GMR own two end-platform cars, HFO 1260 and HFO 1595. They were built by Clyde Engineering Co Granville 1908 and 1911 respectively, to a design by E.E. Lucy, Chief Mechanical Engineer, NSWGR, and based on contemporary American design. As a result, they were often referred to as American or Cowboy cars.
These cars were originally planned to be easily converted to electric trailer cars for the Sydney suburban network, which was imminent at the time, but a rethink saw this plan not proceeded with.
The two cars arrived in Glenreagh from Cowra, and were immediately set upon by a band of willing volunteers and restored to their current condition. They are both trafficable, and are used together as the regular consist of our trains.
HFO 1595 on the Pacific Highway on her way North.
This car was originally built in 1911 as a loose car i.e. not as a part of a particular car set but in July 1936 a set was formed out of loose 8 cars, including 1595, and coded LUB Set 36.
This set was officially condemned in Dec 1974 but unofficially continued to be used as the standby set at Newcastle, where it saw intermittent use to replace failed diesel railcars. It was placed into storage mid 1977 and then sent to Shell Harbour for further storage pending scrapping.
Built as a FA 1595 5/1911
Fitted with electric lighting June 1926
Converted to a brake end 8/1932 with a small guards/goods compartment.
Converted to HF0 3/1941
Condemned 12/1974
Again, built by Clyde in 1908 as a part of set 47
Built as FA 1260 5/1908
Recoded to HFO 3/1941
Condemned 12 /1974
In December 1968 this set was made up into two separate car sets that usually ran as one but could be separated- 47A (4 cars) & 47 B (3 cars) these cars often formed the mid afternoon Kiama service. (1260 was allocated to 47A)
