The ST's

Overview

In 1969 a request from Commonwealth Railways for an upgraded car to replace their ageing 42" gauge 2 stroke fleet was put to Pacific and so the Australian 'ST' model was born.

It was based on the Fairmont MN ST2Z42-H-3 chassis but the 2 stroke engine and belt drive were replaced with a four cyclinder automotive engine and the Fairmont MN High/Low-Reverse transmision '113077' with final chain drive as found in the North American MT14L/MT19L cars.

An acolade must go to Chris Manchip from Pacific who put this good little workhorse together.

The STT

This was the first of the ST models produced, coded 'STT' and 42 were manufactured between 1970 and 1974. The engine utilised in the 'STT' model was the 1966 model Vauxhaul Viva 1200cc 4 cyclinder engine manufactured here in Melbourne Australia by GM. GM utilised this engine in its Australian version of the Viva, rebadged 'Torana' the Australian Aboriginal word meaning 'to fly' which it must be said of the 'STT' if you ever get the chance to operate one.

The Model code 'STT' is thus broken down as 'S' for 'S series', 'T' for transmission 'T' for Torana engine.

The first one was shipped in June 1970 to CR and following succesful field trails orders were placed. All had the spring suspension option fitted

I note the 22nd car built was sent to Queensland and was the only STT not purchased by 'CR'.

The STE

Quite a few STT's and at least one STE have survived with a number in private ownership and at tourist railways.