WAGR Dm class

WAGR Dm class
Dm314 in as new condition, 1945
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Midland Railway Workshops Build date 1945 Total produced 8
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-4T Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Driver dia. 4 ft 6 in (1,372 mm) Length 43 ft 3 in (13.18 m) Loco weight 71 long tons 9 cwt (160,000 lb or 72.6 t) Fuel type Coal Water cap 1,820 imp gal (8,300 l; 2,190 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 18.6 sq ft (1.73 m2) Boiler pressure 160 lbf/in2 (1.10 MPa) Cylinder size 18 in × 23 in (457 mm × 584 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 18,768 lbf (83.48 kN) Factor of adh. 4.7
Career Operators Western Australian Government Railways Numbers Dm581-Dm588 Disposition all scrapped

The WAGR Dm class was a class of 4-6-4T tank locomotive operated by the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) between 1945 and 1971.

World War II was a major setback for Western Australia's railway system. The need to move large numbers of troops and material had taken its toll on the ability of the railways to continue the construction of much needed motive power. During the war years only 13 new locomotives were built, three S class and 10 Australian Standard Garratts. By 1944, approximately a quarter of the WAGR's locomotive fleet was out of action pending maintenance. Much of it was over forty years old.

The Dm class was based on the earlier D class but differed significantly in the addition of large boiler-length side tanks, and was built by converting older E class tender locomotives. They were built to haul suburban passenger services in Perth. They were also used as bank engines on the steeply graded Midland Junction to Chidlow section of the Eastern Railway.

The first entered service on 29 March 1945. The first was withdrawn in 1968, with the remainder in 1970/71 following the entry into service of the ADK/ADB class diesel multiple units.

The numbers and periods in service of each member of the Dm class were as follows: