Freight Australia XR class

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    Freight Australia XR class
    XR558 on the Mildura Fruit train in March 2021
    Type and origin
    Power typeDiesel-electric
    BuilderPacific National, 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+1⁄2 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
    OperatorsPacific National
    Number in class9
    NumbersXR550-XR555, XR557-XR559
    Delivered2002
    First run2002
    Last run2006
    Current ownerPacific National
    Disposition9 in service

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

    History

    [edit]

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

    In 2020, several were placed in storage due to a poor grain harvest.[5][6] As of November 2024 all are in service on BG except for XR555 (Stored with mechanical failure) & XR559 which is on SG.[7] XR class locomotives are common on Tocumwal container traffic.

    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

    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Freight_Australia_XR_class&oldid=1306355506"

      Freight Australia XR class
      XR558 on the Mildura Fruit train in March 2021
      Type and origin
      Power typeDiesel-electric
      BuilderPacific National, 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+1⁄2 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
      OperatorsPacific National
      Number in class9
      NumbersXR550-XR555, XR557-XR559
      Delivered2002
      First run2002
      Last run2006
      Current ownerPacific National
      Disposition9 in service

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

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

      In 2020, several were placed in storage due to a poor grain harvest.[5][6] As of November 2024 all are in service on BG except for XR555 (Stored with mechanical failure) & XR559 which is on SG.[7] XR class locomotives are common on Tocumwal container traffic.

      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. ^ 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

      Media related to Freight Australia XR class at Wikimedia Commons

      Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Freight_Australia_XR_class&oldid=1306355506"