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VL class

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VL class
VL355 at North Dynon
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderAvteq
ModelEMD GT26
Build date2007 - 2009
Total produced12
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Fuel capacity9,200 litres ((4,200 litres on Broad Gauge))
Prime moverEMD 16-645E3B
CylindersV16
Performance figures
Maximum speed115km/h
Power output2,237 kW (3,000 hp)
Career
OperatorsRail First Asset Management
NumbersVL351-VL362

The VL class is a class of diesel locomotives built by Avteq, at a factory in Sunshine, Melbourne for Railfirst Asset Management between 2007 and 2009. Built on the EMD GT26 platform, the class was an evolution of the Freight Australia XR class.

They have been hired to a variety of operators and have operated in all mainline states. Most entered service on lease to FreightLink hauling iron ore trains from Pine Creek to Darwin. As at 2010, some remained on hire to FreightLink while others were engaged in hauling grain trains in other states. All are named after Australian racehorses.

As at February 2022, nine of the 12 were being used by Qube. As at September 2023, five are operating on the broad gauge With the Numbers 351, 353, 356, 357 & 360. with the other seven on standard gauge With the Numbers 352, 354, 355, 358, 359, 361 & 362 .

Avteq designed a second locomotive class, but none were ever manufactured. The company was deregistered in 2013.

References

  1. VL351 Catch Point issue 178 March 2007 page 16
  2. The Allco / CFCLA Joint Venture VL Class Railway Digest April 2007 page 7
  3. New Locomotive Newsrail May 2007 page 156
  4. Resumption of Frances Creek iron ore trains Railway Digest September 2007 page 16
  5. Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 2010. Rosenberg Publishing. pp. 438/439. ISBN 9781921719011.
  6. Qube takes over hauling Victorian steel trains The Railway Magazine issue 1452 March 2022 page 85
  7. Australia Wide Fleet List Motive Power issue 144 November 2022 page 72
  8. Avteq Products Avteq
  9. Avteq Pty Ltd Australian Securities & Investments Commission
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