Watco Australia WRA Class

The Watco Australia WRA Class is an Australian diesel-electric locomotive, built by the National Railway Equipment Company in the United States for use on Watco Australia's services in Queensland.

Watco Australia WRA Class
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder National Railway Equipment Company Model NREC E2250CC
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Axle load 15,750 kg (34,720 lb) Loco weight 94,500 kg (208,300 lb) Prime mover EMD 12-645E3B Engine type V12 Diesel engine Alternator EMD AR10/D14 Traction motors GE761
Performance figures Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) Power output 2,250 hp (1,680 kW) Tractive effort 250 kN (56,000 lbf)
Career Operators Watco Australia Number in class 8 Numbers WRA001–WRA008

History

In 2018, Watco Australia announced the order of 8 of the WRA Class locomotives for use on the Queensland Rail network. They are equipped with a V12 diesel prime mover, rated at 1.6MW. The locomotive is similar in specification to local units, such as the 2300 class.^[1] They have been modified to work in multi with Watco's other motive power.

Delivery to Australia

On 16 August 2019, Watco Australia announced that the first two units were being delivered to Australia.^[2] WRA001 and 002 arrived at The Port of Brisbane on the vessel Tarago on 9 October 2019 and were transferred to Warwick behind QR locomotive 1724. The company began grain and cattle operations with the locos in 2020 after certification and testing.