CR or SAR Road-rail

This little gem is one of the earlier road-rails known on the South Australian narrow gauge, and certainly on the Eyre Peninsula. Registration was ZDD-617.

It is a Daihatsu Hijet - although I am not sure if it is a 360 or 550, but certainly dating from the early 1970s. - These power machines were run by a massive 600cc three cylinder two stroke - but were prone to popping pistons.

Maximum cruising speed (on road anyway) was a neck-breaking 70km/h.

This vehicle was set up for running on 42" gauge, and was last known to work out of Thevenard, on the Far West of the Eyre Peninsula. I first saw it in April, 1986 when it came to Port Lincoln for servicing (on a flat truck, as per pic), and then again in June,1987 when it was at Islington for auction.

Perhaps a pioneer road-rail - the next were the Suzuki Sierras.

There is a little vagueness surrounding this vehicle. And it may not be that easy to solve, as the former AN plant Guru passed away a few years ago. A few people have suggested that this may have been ex CR or even ex TGR as well.

Page Uploaded August 3, 2003 Updated December 23, 2007

© Nic Doncaster 2003