WAGR Dm Class Steam Locomotive

The Dm class was based on the earlier D class but differed significantly in the addition of large boiler-length side tanks, and was built by converting older E class tender locomotives.

History:
World War II was a major setback for Western Australia's railway system. The need to move large numbers of troops and material had taken its toll on the ability of the railways to continue the construction of much needed motive power. During the war only 13 new locomotives were built, three S class and 10 Australian Standard Garratts. By 1944, about a quarter of the WAGR's locomotives were out of action for maintenance. Much of the stock was over forty years old most locomotives coming from the late 1800's and early 1900's. The Dm class were built to haul suburban passenger services in Perth they were widley spread around the WAGR's rail network. They were also used as bank engines on the steeply graded Midland Junction to Chidlow section of the Eastern Railway (ER Line).They first entered service on 29 March 1945. The first was withdrawn in 1968, with the remainder in 1970/71 following the entry into service of the ADK/ADB class diesel multiple units and the B and Z diesel shunters. They were also good for maintenance trains and middle sized goods trains.

Known Numbers:
Dm 581 (Es 314)

Dm 582 (Es 309)

Dm 583 (Es 307)

Dm 584 (E 306)

Dm 585 (Es 296)

Dm 586 (Es 318)

Dm 587 (Es 310)

Dm 588 (Es 305)