Jump to content

Freight Australia XR class

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Freight Australia XR class
XR558 in March 2021
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderFreight Australia, South Dynon (Series 1)
Pacific National, South Dynon (Series 2)
ModelEMD GT26C-3
Build date2002–2006
Total produced9
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICCo-Co
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in),
1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Length18.34 m (60 ft 2 in)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverEMD 16-645E3C
Engine typeV16
AspirationTurbocharged
CylindersV16
Performance figures
Maximum speed115 km/h (71 mph)
Power output3,300 hp (2,500 kW)
Career
OperatorsFreight Australia
Pacific National
Number in class9
NumbersXR550-XR555, XR557-XR559
Current ownerPacific National
Disposition9 in service

The XR class are a class of diesel locomotives built by Freight Australia and Pacific National at South Dynon Locomotive Depot.

History

[edit]

Between 2002 and 2004, Freight Australia rebuilt six X class locomotives with engines cascaded from G class locomotives, larger radiators, and a new cab to provide better driver visibility.[1][2][3] The first six (XR550 - XR555) were converted from X38, X35, X40, X33, X34 and X32 respectively. A seventh (XR556) was planned to be converted from X36 but never eventuated.[4]

A further three (XR557 - XR559) were built in 2004/05 by Freight Australia's successor, Pacific National, as new-builds.[4]

In 2020, several were placed in storage due to a poor grain harvest.[5][6] As at October 2022, all nine were active, seven on the broad gauge and two (XR558 and XR559) on standard gauge. As of November 2023 all are on BG except XR557 & XR559 [7]

The class are mechanically similar to the later XRB class B units.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Here & There Australian Railway History issue 774 April 2002 page 154
  2. ^ X class rebuilding project Railway Digest October 2003 pages 29-32
  3. ^ Locomotive Upgrading by the Operator Railway Digest July 2004 page 39
  4. ^ a b c Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 2010. Rosenberg Publishing. p. 345. ISBN 9781921719011.
  5. ^ Four stored XR Class locos moved - two for further storage and two for reactivation Newsrail September 2020 page 255
  6. ^ MotivePower Roundup Motive Power issue 133 January 2021 page 116
  7. ^ Australia Wide Fleet List Motive Power issue 144 November 2022 page 69
[edit]

Media related to Freight Australia XR class at Wikimedia Commons