'The M14's

Overview

Two Models of M14's are known to have operated in Australia with investigation on a third underway (Jan 2004), The two known are the the MT14 Z42-H-3-3(S) and the MT14-H-3-3(S) Standard gauge. The ' T ' in the model name indicated a transmission and in both cases this was a high/low rear axle mounted gear box. The (S) indicating sprung axles.

There is some evidence that an M14 Z42 was operating on Queensland rails. An M14 has no rear axle gear box. Tutts carried a number of spares for this model and QR had parts listed in their stores catalogue in 1967. I have yet to see an example of one and have no serial data on them. More investigation needed.

The MT14 Z42 narrow gauge version was manufactured with a different chassis design. It did away with the standard side step plates and had the floor pans raised so the wheels were underneath. This configuration was a Fairmont MN standard for all narrow gauge gang and section cars world wide. I note the drawings catered for and the early production narrow gauge MT14's in Australia also had the crossmembers drilled for conversion to 36", 1 metre or 42"gauge similar to the M15B. I would imagine this was more to keep the car factory standard rather than any gauge change in future times.

Some other interesting features are that it appears all Australian built Z42 and Standard gauge MT14's left the factory with Magneto Ignition. The second ' 3 ' in the model code indicating this. It would appear also that most models were fitted with a unique spring suspension similar to the M9/19 suspension but dimensioned for a heavier car. The suspension was developed in February 1955 from an original 1935 1-11/16" " A3 " axle design and was used exclusively on Australian MT14 cars with later production finding this type of suspension on 42" gauge ST2's also.

The MT14 models were all originally powered by the ROC-11 engine and proved to be a valuable work horse for both New South Wales and Queensland Government Railways.

The MT14Z42-H-3-3

The MT14 Z42 H-3-3(S) was the main stay fleet of Queensland Government Railways 42" rail network. Interestingly they only operated in Queensland and never found their way to other 42" gauge systems around Australia till private ownership. QR 641 having the honour of being the first in 1997 to Victoria. I note one MT14 was purchased by an electrical contractor installing overhead wiring for QR. Its history is being investigated.

The MT14 Z42 was designed in April 1953 by Fairmont MN and first ordered for Australia in August 1956. It remained in continuous production till 1980 and was the biggest single model type manufactured here in Australia with 540 units being produced. They were found all over the QR system.

A lot of the later fleet were fitted with a ply windguard at the front and some had a ply and box steel cab.

The only real modifications made to this model during its life was the re motoring of some units in later years with 16/18HP Briggs engines and and 'ARGO' high/low/reverse transmission with vary speed belt and chain drive. Plenty of these cars have survived with only a small number restored in both private hands and on Tourist Railways in Queensland.

Spring suspension from scraped cars used in this model has also found its way to North America and has been fitted in standard gauge MT14L's. It is currently Jan 2005 being reproduced by a parts supplier over there.

The MT14 H-3-3

The MT14-H-3-3(S) was an exact copy of its North American counter part with the exception of Magneto Ignition and Spring Suspension. It was only operated on the New South Wales Government railway system and was known as their 'Medium Fairmont'.

Records indicate these cars being produced between late 1956 till mid 1960 with total production at 47. All cars examined so far are in the 500/600 NSWGR Road Numbering allocation and this is indicative of them being introduced during the second half of the 1950's.

Pacific ACE had no records on this model so it can be taken that there was no further production after 1962 when the last engines for this model type were imported. I also note the last engines ordered for this model came without magneto ignition but whether they left the factory that way is unknown at present.

A number have been restored privately and some operate on tourist railways. A number have been retained by the current NSW Railways body and are listed as part of their heritage fleet. Some of these are on loan to various preservation groups around the state.