Victorian B Class Co-Co Diesel Electric Locomotives

    The B class was a unique design in the world, with a streamlined EMD nose at each end of the locomotive. The first of twenty six B class locos entered service on 15 July 1952. This was Victoria's first mainline diesel electric locomotive. The class was initially used on the states most important passenger and freight trains (including "The Overland" and "The Spirit of Progress").
When more modern motive power entered service, the B class found themselves on more ordinary duties. Although the class was allocated exclusively to the broad gauge, B60 Harold Clapp (the class leader) was transferred to the standard gauge for a week in May 1975 to honour Harold Clapp's centenary year. In the early 80's, 13 B class units were returned to Clyde to be rebuilt with turbocharged twelve-cylinder 1827kW diesel engines and modern modular electronics. The first of these units returned in 1983 as the V/Line 'A' class.

    In the mid and late 80's the remaining B class units were often used on commuter trains to destinations such as Bacchus Marsh and Kyneton. The last B class (B61) was withdrawn on 6 January 1993 with 6,292,131 km in almost 41 years of government service. This loco had covered the greatest distance of the class and was Victoria's oldest main line diesel electric loco. B60 had been rebuilt into A60 during the early 80's.
In 1994 West Coast Railway purchased B's 61, 64, 65, 75, 76 and 80. B61 and B76 have been rebuilt and returned to service with WCR for the Warrnambool passenger service.
Steamrail have purchased B72 and have B63 which is stored pending for restoration.
Seymour Railway Heritage Centre have restored B74 to original condition and is currently on the standard gauge.
B83 is at the ARHS's North Williamstown Museum.

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