7 1/4 Inch Goose No6

(CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK)

In the later part of the Victorian period a number of narrow gauge railroads were built in the Colorado mountains. They were never very profitable, and by the 1920’s they were suffering from increased road competition. To counter this the Rio Grand Southern introduced their “motors”, these were a series of road going cars modified with larger bodies and converted to run on rails. Initially they were intended to carry mail, to keep the income from the US Mail contracts. As this proved popular subsequent conversions were enlarged to carry a few passengers as well.

Probably due to their ungainly gait they earned themselves the nick name of “galloping geese” and have been known as such by generations of railroad enthusiast.

There were seven built in total, all different, all survive though number 1 is a new build.

Our model is “motor number 6” known as the works goose. It was built from a 1920’s Pierce Arrow car with a flat bed body. It was never used for mail or passengers but was the work horse of the maintenance department. Its original engine has been replaced with a more modern truck engine, but it is still in working order at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado.

Specification

Battery powered 24 volt, two batteries 031 or 096.

Twin motors, chain drive.

Electronic controller

Klaxon horn

Working headlight

Hand brake

The model can be split into four main sections for transportation. The heaviest part is 23 KG for the power truck. This means it can be handled by a single person and carried in an estate car. It is powerful enough to haul riding cars with 6 to 8 adults on level track. With the driver sitting over the driving wheels adhesion is good, steep grades can be tackled (on reduced load)