The family of Walker railmotors were a type of diesel railcar operated by the Victorian Railways in Australia.
After World War II, the Victorian Railways undertook a major rebuilding program known as Operation Phoenix. One of the first tasks was the upgrading of passenger services on country branch lines, through the replacement of 23 wooden-bodied railmotors built in the 1920s, and the withdrawal of steam locomotive hauled mixed trains.
An initial order of twelve 102 hp (76 kW) railcars, six 153 hp (114 kW) railcars with trailers, and twelve 280 hp (210 kW) railcars was placed with Walker Brothers, Wigan, England. It was then extended to include a further ten 153 hp (110 kW) railmotors and trailers. The first was delivered in 1948, with additions to the fleet running through to 1955.[1][2]
Quick Facts 102hp Walker Railmotor, Type and origin ...
102hp Walker Railmotor |
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102hp Walker railmotor soon after delivery |
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Specifications |
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Gauge | 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) |
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Length | 8.5625 ft (2.6 m) |
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Loco weight | 18.00t |
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Fuel type | Diesel |
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Engine type | Gardner 6LW |
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Performance figures |
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Maximum speed | 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) |
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Power output | 102 horsepower (76 kW) |
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Tractive effort | 2,969 pounds-force (13.21 kN) |
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Quick Facts 153hp Walker Railmotor, Type and origin ...
153hp Walker Railmotor |
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Specifications |
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Gauge | 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) |
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Length | 10.55 ft (3.2 m) |
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Loco weight | 20.00t – 153hp |
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Fuel type | Diesel |
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Engine type | Gardner 6L3 |
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Performance figures |
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Maximum speed | 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) |
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Power output | 153 horsepower (114 kW) |
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Tractive effort | 4,130 pounds-force (18.4 kN) |
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Career |
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Operators | Victorian Railways |
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Number in class | 12 |
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Numbers | 20RM-35RM |
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First run | 16 July 1948 (153hp) |
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Quick Facts 102hp & 153hp Walker Railmotor – Passenger unit, Type and origin ...
102hp & 153hp Walker Railmotor – Passenger unit |
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Specifications |
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Gauge | 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) |
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Length | 44.5 ft (10 m) |
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Fuel capacity | 40 imperial gallons (180 L) |
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Performance figures |
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Maximum speed | 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) |
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Career |
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Operators | Victorian Railways |
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Number in class | 27 |
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Numbers | 100-101, 220-234 |
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First run | 15 March 1948 |
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Quick Facts 280hp Walker Railmotor, Type and origin ...
280hp Walker Railmotor |
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Specifications |
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Gauge | 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) |
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Length | 37 m (121 ft 5 in) |
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Loco weight | 55.00t |
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Fuel type | Diesel |
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Fuel capacity | 2 x 50 imperial gallons (230 L) |
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Engine type | 2 x Gardner 8LW 140 hp engines |
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Performance figures |
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Maximum speed | 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) |
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Power output | 280 horsepower (210 kW) |
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Tractive effort | 6,285 pounds-force (27.96 kN) |
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Career |
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Operators | Victorian Railways |
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Number in class | 12 |
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Numbers | RM 80 – RM 91, RM 92 (Power unit) |
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First run | 6 June 1950 |
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Quick Facts Type and origin, Designer ...
Walker Railmotor Trailer |
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Specifications |
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Gauge | 5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm) |
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Length | 44.15 ft (10 m) |
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Loco weight | 17.00t |
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Career |
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Operators | Victorian Railways |
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Number in class | 16 |
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Numbers | 50MT-64MT |
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First run | 18 October 1948 |
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