WAGR 4-6-2 No. 706 'Narrogin'
Pinjarra, Western Australia, Australia 		Location: Hotham Valley Tourist Railway
Status: Stored
Related Notes
Photo Copyright © Phil Horton
Here are the notes for WAGR No. 706 'Narrogin', a 4-6-2 located in Pinjarra, Western Australia. If you have additional information about this locomotive, and would like to share it, click the Add Note button.
Posted: Apr 19, 2023 @ 24:04:20 by Norman R. R. Birkner
Ownership: WAGR Pm class No.706 Narrogin was built for the Western Australian Government Railways in 1950 entering service on the 7th of March. No.706 was withdrawn from service on the 17th of June in 1971. No.706 was purchased by the Narrogin Apex Club in October of 1974 from the WAGR. No.706 has been on long-term lease to the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway (HVTR) since 1988. Specifications: Driver dia. is 4 ft. 6 in. (1,372 mm), tractive effort is 25,855 lbf, boiler pressure is 175 p.s.i., 19 in. (483 mm) × 26 in. (660 mm), and the gauge of No.706 is 3 ft. 6 in. (1,067 mm).
Posted: Jul 29, 2018 @ 06:07:08 by Robin R Beck
A class ordered with the intention of operating express passenger trains. In service they rode roughly at speed so they mainly worked (slower) fast freight trains. 706 was in service in 1950 and was withdrawn in 1971. The Narrogin town Apex club purchased 706, putting it on display in a park near Narrogin railway station. In 1988 it was leased to HVTR, who overhauled it at Pinjarra. 1990 saw its first outing, operating a mainline special.

When HVTR lost running rights over the government railway system they concentrated on their own Pinjarra, Dwellingup & Etmilyn line. 706 axle load of 14 tons compared to the W class of 10 tons made it unsuitable for their branch line. For years it has been stored out of use at Pinjarra old steam shed, near the railway station. With the HVTR acquiring 735. Maybe their future includes plans for this engine.

Posted: May 8, 2008 @ 14:05:45 by Phil Horton
Ex Western Australia Government Railways No. 706, a 4-6-2 now working on the Hotham Valley Tourust Railway, Pinjarra, Western Australia on 13 October 2004