Introduced | 1984 |
Builder | Clyde Engineering, Rosewater and Somerton. |
Model | JT26C-2SS |
Power | 2240kW (3000hp) |
Max. speed | 115ph (71mph) |
Length | 19.82m (65ft) |
Road numbers | 511 - 543 |
Gauge | 1600mm, 1435mm |
Engine | EMD 16/645E3C, Two Stroke |
Fuel Capacities | 9,600 Litres |
Brake Percentage | Air - 72% |
Hand - 17% | |
Axle load | 21.2t (approx) |
Weight | 127t (125 tons) |
Total built | 33 |
In service | 31 Freight Australia. |
During the early to mid eighties V/Line desperately needed new locomotives for the wheat haulage into Portland. Between November 1984 and January 1985 these BL Class locomotives (Australian National Locos.) entered service on the broad gauge and changed to G class (V/Line). Since then, additional orders has seen the G class grow to a total of thirty three units. The later deliveries were customised to V/Line's specifications and the final eighteen were built at Clyde's Somerton plant.
All thrity Three G classes were running until late 1999 when the G517 and the G518 had a collision in Ararat, both Diesels have been withdrawn from service and G517 been scrapped (beyond repair) by the powerful impacted that these trains hit each other.
With the takeover of V/Line Freight by Freight Australia, a number of units have been painted in their attractive green and yellow livery and several units have been re-built with re-conditioned 645F3 engines. Currently, the class is used for a diverse range of operations from the Pioneer Quarry stone train to trans-continental superfreighters for SCT.
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