Freight Australia XR class

The XR class are a class of diesel locomotives built by Freight Australia & Pacific National at the South Dynon Locomotive Depot.

Freight Australia XR class
XR558 on the Mildura Fruit train in March 2021
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Pacific National, South Dynon (Series 1) Pacific National, South Dynon (Series 2) Model EMD GT26C-3 Build date 2002–2006 Total produced 9
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co-Co Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in), 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) Length 18.34 m (60 ft 2 in) Fuel type Diesel Prime mover EMD 16-645E3C Engine type V16 Aspiration Turbocharged Cylinders V16
Performance figures Maximum speed 115 km/h (71 mph) Power output 3,300 hp (2,500 kW)
Career Operators Pacific National Number in class 9 Numbers XR550-XR555, XR557-XR559 Delivered 2002 First run 2002 Last run 2006 Current owner Pacific National Disposition 9 in service

History

Between 2002 and 2006, Pacific National rebuilt six X class locomotives with engines cascaded from G class locomotives, larger radiators, and a new cab to provide better driver visibility.^[1][2][3] The first six (XR550 - XR555) were converted from X38, X35, X40, X33, X34 and X32 respectively. A seventh (XR556) was planned to be converted from X36 but never eventuated.^[4]

A further three (XR557 - XR559) were built in 2004/05 by Freight Australia's successor, Pacific National, as new-builds.^[4] The class are mechanically similar to the later XRB class B units.^[4]

In 2020, several were placed in storage due to a poor grain harvest.^[5][6] As of November 2024 all are in service on BG except for XR555 (Stored with mechanical failure) & XR559 which is on SG.^[7] XR class locomotives are common on Tocumwal container traffic.