WAGR AO class

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WAGR AO class
AO431, Kalgoorlie-Boulder.jpg
AO 431 in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
ManufacturerMotor Rail & Tram Car Co Ltd
Constructed1922
Entered service1922
Number built3
Fleet numbers430–432
Capacity36-40
Operator(s) WAGR
Specifications
Car length24ft 4in
Width8ft
Wheelbase 9ft
Maximum speed30mph
Prime mover(s) Dorman 4JO
Power output40hp
TransmissionDixon-Abbott Patent Gearbox
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The WAGR AO class was a three member class of petrol-driven railmotors or railcars operated between 1922 and 1950 by the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR). The motorised chassis were supplied by the Motor Rail and Tram Car Co Ltd, of Bedford, England in 1922. The Agent General for Western Australia ordered them through agents Flower & Davies and they were delivered to Midland Railway Workshops for bodies to be fitted. [1]

Contents

Initially the cars were based at Albany, Narrogin and Merredin [2]

One was destroyed by fire at Narrogin in October 1926 when petrol ignited during refuelling. [3]

Two were at Albany in 1936 when one was destroyed by fire in the loco shed shortly after the other had been transferred to Kalgoorlie. [4]

The Kalgoorlie unit, 431, is the only one to have survived long enough officially to be classified as an AO class vehicle, in 1937. [5] It was involved in a fatal level crossing accident at Coolgardie in 1938. [6]


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References

Notes

  1. Walters & Waywell, 2006
  2. The Daily News (Perth) 20 July 1922 page 5
  3. The West Australian, 23 October 1926 page 8
  4. Western Argus (Kalgoorlie), 8 September 1936 page 2
  5. May & Gray 2006, p. 133–134.
  6. Coolgardie Miner, 8 December 1938 page 12

Bibliography

  • May, Andrew S; Gray, Bill (2006). A History of WAGR Passenger Carriages. Midland, WA: Bill Gray. ISBN   0646459023.
  • Walters, Clive & Waywell, Robin, The Motor Rail Works List, Dennis Duck Publications, 2006

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