SAR Motor Quadricycle

 This car forms part of the National Railway Museums' collection of section cars. It is a broad gauge (5'3") unit that is very complete, and in very good condition. The unit has a simple clutch and a reduction gearbox, and an electric headlight.

I could not see any markings on the motor, but have seen different cars fitted with different engines and gearboxes, including another at the National Railway Museum, and one at Steamtown. The Steamtown car has been cut down from (I am told ) standard gauge to 42" for the narrow gauge there. That car has a two stroke motor in it, this one is an open valved four stoke unit that has an air operated oil feeder to the engine (see the little brass knob in front of the light switch).

Information from the Archives suggests that these, and their three wheel sisters, were originally powered by a "Minerva" 2 3/4hp motor.

The car at Peterborough is apparently formally from Yongola where it worked with the SAR as a linesman's car (on the standard gauge).

© Nic Doncaster

Uploaded September 2002, Updated September 2, 2007