrawal in November 1989 the rolling stock was disposed of. The State Rail Authority donated a power van and four carriages to the City of Broken Hill that was placed on display at the Sulphide Street Railway Museum, and a carriage to the City of Parkes. The Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum and New South Wales Rail Transport Museum each purchased a power van and four and three carriages respectively. These latter two both moved to the Rail Motor Society, Paterson in April 1990. Dorrigo's stock was moved to Kooragang Island in May 1994 while the Rail Transport Museum's stock moved to Thirlmere in April 1999.