Between 1959 and 1962 the railways purchased some diesel hydraulic shunting locomotives. The locomotives were classed W and numbered 241 - 267.
Number 267 was an ex NSW demonstrator and when purchased remained on the standard guage at South Dynon.
The W's were built by Tulloch in NSW. They were 0-6-0 wheel arrangement. They featured Mercedes-Benz 4 stroke prime movers. As breakdowns were frequent, ten locomotives were fitted with GM diesel prime movers 1973 - 1977.
Most units were allocated to the Melbourne Metro area in shunting duties; Tottenham Yard, Brooklyn cattle sidings, Spencer St Passenger Yard to name a few. Some were allocated to country depots: Traralgon, Seymour and Geelong. Breakdowns saw them confined to Melbourne area mainly.
They were very rough when travelling at speed. In the late 1960's they saw service on Werribee passenger trains.
Most were out of service by the late 1980's.