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red hen


Red Hens were the rail cars used to operate the Adelaide suburban rail service, as distinct from Blue Birds which operated long distance country services: We caught the red hen to Gawler races. Compare Barwell's bull, blue bird, Brill car.


Contributor's comments: So called because a) they are coloured dull red, and b) the country trains are 'birds' (see 'bluebirds')

Contributor's comments: Red Hens were suburban railcars operating on the Adelaide suburban railways until phased out some years ago & replaced with more modern units. (Blue Birds were the country rail cars operating long distance services): "We caught the Red Hen to Gawler."

Contributor's comments: I have also heard of a Red Hen train that was heavily rebuilt (to make it look like a Jumbo set), which was referred to as a Super Chook. Any further info on this?

Contributor's comments: Yes, they were dull and red and ratlly and old inside. They always ran on the Outer Harbour line (Adelaide CBD - Port Adelaide - North Haven).