Panhard Railmotor

This railmotor was built in Ipswich in 1918 and was sent to work on the Normanton to Croydon line in north Queensland until 1941. It was built to carry 10 passengers and towed a small trailer for extra luggage. In fine weather passengers enjoyed good views and plenty of fresh air; if it rained, canvas blinds were rolled down.

For small rail vehicles like this, petrol or diesel engines were simpler and cheaper than steam. This one is powered by a Panhard & Levassor petrol engine from France.

The engine is connected to the drive axle by a chain:

When the track is wet the steel wheels can slip, so locomotives often have a pipe to sprinkle sand on the track in front of the wheels: