Freight Australia XR class

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Freight Australia XR class
XR558 X50 and BL33 lead 7901V into Mildura. 20-3-21..jpg
XR558 in March 2021
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
Builder Freight Australia, South Dynon (Series 1)
Pacific National, South Dynon (Series 2)
Model EMD GT26
Build date2002–2006
Total produced9
Specifications
Configuration:
   UIC Co-Co
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in),
1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Length18.34 m (60 ft 2 in)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime mover EMD 16-645E3C
Engine typeV16
Aspiration Turbocharged
Cylinders V16
Performance figures
Maximum speed115 km/h (71 mph)
Power output2,461 kW (3,300 hp)
Career
Operators Freight Australia
Pacific National
Number in class9
NumbersXR550-XR555, XR557-XR559
Current owner Pacific 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.

Contents

History

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 store 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 XR559 [7]

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

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References

  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. 1 2 3 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

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