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Freight Australia XR class
XR558 in March 2021
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Freight Australia, South Dynon (Series 1) Pacific National, South Dynon (Series 2) Model EMD GT26C-3 Build date 2002–2006 Total produced 9
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co-Co Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in), 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) Length 18.34 m (60 ft 2 in) Fuel type Diesel Prime mover EMD 16-645E3C Engine type V16 Aspiration Turbocharged Cylinders V16
Performance figures Maximum speed 115 km/h (71 mph) Power output 3,300 hp (2,500 kW)
Career Operators Freight Australia Pacific National Number in class 9 Numbers XR550-XR555, XR557-XR559 Current owner Pacific National Disposition 9 in service

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

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. 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.

A further three (XR557 - XR559) were built in 2004/05 by Freight Australia's successor, Pacific National, as new-builds.

In 2020, several were placed in storage due to a poor grain harvest. 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

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

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. ^ 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

External links

Media related to Freight Australia XR class at Wikimedia Commons

• Broad gauge locomotives in Australia
• Co-Co locomotives
• Diesel–electric locomotives of Australia
• Pacific National diesel locomotives
• Railway locomotives introduced in 2004
• Standard gauge locomotives of Australia
• Victorian Railways diesel locomotives
• Freight locomotives