Downer EDI Rail GT42CU ACe

The GT42CU ACe is a model of diesel electric locomotives manufactured by EDi Rail, Maryborough between 2007 and 2013 under licence from Electro-Motive Diesel, for use on narrow gauge railways in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

GT42CU ACe
QR National 4140 at Downer Rail, Maryborough in September 2010
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderDowner Rail, Maryborough
ModelElectro-Motive Diesel GT42CU ACe
Build date2007-2013
Total produced132
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Length22.0 m (72 ft 2 in)
Loco weight120 t (120 long tons; 130 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverEMD 12-710G3B-ES2
Engine typeV12 Diesel engine
AlternatorEMD TA12-QBE/CA7C
Traction motorsEMD A2916-8
Cylinders12
Cylinder size11.63 L (710 cu in)
Loco brakeDynamic
Train brakesNYAB/Knorr-Bremse CCB II
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Power output2,460 kW (3,300 hp)
Career
OperatorsAurizon
One Rail Australia
Pacific National
Number in class132
Numbers4101-4140, 4153-4167
ACN4141-ACN4152, ACN4168-ACN4175
8301-8352
GWN001-GWN005
Disposition132 in service

History

The GT42CU ACe is an evolution of the GT42CU AC being fitted with a different computer system and traction motors.[1]

In 2006 Queensland Rail placed an initial order for 15, with a further orders increasing the number to 75. These were designated as the 4100 class.[2] Following Queensland Rail purchasing Australian Railroad Group in June 2006, 19 were transferred to Western Australia and reclassified as the ACN class, but retain their original numbers.[3]

The Queensland based units are primarily used on the Blackwater, Moura Newlands coal networks, and on phosphate trains between Mount Isa and Townsville. The Western Australian-based units are primarily engaged hauling iron ore trains. All were included in the transfer of Queensland Rail's freight business to QR National in July 2010.

Pacific National placed an order for 13 units for coal haulage on the Blackwater system that later grew to 46. These were designated as the 83 class.[4]

In July 2012 Genesee & Wyoming Australia placed an order for five for use in South Australia.[5] Designated the GWN class, they operate on the Arrium iron ore railway to Whyalla Steelworks.[6][7]

A further six were built as a speculative order for Locomotive Demand Power as the LDP class.[8] One was painted in Pacific National livery and numbered 8347 in anticipation of a lease that failed to eventuate, the others were numbered LDP016-LDP020 with all six placed in store in Maryborough. All were included in the sale of Downer Rail's locomotive business to Progress Rail Services and in December 2017 moved to Redbank Railway Workshops entering service as 8347–8352 with Pacific National in April and May 2018.[9][10]

Fleet
Operator Class Number in class Road numbers Built Notes
Aurizon 4100 54 4101-4140, 4153-4167 2007-2011 Used in Queensland, 4134 named Mark Smith
Aurizon ACN 21 ACN4141-ACN4152, ACN4168-ACN4175 2011-2012 Used in Western Australia
Pacific National 83 52 8301-8352 2008-2013 8347-8352 built as speculative order in 2013, entered service with Pacific National 2018
One Rail Australia GWN 5 GWN001-GWN005 2012 Transferred to QLD during 2019/2020 for Coal workings

References
  1. 4100 Class Queensland's Rail Interest Group
  2. 4100 Class Railpage
  3. ACN Class Railpage
  4. 83 Class Railpage
  5. "GWA boosts locomotive fleet". Rail Express. 18 July 2012. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014.
  6. GWN Class Railpage
  7. "The new Downer/EDI GWN Class locomotives" Railway Digest May 2013 pages 30-31
  8. LDP Class (GT42CU-AC) Railpage
  9. "Motive Power Roundup" Motive Power issue 117 May 2018 page 74
  10. "LDP Class locomotives become additional 83 Class following Pacific National purchase from Progress Rail" Railway Digest June 2018 page 17
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