WAGR ADG class

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

WAGR ADG class
Manufacturer	Cravens
Built at	Sheffield
Entered service	1954
Number built	18
Number preserved	3
Fleet numbers	ADG601-ADG618
Operators	Western Australian Government Railways
Specifications
Prime mover(s)	AEC 9.6 litre AEC 11.3 litre from mid-1980s Mercedes-Benz from mid-1980s
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

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 In the mid-1980s, some were fitted with larger AEC 11.3 litre engines from withdrawn ADX railcars while others received new Mercedes-Benz engines.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