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Victorian Railways Walker railmotor
Australia | 1948
40 produced
RM 32 (Walker 153 hp) in 1981 at South Dynon depot
RM 32 (Walker 153 hp) in 1981 at South Dynon depot
Rob O
RM 80 (Walker 280 hp) in the Jolimont workshops
RM 80 (Walker 280 hp) in the Jolimont workshops
Victorian Railways
Schematical drawing of the 102 hp variant
Schematical drawing of the 102 hp variant
www.trainsofvictoria.info
Schematical drawing of the 280 hp vairant
Schematical drawing of the 280 hp vairant
www.trainsofvictoria.info

As part of “Operation Phoenix”, the Victorian Railways wanted to significantly expand passenger services on rural branch lines after the end of the Second World War. Three versions of diesel railcars were ordered, which were designated by their engine power. The power sections were each built by the British company Walker with diesel engines from Gardner. The associated trailers were manufactured in Australia using a lightweight construction method and designed for a service life of just ten years. The basic structure of the car bodies was made of steel and wood and was clad in aluminum.

The two smaller versions had a two-axle power section, basically constructed like a semitruck, each containing a six-cylinder diesel engine and a driver's cab. 13 examples of the 102 hp version and 12 examples of the 153 hp version were manufactured. One railcar of the weaker version was only intended as a reserve and did not have an associated trailer. The trailers usually held 18 first class and 22 second class passengers and two tons of luggage. Some trailers had five additional seats in second class and a smaller luggage compartment. Since there was only one driver's cab, the vehicles had to be turned at the end of the route.

The heaviest version consisted of a central power module with two eight-cylinder engines and two attached trailers, each with a luggage compartment, a passenger compartment and a driver's cab. While on one side there were 38 seats in first class, on the other side there were 56 seats in second class. It was possible to move from one part to the other while driving. A total of twelve sets were made from this version.

The trailers of the variants with 102 and 153 hp were initially assigned to one power section each, but were freely exchanged with each other as part of routine inspections and repairs. The 280 hp railcars could exceed their scheduled top speed of 60 mph or 97 km/h on longer stretches. However, the lightweight construction got evident in the fact that many repairs had to be made to the car bodies after just a few years. Nevertheless, the intended service life was significantly exceeded, so that the first few sets only had to be retired from 1970. Only between 1977 and 1980 was the rest of the fleet retired. Today there is still a set with 153 hp and one with 280 hp, the latter having been certified for use again since 1990.

Variant102 hp153 hp280 hp
General
Built1948-19551950-1954
ManufacturerWalker Brothers, Martin & King, Victorian Railways
Axle configB-2 2+B+2 
Gauge5 ft 3 in (Irish broad gauge)
Seats4094
Dimensions and Weights
Length53 ft 2 3/8 in55 ft 2 5/8 in120 ft 8 in
Length loco7 ft 8 3/8 in9 ft 8 5/8 in
Wheelbase42 ft 6 1/2 in44 ft 8 in89 ft 2 1/2 in
Rigid wheelbase8 ft10 ft 6 in12 ft 6 in
Service weight15,124 lbs19,048 lbs55,777 lbs
Total weight42,218 lbs47,950 lbs104,058 lbs
Boiler
Variant102 hp153 hp280 hp
Power Plant
Power
Power sourcediesel-hydraulic
Top speed45 mph50 mph60 mph
EngineGardner 6LWGardner 6L3Gardner 8LW
Engine type6-cyl. diesel2x 8-cyl. diesel
Fuel48 us gal (diesel)122 us gal (diesel)
Engine output102 hp (76 kW)153 hp (114 kW)280 hp (209 kW)
Calculated Values
DMU
local
last changed: 07/2022
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