LMS Route: Stratford Midland Junction - The Shakespeare Route

E&WJR and SMJ - Locomotives and Rolling Stock: smjsa313

The Ro-Railer about to leave Stratford upon Avon goods yard for the Welcombe Hotel in April 1932. April 1932. Arthur Jordan wrote in his book 'The Stratford upon Avon Midland Junction Railway', 'the vehicle was built to LMS specifications by Karrier Motors of Huddersfield in 1931, the body being constructed by Cravens of Sheffield. It underwent initial trials on the Harpenden-Hemel Hempstead branch. The six-cylinder engine was rated at 37.4hp, with a maximum of 120hp, and was capable of 60mph on roads or 75mph on rails, it was claimed. Although the latter figure may reflect a degree of optimism, it did achieve 50mph on several occasions. It weighed 7 tons 2 cwt and was outwardly similar to contemporary road motorbuses, except for the addition of buffers, drawgear, lamp irons and sanding apparatus (Note the buffers and drawgear were NOT a statutory requirement - Ed). The most important feature, however, was its ability to change from a road vehicle to a railcar. Pneumatic-tyred road wheels were mounted on eccentrics fitted to the outer extensions of the rail wheel axles. Whilst running on the road, these tyred wheels were locked in a position concentric to the axle. The changeover from road to rail operation generally took five minutes (although 2½ minutes was possible) and was achieved by running the vehicle onto a wooden ramp, similar to a level crossing (see image 'smjsa307'). The claim that the wheel change could be undertaken in such a short time is considered by many to be extremely optimistic.

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