VL class
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 VL355 at North Dynon | |||||||||||||||
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The VL class is a class of diesel locomotives built by Avteq, at a factory in Sunshine, Melbourne for Railfirst Asset Management between 2007 and 2009.[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[edit]
- ^ VL351 Catch Point issue 178 March 2007 page 16
- ^ The Allco / CFCLA Joint Venture VL Class Railway Digest April 2007 page 7
- ^ New Locomotive Newsrail May 2007 page 156
- ^ Resumption of Frances Creek iron ore trains Railway Digest September 2007 page 16
- ^ Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 2010. Rosenberg Publishing. pp. 438/439. ISBN 9781921719011.
- ^ Qube takes over hauling Victorian steel trains The Railway Magazine issue 1452 March 2022 page 85
- ^ Australia Wide Fleet List Motive Power issue 144 November 2022 page 72
- ^ Avteq Products Avteq
- ^ Avteq Pty Ltd Australian Securities & Investments Commission