NZR RM class (Vulcan)

The NZR RM class Vulcan railcars were ten diesel railcars ordered in 1938 from Vulcan Foundry for the New Zealand Government Railways. Nine reached New Zealand between 1940 and 1942, while the ship carrying the tenth was sunk during the Second World War. Each had a driving cab at both ends, so a railcar never needed turning, with seating for 50 passengers, a luggage compartment and a toilet. A Vulcan-Frichs six-cylinder diesel engine of 250 horsepower drove them through a fluid coupling and a five-speed epicyclic gearbox, and the power bogie carried an extra axle to keep the axle load low for the light track of the Stillwater to Westport line. On 25 October 1940 RM 50 reached 125.5 kilometres per hour near Springfield, still the fastest officially recorded speed on New Zealand railways. They worked in the South Island until the last was withdrawn in 1978, and four are preserved.