The XR class are a class of diesel locomotives built by Freight Australia & Pacific National at the South Dynon Locomotive Depot.
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 resembling a stock standard GT26 (spartan cab) with only 2 windows to provide better driver visibility.Here & There Australian Railway History issue 774 April 2002 page 154X class rebuilding project Railway Digest October 2003 pages 29-32Locomotive Upgrading by the Operator Railway Digest July 2004 page 39 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.
A further three inspired by XR555 (XR557 - XR559) were built in 2005/6 by Freight Australia's successor, Pacific National,with minor iterations to comply with regulations as new-builds.Just like XR555,these units have enlarged side windows and front windows, mufflers, and sound proofing shields. The class are mechanically similar to the later XRB class B units.
In 2020, several were placed in storage due to a poor grain harvest.Four stored XR Class locos moved - two for further storage and two for reactivation Newsrail September 2020 page 255MotivePower Roundup Motive Power issue 133 January 2021 page 116 As of November 2024 all are in service on BG except for XR555 (pending scrapping due to sudden catastrophic mechanical failure) & XR559 which is on SG. Australia Wide Fleet List Motive Power issue 144 November 2022 page 69 XR class locomotives are common on Tocumwal container traffic.
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