FFF 42 Friday, Facts and Fotos Friday 12th May 2023
West Block 9 road.
The Diesel-Electric Rail Motor Preservation Association of Victoria (DERMPAV) was the first of the three preservation groups that call the West Block building home and to be accommodated into that location. The relocation of Steamrail Victoria, 707 Operations and DERMPAV freed up the land at the old Spotswood Way and Works Depot, and the Newport workshops in the Tarpaulin Shop area to provide Pacific National with a Motive Power Training centre, and Metro Trains with a train holding facility.
There were 10 Petrol Electric Rail Motors (PERMs) constructed at Newport between 1928 and 1931 to drawings supplied by the Electro-Motive Company in Cleveland, Ohio in the USA. The first PERM numbered 55RM was powered by a Winton petrol engine driving electrical equipment supplied by General Electric. These rail motors lead a useful life arriving just before the onset of the Great Depression. After the cessation of hostilities of the Second World War, Victoria commenced to rehabilitate the railways and the PERM’s were converted to Diesel Operation. The old Winton engines were traded out in favour of two Detroit 6:71 series Diesel engines.
DERMPAV restored, and continue to maintain 58RM making it available for general charter or group excursions around the Victorian broad gauge network. They also organise rail enthusiasts specials around the suburban and country network.
Their depot is situated in 9 Road of the historic West Block Building. 9 Road was originally part of the extensive boiler-making section of the workshops, then became the section where steam locomotive tenders were overhauled. It then became part of the laboratory where diesel engine components were examined for serviceability before being used in the engine rebuild program. 9 Road was allocated to DERMPAV in early 1992. It is the same size as the other bays in the West Block Building, but only has one centre track where 58RM is stabled along with 59, 60, and 64RM. 64RM is under long-term restoration with major frame sections already being rebuilt. RM 59 & 60 were acquired from the Mornington group, being longer-term restoration projects.
DERMPAV also have allocated Y 125 & Y168 diesels, plus a few freight wagons which are vital for spare parts storage. Because they only have capacity for passengers in one carriage the possible revenue raised from an excursion is very limited compared with running a six or seven-car train like other preservation groups, yet the cost of mainline access and qualified driver fees are the same. So the cost of running excursions is very expensive.
DERMPAV are always on the lookout for members, so please check out their website.
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