Railcar GWR Gloucester Profile and Models
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. |
|
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 |