Wikipedia

Freight Australia XR class

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

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
Disposition8 in service, 1 pending scrapping

History

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Between 2002 and 2006, Pacific National rebuilt six X class locomotives with engines cascaded from G class locomotives, larger radiators, and a new cab resembling a stock standard GT26 (spartan cab) with only 2 windows 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 inspired by XR555 (XR557 - XR559) were built in 2005/6 by Freight Australia's successor, Pacific National,with minor iterations to comply with regulations as new-builds.Just like XR555,these units have enlarged side windows and front windows, mufflers, and sound proofing shields. [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 (pending scrapping due to sudden catastrophic mechanical failure) & XR559 which is on SG.[7] XR class locomotives are common on Tocumwal container traffic.

References

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  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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