Freight Australia XR class

The XR class are a class of diesel locomotives built by Freight Australia at their South Dynon workshops.

Freight Australia XR class
XR558, X50 and BL33 lead the Merbein Freight into Mildura.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderFreight Australia, South Dynon (Series 1)
Pacific National, South Dynon (Series 2)
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
Cylinders16
Cylinder size(?)
Performance figures
Maximum speed115 km/h (71 mph)
Power output2,461 kW (3,300 hp)
Career
OperatorsFreight Australia
Number in class9
NumbersXR550-XR555, XR557-XR559
Current ownerPacific National
Disposition9 in service
XR558 G540 on a grain train at Carwarp in November 2021
XR559, BL31 and BL32 on the Merbein freight at Mildura.
XR558 leads G541 "Birchip" on 9556 Up Long Island as it crosses over the former Edithvale Road level crossing
XR558 leads XR559 on #9553 down Long Island at Mordialloc

History

The first members of the XR class were rebuilt in from first and second series X class locomotives between 2002 and 2004, with more powerful rebuilt engines cascaded from the G class, larger radiators, and a new cab to provide better driver visibility.[1] They were not reclassed and renumbered as the XR class until 2004. The second group of three locomotives were built from scratch, entering service from late 2005. They differ from the earlier units as 'elephant ears' noise deflectors are fitted to the radiators. X36 was supposed to be rebuilt into XR556, but by then it was realized that building new locomotives from scratch was more cost effective, so it continued life un-rebuilt, until being scrapped in 2015.

The class are mechanically similar to the later XRB class B units. Units currently in service are operated by Pacific National.[2][3]

Status table
Locomotive Re-built from Named Entered service Livery Gauge Status
XR550 X38 Feb 2002 Pacific National blue & yellow Broad In service
XR551 X35 Norman W DePomeroy Pacific National blue & yellow Broad In Service
XR552 X40 Pacific National blue & yellow Broad In service
XR553 X33 Pacific National blue & yellow Broad In service
XR554 X34 Jun 2004 Pacific National blue & yellow Broad In service
XR555 X32 Oct 2004 Pacific National blue & yellow Broad In service
XR557 Mar 2005 Pacific National blue & yellow Standard In service
XR558 Pacific National blue & yellow Broad Under Overhaul (North Bendigo)
XR559 16 Jan 2006 Pacific National blue & yellow Standard In service

See also

References
  1. X class diesel electric locomotives Mark Bau's VR website
  2. XR Class Railpage
  3. XR Class Vicsig
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