WAGR ADF/ADU class

The WAGR ADF class (also known as the Wildflower class) was a six member class of diesel-electric railcars operated by the Western Australian Government Railways between 1949 and 1975.

WAGR ADF/ADU class
ADF490 and two ADUs on a test run in 1949
Type and origin Builder Midland Railway Workshops Build date 1949-1950 Total produced ADF: 6 ADU: 12
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR A1A-A1A Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Loco weight 51.62t Prime mover 2 x English Electric 6H Generator 2 x 130 kilowatt DC generators Traction motors 4 x 75 hp Cylinders 6 Cylinder size 6" (152mm) bore, 8" (203mm) stroke
Performance figures Power output 209 bhp at 1500rpm (per engine)
Career Operators WAGR Numbers ADF490-ADF495 ADU581-ADU591 Preserved 1

History

In 1949/50, the Midland Railway Workshops delivered built six diesel-electric railcar sets to replace the Governor sets. Each set had one powered ADF railcar and two ADU trailers. All were named after wildflowers, hence the class name.^[1]

Number	Name
ADF490	Boronia
ADF491	Crowea
ADF492	Grevillea
ADF493	Hovea
ADF494	Leschanaultia
ADF495	Banksia

The first was launched to the media on 23 August 1949 followed by a demonstration run from Perth to Pinjarra.^[2] They entered service shortly after, operating from Perth to Albany, Perth to Geraldton via Wongan Hills and Mullewa, Perth to Merredin, Perth to Chidlow, Perth to Ongerup and Kalgoorlie to Esperance.^[1][3]

All were withdrawn between 1959 and 1963 as daylight country passenger trains were withdrawn and replaced by road coaches.^[1]

Three ADFs and four ADUs were refurbished in 1964 to operate the new Bunbury Belle and The Shopper services. A further four ADUs were converted to locomotive hauled carriages. All were written off in 1975 with ADF495 preserved by Rail Heritage WA.^[1][4]