PACIFIC prime movers, the only two of their kind in Australia, were used by the Hydra Electric Commission of Tasmania to haul two 116-tonne transformers from Hobart to Lake Gordon, a distance of 170km. The transformers, after being unloaded from the ship bringing them from Scotland, were transferred to rail for the first 50km of their journey, then back to the road vehicle for the final 90km. A specially-designed ‘hydraulic cradle’ was used to carry each transformer; this rig was transferred to and from rail. 

Image from Truck & Bus Transportation – which was Australia’s pr