Victorian X Class Co-Co Diesel Electric Locomotive
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Specifications:
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Introduced
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1966 (1st Series: X31-X36)
1970 (2nd Series: X37-X44)
1974-75 (2nd Series: X45-X54)
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Builder
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Clyde Engineering.
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Model
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X37-X54 G26C
X31-X36 G16C
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Power
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1450/1340kW (X31-X36)
1640/1490kW (X37-X54)
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Max. speed
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133kph (83mph)
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Length
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17.04m (57')
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Road numbers
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31 - 54
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Gauge
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1600mm (5'3") 1435mm (4'8½")
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Engine
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GM EMD 16-567E (X31-X36)
GM EMD 16-645E (X37-X54)
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Fuel Capacities
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6825 Litres (2nd Series: X45-X54)
6819 Litres (1st & 2nd Series: X31-X44)
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Brake Percentage
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Air 60% (1st and 2nd Series: X31-X54)
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Axle load
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19.7t (2nd Series: X37-X54)
18.96t (1st Series: X31-X36)
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Weight
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118t (2nd Series)
113.8t (1st Series)
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Total built
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24
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In service
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23 Freight Australia
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With the introduction of the standard gauge on the Albury to Melbourne line in 1962 and an increase in interstate freight traffic on the Adelaide line, the VR started to experience a motive power shortage. To solve this problem the VR placed an order for six 1324kW Co-Co diesel electric locomotives with Clyde Engineering. Although these locomotives are a 'hood' design, internally they are almost identical to the older S class streamlined 'cab' units. The 'hood' design meant that the locomotive could be driven in both directions even though it only has one cab. X31 entered service on 16 August 1966 and by 15 November that year all six were in service. When S314 and S316 were destroyed in the Violet Town head-on collision in 1969, the VR ordered two 1491kW units to replace them (X37 and X38). The first was delivered in May 1970. To cope with further increases in traffic, the VR ordered a further ten X class units in 1974. This series had a 1491kW prime mover and were fitted with new AC alternators instead of the older DC generators. These locomotives featured a more modern cab with a stylish angular nose. These were designed only for 'short end' leading and were all delivered by 10 June 1976.
The X class units were used for both intrastate and interstate freight and passenger trains right up until the standardisation of the Melbourne to Adelaide line in the mid nineties. Since then, most of the class has remained on the broad gauge in Victoria, although a few units may be found on the standard gauge. In the late nineties, V/line Freight modified X49 and X47 for driver only operation. When Freight Victoria purchased V/Line Freight, X47 was the first loco to receive the new livery.
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