Railcar GWR Gloucester Profile and Models

Railcar GWR Gloucester

A similar GWR Railcar stands at Oxford in May 1956. ©Dr Neil Clifton

The Great Western Railway produced a variety of railcars between 1934 and 1942, which survived in regular use until the 1960s. Earlier examples were nicknamed "Flying Bananas" due to their eye-pleasing streamlined bodywork, whilst later examples had a more angular appearance - which proved to be more practical. The class were a great success for the GWR and provided services on a number of lesser used branch lines. One example was built as a parcels car and was not used for the transport of passengers. Replaced by first generation multiple units by the end of 1962, three examples with the later angular bodywork have been preserved.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Unit

Single Diesel Railcar

Builder

Gloucester RCW

Build Dates

1935 to 1937

Total Built

14

Power Output

260 hp
(2 x AEC 130hp engines)

Top Speed

63 to 80 mph

Passenger Capacity

49 to 70 Seated
(0 in Parcels variant)

Operated By

Great Western Railway
British Railways

Main Duties

Local Passenger
Parcels

In Service Until

1960

Surviving Examples

0