WAGR ADG class

WAGR ADG class
Stock typeDiesel multiple unit
In service1954-1992
ManufacturerCravens
Built atSheffield
Constructed1951-1954
Entered service1954
Refurbished1963-64: Superchargers

1969: Voith hydraulic transmissions

1986: 11.3 litre AEC engines ex-ADX railcars
Number built18
Number in service0
Number preserved3
FormationMay have AYE trailer from 1955, or ADA trailer from 1962
Fleet numbersADG601-ADG618
Capacity62 seated, 48 standing
OperatorsWestern Australian Government Railways
Specifications
Car body constructionWelded steel
Train length2x ADG: 125 ft (38 metres)
Car length62 feet 6 inches (19.05 m)
Width8 feet 11 inches (2.72 m)
Height11 feet 7+78 inches (3.553 m)
Floor height3 feet 7+18 inches (1.095 m)
Doors2 per side
Articulated sections1 or 2 ADG railcars, optionally an AYE or ADA trailer.
Wheel diameter2 feet 7+12 inches (800 mm)
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

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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 In the mid-1980s, some were fitted with larger AEC 11.3 litre engines from withdrawn ADX railcars while others received new Mercedes-Benz engines.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

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  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

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