SAR "S"
class
South Australian Railways (SAR) "S" class S65 - Victor Harbor, SA,1986.
I thought that these were an Islington creation with two variations, The "S" class above and an "SD". Information to hand suggests that the SAR built them, for both its gauges, the narrow 42", and broad 63".
The
"S" was fitted with a flat opposed two cylinder four stroke motor
with a magneto ignition, simple pressure clutch then a drive shaft
and bevel gear transfer at the back driving the rear axle. A rather
heavy and cumbersome car, but one that ran well.
The "SD" was powered by a large single cylinder diesel engine, producing 6BHP.
I found a drawing by the SAR of a "BUDA" design, dated 1932, that is almost identical to these cars, in particular the controls, motor and general layout. The drawing shows a twin opposed petrol engine, with open valve actuators, and an air cooling system. The only obvious mechanical difference being that the SAR cars had a clutch system, whereas the BUDA drawing has a friction wheel with chain drive. See below for info - it appears to be a BUDA 119H.
I would not be surprised if the SAR bought one, and then knocked out copies.
One of each at Port Adelaide, Several privately owned.
Update
- I was talking to an engine enthusiast who owns an engine from one
of these. He suggests that the design of the motor is almost
identical to that of a Douglas twin - just a knock out from Islington
Workshops.
Another Update -Another Opinion: I was talking to another engine enthusiast who has suggested that the motor is an SAR knock out of a Sheffield motor - have a look here - and make up your own mind!
Yet more information. - I was at the National Railway Museum today looking at their collection of section cars, and was talking to one of their managers abou the S class motor. We were doing some work in collating a history, when I looked at one of the SAR motor quads. These were fitted with a "Minerva" Motor, which NSW Section Car Guru Ken McCawley notes as of Swiss origin.
There is a distinct likeness in the head and valve gear operating the "S" class motor, and that of the "Minerva" powering the motor quad.
Whilst the general arrangement of the S class motor is similar to the Sheffield, it appears that the SAR may have refined the motor, creating its own design and used common parts between the "Minerva" and the twin opposed powering the "S" Class!
A series of Emails has identified just what drives the SAR S Class - Here it is!
The Buda Drawings
Plan layout
Side Elevation
The
Results of the Dig.
