Western Australian Government Railways R class (diesel)

Western Australian Government Railways R class

R1905 at Manjimup in July 1986

Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder English Electric, Rocklea Serial number A.166-A.167, A.171, A.173-A.174, A.202-A.207, A.218-A.222, A.244, A.248 Model M195CX1, M195CX2 Build date 1968-72 Total produced 18

Specifications AAR wheel arr. C-C UIC class Co-Co, Co′Co′ Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge Loco weight R1901-R1902: 88 long tons (89 t; 99 short tons) R1903-R1905: 95.5 long tons (97.0 t; 107.0 short tons) RA class: 92.5 long tons (94.0 t; 103.6 short tons) Fuel type Diesel Prime mover EE 12CSVT Generator EE 822 Traction motors EE 548

Performance figures Power output 1,950 hp (1,450 kW)

Career Operators Western Australian Government Railways Number in class 18 Numbers R1901-R1905 RA1906-RA1918 First run February 12th, 1968 Preserved RA1918 Current owner UGL Rail Rail Heritage WA Disposition 1 preserved, 1 converted, 16 scrapped

The R/RA Classes are a class of diesel locomotives built by English Electric, Rocklea for the Western Australian Government Railways between 1968 and 1972.

In 1968 the Western Australian Government Railways took delivery of five narrow gauge versions of the K class for use on bauxite traffic, the last three were fitted with 6 tonnes (5.9 long tons; 6.6 short tons) of ballast to improve their tractive effort. All were fitted with dynamic brakes. A further 11 were ordered, but without dynamic brakes. These were classified as the RA class. A further two RAs were financed by the Lefroy Salt Company for use over a 13-kilometre (8.1 mi) off the Esperance line.

In 1974 the RA1914, RA1917 and RA1918 were fitted with standard gauge bogies and renumbered KA211-KA213. RA1918 has been preserved by Rail Heritage WA.

R1902 was donated to Rail Heritage WA for preservation. However, due to its poor condition after suffering from prolonged vandalism, it was cut up.