WAGR M class (diesel)

The M class are a class of diesel-hydraulic locomotives built by Walkers Limited, Maryborough for the Western Australian Government Railways in 1972-1973.

Western Australian Government Railways M class
MA1862 & M1851 at Forrestfield in March 1986
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-hydraulic
BuilderWalkers Limited, Maryborough
ModelGH500V
Build date1972-1973
Total producedM: 2
MA: 3
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B
 • UICB'B'
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Loco weightM: 53.8 tonnes (53.0 long tons; 59.3 short tons)
MA: 44.7 tonnes (44.0 long tons; 49.3 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverM: Cummins VTA 1710L
MA: Caterpillar D379B
TransmissionVoith L4R4U2
MU workingM: none
MA: within class.
Performance figures
Maximum speed45 mph (72 km/h)
Power outputM: 450 kW (600 hp)
MA: 520 kW (700 hp)
Tractive effort109 kN (25,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsWestern Australian Government Railways
Number in classM: 2
MA: 3
NumbersM1851–M1852
MA1861–MA1863
First run1972

History

Walkers Limited had previously supplied similar locomotives to the Emu Bay Railway (as the 11 class), Queensland Railways (as the DH class) and the New South Wales Government Railways (as the 73 class).

The first two members were purchased for use in hump shunting at Forrestfield yard. In 1973 a further three were purchased. These differed in having Caterpillar engines, were much lighter and could operate in multiple with each other. These were designated as the MA class. In January 1994, four were written off and later sold to CSR for use on its sugar cane railways in Queensland.[1][2][3] MA1862 remained in service with Transperth as the Claisebrook depot shunter until 2014. In 2015, it was sold to the Hotham Valley Railway.[4] This locomotive requires transmission repairs or a replacement transmission - the railway welcomes any leads to assist with returning this locomotive back to operation.

In 1996, M1851 was sold and returned to Walkers for conversion to a 610 mm (2 ft) locomotive for further use hauling sugar trains in Queensland. It remained in service in 2014.[5]

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References
  1. Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s-2010s. Kenthurst: Rosenberg Publishing. p. 330. ISBN 9781921719011.
  2. M Railpage
  3. MA Class (WAGR) Railpage
  4. HVTR News Hotham Valley Railway 23 July 2015
  5. "Image" Railway Digest December 2014 page 17

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