'QR's 'Sylvester' Motor Car

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I have known about the Sylvester motor car for some time and knew it was similar in design to particular Fairmont models. The Australian Sylvesters have remained a bit of a mystery up to now and although I still have to do some more research I have recently uncovered some interesting data on them that is worth sharing. Thank you to my mate Rod 'B' for making it available.

History

The Sylvesters were imported and assembled here in Australia by the company 'George E Moss' in Brisbane, Queensland Australia exclusively for Queensland Railways. They were known as "GEMCO" ( an acronym for George E moss) Sylvesters. I note George E Moss or a derivative still exists in Australia manufacturing/importing railway equipment.

There were two 42" gage model types assembled in Australia. The 'E21B' Light inspection car with 14" wheels, very similar to the 'Fairmont M9' and the 'H21B' Medium Inspection Car with 16" wheels and similar to the Fairmont MT14H. Both models were fitted with the Sylvester 'KP' model engine. The 'H21B' also had a two speed rear axle gear box similar to the Fairmont gear box. I havent yet seen any pics/cars that ran in Australia but I am wondering if the 'H21B' did away with the running boards and had the wheels under the deck like the 42" gage Medium Fairmont models.

A look at the manual showing the parts you can see the similarities with the Fairmonts, so who copied who...maybe someone can tell me. The manual reveals the engine being a mix of the Fairmont OD-B/RO-C with ball bearing crank mains and oil ring seals like the 'OD-B'. The head on the other hand has 8 studs like the RO-C. The crank case check valve is seperate from the carby like the Fairmont RKA/B engines.

I have established that the Australian Sylvesters were very unique as they had chain driven Magneto Ignition fitted. This was a requirement of Queensland Railways for their Fairmonts also. I am also wondering if they were the only 42" gage models ever made? The manual describes the American Bosch 'MRD' magneto as standard but the Eisemann AM1 was also used. They also had an after market friction drive flywheel generator for lighting.

I have managed to locate the road number of a 'H21B' model and this dates the car around 1956. Judging by the age lines on the manual I have this would be close. The Fairmont licencee here in Australia was making a killing at the time so I presume that the Sylvester was imported as competition in the lucrative section car market. As for quantities I am still to establish that.

The Sylvester Origins

Ken McHugh from ASSCO in Queensland has some interesting reading on his pages all about the origins of the Sylvester Motor Car

Whats still Around

I know of three motors that still exist...well two and a half. One has been restored and with a private collector in Brisbane. It has a fuel tank bolted to it and is set up as a stationary model. Another motor I found last year tucked away and I am presently trying to purchase it. The half motor... I was at an auction three years ago in Northern Queensland. Got talking as you do and this guy told me that he had a Sylvester in his collection....didn't get his name at the time but after lots and lots of chasing I managed to locate him and arrange a visit. There, half buried under some Gum Trees with a broken flywheel and a bore exposed to the weather was a boat anchor (nee Sylvester)...it started life as a 'KP' but was beyond saving now....always sad to see a now rare engine in this state. I had heard of a complete car existing but the lead dried up. I still have a big network in place with lots of feelers so I am sure if one still exists I will find it.

Just as a side I had some new brake blocks and liners and a couple of drive belts that didn't fit on Fairmonts but were similar..The Sylvester manual has revealed them as Sylvester parts so I am now searching thru my other odd bits to see what else I may have. Maybe I will get to own a Sylvester one day...I am on the way.