South Australian Railways 900 class

The 900 class were a class of diesel locomotives built by Islington Railway Workshops for the South Australian Railways between 1951 and 1953.

South Australian Railways 900 class
900 Lady Norrie
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderIslington Railway Workshops
Build date1951-1953
Total produced10
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICA1A-A1A
Gauge1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Wheel diameter3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Wheelbase52 ft 2 in (15,900 mm) total, 16 ft 2 in (4,928 mm) bogie
Length63 ft 4 in (19,304 mm) over headstocks, 66 ft 2 in (20,168 mm) over coupling faces
Width9 ft 7+1⁄4 in (2,927 mm)
Height13 ft 9 in (4,191 mm)
Axle load21 long tons (21.3 t; 23.5 short tons)
Adhesive weight84 long tons (85.3 t; 94.1 short tons)
Loco weight121 long tons (122.9 t; 135.5 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity1,000 imp gal
(4,500 L)
Prime moverEnglish Electric 16SVT Mk I
RPM range450–750 rpm
Engine typeFour-stroke , 2 valves per cylinder
AspirationTurbocharged
GeneratorEnglish Electric 822 type
Traction motors4 type 523A air cooled
Cylinders16 Vee
Cylinder size10 in × 12 in
(254 mm × 305 mm)
MU workingX 3
Loco brakeWestinghouse Compressed Air, and Electric Dynamic
Performance figures
Maximum speed75 miles per hour (121 km/h)
Power output1,760 hp (1,310 kW) gross, 1,600 hp (1,190 kW) net
Tractive effort:
​
 • Starting56,000 lbf (249.1 kN)
 • Continuous34,000 lbf (151.2 kN) at
15 mph (20 km/h)
Career
OperatorsSouth Australian Railways
Number in class10
Numbers900-909
NicknamesMagnificent Beasts
First run10 September 1951
Last run18 June 1985
Preserved900, 907, 909
Disposition3 preserved, 7 scrapped

History

The 900 class were the first mainline diesels operated by the South Australian Railways. Ten were built at Islington Railway Workshops to replace steam locomotives on the heavily graded Mount Lofty Ranges. They operated both heavy freight trains and passenger services including The Overland. After the arrival of more powerful diesel, they were concentrated on the easier-graded lines from Adelaide to Port Pirie and Peterborough.[1]

In March 1978, all were included in the transfer of the South Australian Railways to Australian National. Withdrawals commenced in May 1979[1] with the last two withdrawn on 18 June 1985 after operating a cement train from Angaston to Dry Creek.[2][3] Three have been preserved with the other seven scrapped.[4]

Preserved

Three units have been preserved:


References
  1. Oberg, Leon (1984). Locomotives of Australia 1850's – 1980's. Frenchs Forest: Reed Books. p. 190. ISBN 0-730100-05-7.
  2. "South Australia" Railway Digest August 1985 page 247
  3. Broad Gauge 900-class diesel locomotives Chris' Commonwealth Railway Pages
  4. 900 Class Railpage
  5. Lady Norrie National Railway Museum
  6. The Tailem Bend Train Graveyard Weekend Notes 10 February 2013
  7. Australian Trains | South Australian 909 Start Up ‘'YouTube'’ 30 August 2016

English Electric brochure TD120 https://www.flickr.com/photos/29903115@N06/6747430491

900 class drivers cab
Two 900 class locomotives
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