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 Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia between 2007 and 009.[1] Built on the EMD GT26 platform, the class was an evolution of the Freight Australia XR class.[2][3]

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.[4] 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.[5]

As at February 2022, nine of the 12 were being used by Qube.[6] 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 .[7]

Avteq designed a second locomotive class, but none were ever manufactured.[8] The company was deregistered in 2013.[9]

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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