WAGR ADG class

WAGR ADG class
ManufacturerCravens
Built atSheffield
Entered service1954
Number built18
Number preserved3
Fleet numbersADG601-ADG618
OperatorsWestern Australian Government Railways
Specifications
Prime mover(s)AEC 9.6 litre
AEC 11.3 litre from mid-1980s
Mercedes-Benz from mid-1980s
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The WAGR ADG class was an 18 member class of diesel railcars operated by the Western Australian Government Railways between 1954 and 1992.

History

Having trialled Governor railcars on the Perth suburban network, in September 1951 an order was placed with Cravens, Sheffield for 18 diesel railcars with all delivered in 1954.[1][2] An additional four were delivered for country operation as the ADH class. Midland Railway Workshops built nine AYE trailer cars on the second hand underframes that were operated between two ADGs to operate as three car sets. These were replaced by ADAs in 1962.[3]

In 1963/64, the ADGs were fitted with superchargers and between 1969 and 1973 with Voith transmissions. In the mid-1980s, some were fitted with larger AEC 11.3 litre engines from withdrawn ADX railcars while others received new Mercedes-Benz engines. Most lasted until 1992 when replaced by electric trains.[3]

Two have been preserved by the Hotham Valley Railway and three by Rail Heritage WA.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Contracts & Tenders" Railway Gazette International volume 95 issue 11 14 September 1951 page 304
  2. ^ "Contracts & Tenders" Railway Gazette International volume 95 issue 14 5 October 1951 page 389
  3. ^ a b c May, Andrew S; Gray, Bill (2006). A History of WAGR Passenger Carriages. Midland, WA: Bill Gray. pp. 222–232, 241–245, 265–269. ISBN 0646459023.

Further reading