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 GT26C-3
Build date2002–2006
Total produced9
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 •  UIC Co-Co
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 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 output3,300 hp (2,500 kW)
Career
Operators Pacific National
Number in class9
NumbersXR550-XR555, XR557-XR559
Delivered2002
First run2002
Last run2006
Current owner Pacific National
Disposition9 in service

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

Contents

History

Between 2002 and 2006, Pacific National 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 2024 all are on BG except XR555 (Stored) & XR559 [7]

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

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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