DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE 2109 AT CASTLEDARE

Locomotive 2109 is a diesel hydraulic powered 7.25" gauge locomotive, based at the Castledare Miniature Railway in Perth, Western Australia. 2109 is powered by a Kubota D722 3-cylinder diesel engine, direct coupled to a closed loop hydraulic transmission pump. Each of the four-wheel bogies has a hydraulic motor with chain drive to the axles. The two hydraulic motors are connected in series. The system is fitted with a thermostatically controlled hydraulic oil cooler; quite a necessary feature as Perth temperatures can reach 45degC in summer. A check valve bypass system is provided to allow the hydraulic motors to freewheel in the forward direction for smoother operation. 2109 was completed in mid 2021 and is now in regular passenger hauling service at Castledare. This video shows a view from the locomotive cab for a circuit of the Fern Road and Canning sections of the Castledare system.