Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Brad White and Ian Green
Page Last Updated: 17/9/20
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Locomotive Info:
Type: Diesel- Hydraulic Number Built: 1 Loco Length: 6.32 Meters Weight: 22 tonnes Engine: Fordson Major Horsepower: 40 Max Speed: 16 km/h |
V56 with W255 in static preservation at the ARHS Museum in Williamstown. (29/12/18)
Photo By: Brad White |
In 1959, a new suburban train washing plant was to be erected at Jolimont Workshops. This new facility would require a locomotive with very low gearing to allow for very low speeds. The job of the locomotive would be to haul suburban sets through the wash plant at very low speed, around 1mph. No locomotive in Victorian Railways possession had such abilities, so Newport Workshops constructed the sole V56. It would also be the final locomotive ever to be constructed at Newport Workshops.
V56 in storage at the Newport Workshops. (11/90)
Photo By: Ian Green
Photo By: Ian Green
The locomotive was a very short, 4-wheeled design with a Fordson Major tractor engine installed. The engine cover had a sloped design, similar to the M class shunting locomotives. Hydraulic motors allowed the locomotive to move at a constant slow speed. When introduced, it was unclassified and painted orange. In 1960, it received its classification of V56 and began its role at Jolimont Workshops. The unit was also occasionally used for shunting suburban rolling-stock around the yard and would visit Newport Workshops when maintenance was required.
During its career, it would receive VR blue and gold livery in 1974, and The Met green and yellow in 1985. In 1993, Jolimont Workshops closed making the unique locomotive virtually obsolete. It was also in a poor mechanical condition by this time and saw storage between sporadic work just before the closure of the workshops.
V56 would be transferred to South Dynon and Melbourne Yard to undertake further shunting duties, however it was proved underpowered and not suited. It was withdrawn in 1994 and allocated to ARHS. It is currently on static display at the North Williamstown railway museum still wearing its ‘Met’ livery.
During its career, it would receive VR blue and gold livery in 1974, and The Met green and yellow in 1985. In 1993, Jolimont Workshops closed making the unique locomotive virtually obsolete. It was also in a poor mechanical condition by this time and saw storage between sporadic work just before the closure of the workshops.
V56 would be transferred to South Dynon and Melbourne Yard to undertake further shunting duties, however it was proved underpowered and not suited. It was withdrawn in 1994 and allocated to ARHS. It is currently on static display at the North Williamstown railway museum still wearing its ‘Met’ livery.
Locomotive Status
Road No. |
Livery |
Owner |
Service Life |
Current State |
V56 |
The Met |
VicTrack Heritage |
Jan 1960 - Late 80s |
Preserved - Static at AHRS |
All information sourced from Power to the Rails by John Scott, Wikipedia and Vicsig