Kane's Trains

Brill Railcar Charter on the SteamRanger Heritage Railway

Brill Railcar RC60 has returned to service at SteamRanger and is operating charters out of Mount Barker to Strathalbyn. This video was captured on the 18th of April, 2026. More on SteamRanger here: https://www.steamrangerheritagerailway.org Brill 75 Restoration group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17yd3WFzqY/?mibextid=wwXIfr Information from the SteamRanger website on their Brill Railcars: In 1926, under Commissioner W.A. Webb, the SAR introduced US-designed “Brill” railcars on lightly used country and suburban lines. Nicknamed “Barwell Bulls” after Premier Sir Henry Barwell and their distinctive horn, the cars helped replace steam locomotives and improve efficiency. The first was built by J.G. Brill in the US, with the remainder constructed at Islington Workshops. By 1930, 50 broad gauge and 12 narrow gauge cars and trailers had entered service. Originally painted brown, the fleet later adopted the familiar green and cream livery, with illuminated safety stripes added from 1957. Early petrol engines were gradually replaced with diesel units, and upgrades included multiple-unit operation and improved “milk bar” seating for passenger comfort. The arrival of “Bluebird” and “Red Hen” railcars in the 1950s led to the gradual retirement of the Brills, with the final revenue service running to Victor Harbor in October 1971. In the 1970s many cars were converted to camp cars by Australian National. When these became redundant, SteamRanger acquired trailer cars 207 and 211. Volunteers, led by Phil Neville, rebuilt trailer 207 into powered Car 60, installing a diesel engine and extensively restoring the body, seating, frame, and control systems. After thousands of volunteer hours, Car 60 returned to service in 2001 and now operates on selected heritage services between Strathalbyn, Goolwa, and Victor Harbor. SteamRanger later acquired genuine Brill power car No. 43, originally built at Islington and entering service in 1928. Known as one of the “Glamour Cars” due to its roof-mounted radiators, it operated until 1969 before conversion to a sleeper car. In 2008, the Wilson Vineyard donated the car to SteamRanger after years of storage and partial restoration work. A dedicated restoration team was formed in 2016 to coordinate the return of Brill 43 to service. Led by Phil Neville, the project relies heavily on volunteer labour, fundraising, and support from SteamRanger’s Mechanical Services team, with restoration work continuing toward eventual operation on the heritage railway. Don’t forget to subscribe 😃