Single Deck Interurban Electric Trailer Carriage ETB 6039

1. Exhibit History

This vehicle was used in one of the many sets that were a first for the NSW Railways when it made a decision to change its passenger rolling stock from timber bodied stock to stainless steel.

This type of car was originally designed to operate as part of a four car set of interurban electrical multiple unit carriages over the Blue Mountains specifically. Their rapid acceleration and high average speed allowed journey time from country areas to be speeded up.

The basic four carriage set was mostly operated as an eight car set, with two additional carriages added for the heavy traffic trains, such as the latter day "Fish" operation from Mt. Victoria.

Later they were used with great success to areas such as Gosford, Newcastle and Wollongong which in turn popularised these four areas as dormitories for the Sydney Metropolitan area.

ETB 6039 started life as a first class car in November 1959 and was reclassified as an Economy car during the mid 1970's. The car was condemned in September 1993.

No significant changes were made to the car during its revenue service. The car is one of three still intact and is capable of being used in a four, six or eight car set.

2. Collection History

The carriage was purchased from the State Rail Authority at auction in 1999. The carriage is currently on display at the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot in No. 10 road where it has been kept since arriving there.

3. Statement of Significance

These cars were the first use of stainless steel on passenger rolling stock on the NSW Railways.

They were specifically designed for the electrified section of railway over the Blue Mountains to Lithgow.

Later in life this also included Gosford, Newcastle and Wollongong.

These cars replaced old timber bodied stock that had been used for many years behind steam locomotives. Their rapid acceleration and high average speed allowed journeys to the nearby country areas to be speeded up. This in turn popularised the Blue Mountains, and the Central Coast as dormitory areas for the Sydney Metropolitan area.

The carriage has been classified as an item of State significance.