Downer EDI Rail GT42CU AC

The GT42CU AC is a model of diesel electric locomotives manufactured by EDi Rail, Maryborough between 1999 and 2005 under licence from Electro-Motive Diesel, for use on narrow gauge railways in Queensland.

GT42CU AC
Pacific National PN002 & Queensland Rail 4046 under construction at EDi Rail, Maryborough in November 2004
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderEDi Rail, Maryborough
ModelEMD GT42CU AC
Build date1999–2005
Total produced62
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Length20.8 m (68 ft 3 in)
Width2.85 m (9 ft 4 in)
Height3.87 m (12 ft 8 in)
Loco weight120 t (120 long tons; 130 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverEMD 12N-710G3B-ES
Engine typeV12 Diesel engine
AlternatorEMD TA12-QBE/CA7C (4000 class)
Traction motorsSiemens 1TB 2622
Cylinders12
Cylinder size11.63 L (710 cu in)
Loco brakeDynamic
Train brakesNYAB/Knorr CCB II
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Power output2,460 kW (3,300 hp)
Tractive effort460 kN (100,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsPacific National
Queensland Rail
Number in class62
Numbers4001–4049
PN001–PN013
Delivered23 October 1999
Current ownerAurizon
Pacific National
Disposition61 in service, 1 scrapped

History

In March 1998, Queensland Rail ordered 38 GT42CU ACs from Clyde Engineering.[1] They were the first locomotives ordered from Clyde Engineering after its takeover by Evans Deakin Industries and were built at the latter's Maryborough factory.[2]

Designated the 4000 class, the first was delivered in October 1999.[3] After an extensive evaluation process, the first entered service in May 2000 with all in service by May 2001. The dramatic increase in tractive effort and adhesion of the AC traction motors compared to the previous DC traction motors exceeded all expectations and revolutionised diesel operations in Queensland. A further 11 were ordered in March 2003 and entered service in 2004–05.[4][5]

They are primarily used on the Blackwater and Moura coal networks, and on phosphate trains between Mount Isa and Townsville. All were included in the transfer of Queensland Rail's freight business to QR National in July 2010.[6]

In February 2004, Pacific National ordered 13 GT42CU ACs to commence operations in Queensland. Designated the PN class, they entered service in 2005 and are used on intermodal services on the North Coast line between Brisbane and Cairns.[4][7][8][9][10]

The design evolved into the GT42CU ACe which has different computer system and traction motors.

Fleet
Operator Class Number in class Road numbers Built Notes
Aurizon 4000 49 4001–4049 1999–2005 4020 scrapped
Pacific National PN 13 PN001-PN013 2005

References
  1. "QR Orders AC Drive Locomotives and New Coal Wagons" Railway Digest April 1998 page 11
  2. "Narrow Gauge Big Power – QR's 4000 Class GT42CU Locomotives" Railway Digest May 1998 page 13
  3. "QR's 4000 class AC Traction units" Railway Digest December 1999 pages 26, 42
  4. Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s–2010s. Kenthurst: Rosenberg Publishing. p. 428. ISBN 9781921719011.
  5. 4000 Class Railpage
  6. EDI/EMD 4000 Class Queensland's Rail Interest Group
  7. Pacific National looks north Railway Gazette 1 February 2004
  8. New Technology for the Queensland Rail Network Archived 10 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine Pacific National
  9. EDI/GM PN Class Queensland's Rail Interest Group
  10. PN Class Railpage
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