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Based on a 1936 design, 131 electric multiple unit coaches were built in Preston, England, between 1948 and 1950 for the Wellington suburban electrification.
DM 27 (TMS No.320) EE serial no. 1572.
On 20th March 1951 DM 27 was commissioned at Hutt Workshops.
D 163 (TMS No.2695) EE serial no. 1649.
The date D 163 was commissioned is not recorded, however it was in the weeks leading up to 20th July 1953.
The two coaches have run an estimated 1,450,000 miles (2,320,000 km) and 1,275,000 miles (2,040,000 km) during their time with New Zealand Railways, they arrived in Christchurch from Wellington on Thursday 13 October 1988, but did not take part in the 125 cavalcade the following Labour weekend. They entered Ferrymead Historical Park on Thursday 27 October and ran under their own power (so to speak) two days later, utilising Ferrymead’s newly commissioned 1500v catenary system
The heyday of the “reds” is nearly over. D 163 and Dm 27 represent a class of 131 vehicles that have faithfully served the Wellington public for over 65 years. During these peak years (1955 to 1983) each coach would be expected to run up to 50,000 miles per year.
The two coaches have changed in detail over the years, loosing features such as the second cab in the DM and destination blinds. Other modifications include alterations to windows, internal décor, roof ventilators, and pantograph.
For a more complete history, view This Page
12 files, last one added on Aug 14, 2006
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