Transwa WDA/WDB/WDC class

The Transwa WDA/WDB/WDC class are a class of railcars built by United Goninan, Broadmeadow for Transwa in 2004-2005 to replace the WAGR WCA/WCE class railcars on the AvonLink, MerredinLink and Prospector services in Western Australia. They are capable of high-speed operation.

Transwa WDA/WDB/WDC class
The Prospector, on dual gauge track, near Toodyay in February 2004
ManufacturerUnited Goninan
Built atBroadmeadow
ReplacedWAGR WCA/WCE class
Entered service2004-2005
Number built9
Number in service9
Fleet numbersWDA001-WDA003
WDB011-WDB013
WDC021
WEA031
WEB041
Capacity100 (with 2 cars) 160 (with 3 cars)
Operator(s)Transwa
Depot(s)Prospector Maintenance Depot, Kewdale
Line(s) servedEastern
Eastern Goldfields
Specifications
Maximum speed193 km/h (120 mph)
Prime mover(s)Cummins
TransmissionHydraulic
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in) standard gauge
Layout of the Prospector Railcars

History

In December 2000 Westrail awarded a contract to United Goninan, Broadmeadow for nine railcars to replace the 1971 built WAGR WCA/WCE class railcars. Seven were for The Prospector and two for the AvonLink service.[1][2][3]

The first entered service on 28 June 2004.[2][4] Power is provided by Cummins engines. The new railcars are capable of 193 km/h (120 mph), but track conditions restrict their top speed to 160 km/h (99 mph).[5]

These consist of three WDA driving cars, three WDB driving cars without buffet, and one motored WDC non-driving car. These form two 2-car and one 3-car sets. The AvonLink sets consists of one WDA and WDB. The AvonLink lacks the buffet and entertainment system The Prospector has, but the AvonLink has a whistle and a horn, while The Prospector only has a horn.[2]

References

  1. New 'world-class' Goldfields and Avon trains move closer Government of Western Australia 7 December 2000
  2. Gray, Bill; May, Andrew (2006). A History of WAGR Passenger Carriages. Perth: Bill Gray. pp. 338–341. ISBN 0-646-45902-3.
  3. "WA Short Lines" Railway Digest February 2001
  4. Prospector enters new era The Golden Mail 2 July 2004
  5. Prospector Product Sheet UGL Rail
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.