South Australian Railways
Broad Gauge
Class operators: South Australian Railways
Condition: Excellent
Entered the museum: 1966
Provenance: South Australian Railways
Ownership: Port Dock Station Railway Trust
The 4 wheel pump cars were used as a means of transport by track gangs. It was their job to inspect, repair and maintain sections of track, and these vehicles were common to both the South Australian and Commonwealth Railways operations.
The 4 wheel pump cars were all known locally as Kalamazoos (a particular manufacturer in the USA), and four men were needed to lift them off the track when a train approached.
All the hand operated inspection vehicles were phased out by the introduction of motor powered models. Some were also fitted with motors.
Unit B179 is a No.1 Harvey Handcar, manufactured by the Buda Foundry USA. It was obtained by the museum in 1966.