1ST RUN U BOATS

2ND RUN U BOATS

NSW GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS STAINLESS STEEL INTERURBAN SETS – THE U BOATS

PROTOTYPE INFORMATION

The single deck, multiple unit electric interurban passenger cars were introduced in September 1958 as part of the NSW Department of Railwats, Blue Mountains electricfication scheme. The contact was awarded to Commonwealth Engineering who having formed an association with the US Budd company, offered the option of unpainted stainless steel in preference to the painted mild steel specified, the advantages being lighter weight, longer life & less maintenance.

The department accepted this option. Whilst the tender called for a buffet trialer car in addition to the second class triler car, this was later discarded and the car was changed to a 1st class smoking & non smoking car. These interurban electics become known as the U-BOATS due to the lettering on their target plates. They had an operational life of 38 years and were withdrawn in 1996. The U-BOATS operated in four, six, eight & ten car sets depending on passenger volumes operating to Lithgow, Gosford, Newcastle, Port Kembla, Dapto & Emu Plains.

During their lifespan a number of changes occurred including the replacement of the headlight with a twin headlight. Beclawat windows were introduced from 1977 during refitting and a new style of pantograph was also featured.

SOUTHERN RAIL’S “HERITAGE” models of the U BOATS are ready to run and feature all of these changes and are super detailed, with art work covering all eras of their operating life including name boards for the ‘The Fish”, “The Chips” & “The Heron”.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

Australian Model Railway Magazine – Oct 2011 Issue

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