Canterbury Railway Society Inc

Rm 51, Rm 56, and Rm 57 are three of four preserved Vulcan Railcars. Ten Vulcans were built in England in 1939 for service on New Zealand's South Island. One of these was lost to a German U-boat attack. The remaining nine units served admirably throughout much of the South Island with the last being withdrawn in 1978. Speedy and comfortable, the Vulcans earned an enviable reputation as people-movers. A Vulcan established the highest "official" speed ever recorded on New Zealand rails, 78 mph, during testing in 1940.

Rm 51 was delivered to Ferrymead in March 1979 and with 56 became the mainstay of passenger services on non-steam days. It was dedicated in 1995 to the memory of the late Gordon Jory, a founding member of Canterbury Rail Society, who was instrumental in the preservation of these historic railcars. He was in charge of their maintenance and operation at Ferrymead for many years. .

Rm 56 was donated to the National Federation of Railway Societies, and delivered to Ferrymead in October 1978 As noted above it has been an invaluable source of motive power on days when steam was not operated, and enabled a Saturday service to be commenced. 56 continues in regular service.

Rm 57 was delivered to Ferrymead with RM 51 in March 1979. It had not operated in service since mid 1976 and was mechanically unserviceable on arrival. It is presently stored.

17 files, last one added on Mar 25, 2006