WAGR X class

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The WAGR XA class
The WAGR XA class

The WAGR X class is a class of diesel electric locomotives built for Western Australian Government Railways by Beyer Peacock and Metropolitan Vickers, at Bowesfield Works, Stockton-on-Tees between 1954 and 1956. Forty-eight were built, the last 16 of which were fitted with multiple unit control and denoted XA class.

Contents

[edit] Specifications

  • Running numbers:
    • X class, 1001 - 1032
    • XA class, 140l - 1416
    • XB Class, (10 of the X's adapted by Midland Workshops after delivery for MU working)
  • Rail gauge: 3' 6" (1067mm)
  • Wheel arrangement: 2-Do-2 (4-8-4)
  • Engine: Crossley HST-Vee 8 two stroke,
  • Power output: 1045 bhp (779 KW) or 1105 bhp (825 KW), sources differ - the lower figure may be net of power taken by auxiliaries
  • Generator: MV TG4203
  • Traction motors: MV 136
  • Locomotive weight: 80 tons

[edit] The Crossley Engine

At the time of the contract being let, the engine was a concept, being evolved from one of Crossleys successful marine engines.[1]. It is understood that the HST series engine had its roots in a World War II Torpedo boat engine. The engine proved to be very unreliable, with over 600 modifications being made in their 34 year history. The class leaders failed with less than 1000 miles service "on the clock", and early in their career, availability was worse than for the steam locomotives they were to replace.

The engines had exhaust pulse pressure charging and developed 1,200 horsepower (895 kW) at 625 rpm. There were no valves, and inlet and exhaust were via ports in the cylinder walls.

The same engine, and some of its derivatives, were used in CIE locomotives (e.g.CIE 001 Class), and the British Rail CO-BO (BR Class 28) All classes fitted with the Crossley motors suffered failures, vibration and oil consumption problems.

In their final years, those still in service were reputed to have performed well. They ran grain trains in the South West as late as 1984, and provided power for trains following the reopening of the Fremantle line.

[edit] Preservation

One X class and five XA class locomotives are preserved.

  • X1001
  • XA1401
  • XA1402
  • XA1405
  • XA1411
  • XA1415

[edit] External links

[edit] Further reading

  • Pearce, Kenn (1981).Westrail locomotives Elizabeth Downs : Railmac Publications. ISBN 0959415394

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Doncaster, N: The Crossley Experience "The Partyline" - the in-house magazine of Steamtown Peterborough. Number 71, Spring 1998

[edit] See also

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