Downer EDI Rail GT42CU ACe

GT42CU ACe

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QR National 4140 at Downer Rail, Maryborough in September 2010
Type and origin
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder Downer Rail, Maryborough
Model Electro-Motive Diesel GT42CU ACe
Build date 2007-13
Total produced 132
Specifications
UIC classification Co'Co'
Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Length 22.0 m (72 ft 2 in)
Locomotive weight 120 t (120 long tons; 130 short tons)
Fuel type Diesel
Prime mover Electro-Motive Diesel 710G3B-ES2
Engine type V12 Diesel engine
Alternator Electro-Motive Diesel TA12-QBE/CA7C
Traction motors Electro-Motive Diesel A2916-8
Cylinders 12
Cylinder size 11.63 L (710 cu in)
? x ?
Performance figures
Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph)
Power output 2,460 kW (3,300 hp)
Locomotive brake Dynamic
Train brakes NYAB/Knorr CCB II
Career
Operator(s) Queensland Rail
Pacific National
Genesee & Wyoming Australia
Downer Rail Locomotive Demand Power
Number in class 132
Number(s) 4101-4140, 4153-4167
ACN4141-ACN4152, ACN4168-ACN4175
8301-8347
GWN001-GWN005
LDP016-LDP020
Current owner Aurizon
Downer Rail
Genesee & Wyoming Australia
Pacific National
Disposition 126 in service, 6 stored

The GT42CU ACe is a model of diesel electric locomotives manufactured by EDi Rail, Maryborough between 2007 and 2013 under licence from Electro-Motive Diesel, for use on narrow gauge railways in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

History

The GT42CU ACe is an evolution of the GT42CU AC being fitted with a different computer system and traction motors.[1]

In 2006 Queensland Rail placed an initial order for 15, with a further orders increasing the number to 75. These were designated as the 4100 class.[2] Following Queensland Rail purchasing Australian Railroad Group in June 2006, 19 were transferred to Western Australia and reclassified as the ACN class, but retain their original numbers.[3]

The Queensland based units are primarily used on the Blackwater, Moura Newlands coal networks, and on phosphate trains between Mount Isa and Townsville. The Western Australian based units are primarily engaged hauling iron ore trains. All were included in the transfer of Queensland Rail's freight business to QR National in July 2010.

Pacific National placed an order for 13 units for coal haulage on the Blackwater system that later grew to 46. These were designated as the 83 class.[4] A further six on order were cancelled in 2013 when partially completed and completed as the Downer Rail LDP class.[5] As at December 2013 these were in store at Downer Rail's Maryborough premises.

In July 2012 Genesee & Wyoming Australia placed an order for five for use in South Australia.[6] Designated the GWN class, they operate on the Arrium iron ore railway to Whyalla Steelworks.[7][8]

Summary

Operator Class Number in class Road numbers Built Notes
Aurizon 4100 54 4101-4140, 4153-4167 2007-11 Used in Queensland
Aurizon ACN 21 ACN4141-ACN4152, ACN4168-ACN4175 2011-12 Used in Western Australia
Pacific National 83 46 8301-8346 2008-13 8347-8352 cancelled
Genesee & Wyoming Australia GWN 5 GWN001-GWN005 2012
Downer Rail Locomotive Demand Power LDP 6 8347, LDP016-LDP020 2013 Originally ordered as Pacific National 8347-8352, in store at Maryborough

References

  1. 4100 Class Queensland's Rail Interest Group
  2. 4100 Class Railpage
  3. ACN Class Railpage
  4. 83 Class Railpage
  5. LDP Class (GT42CU-AC) Railpage
  6. "GWA boosts locomotive fleet". Rail Express. 2012-07-18.
  7. GWN Class Railpage
  8. "The new Downer/EDI GWN Class locomotives" Railway Digest May 2013 pages 30-31