X and Xa Class Diesel Electric

Builder Beyer Peacock/Metropolitan Vickers Stockton on Tees

type 2-do-2 Diesel electric traction

engine type Crossley V8

total weight 79 tons

horsepower 1045

Tractive effort starting 26,000lb continuous 12,000lb

number in service X class 13 Xa class 16 Xb class 10

The X class diesel electric locomotive was the first mailine diesel used by the WAGR. Introduced in 1954 the class were the only rigid frame diesel locomotives to run in Australia. The class was initially troubled with teething problems but eventually settled down to become a longserving locomotive on the WAGR. The locomotives were able to haul country passenger trains with faster running schedules compared to steam locomotives. The class had been designed with a light axle loading which enabled the class to operate over the entire system, including light rail branchlines. The WAGR was therefore able to withdraw steam traction from some of the more arid areas of the state where suitable locomotive water had always been a problem.
Sixteen locmotives were introduced in 1955 fitted for multiole unit working and were classified Xa. The main ditiguishing feature was the provision of nose end doors to facilitate movement between the locomotives while on the move. Ten of the original X class were subsequently fitted for multiple unit workingand were classified as Xb. the Xb locomotives were not, however, fitted with nose end doors.