Australian National EL class
EL51 and EL63 leading a grain train at Chidda, 2021
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder A Goninan & Co, Broadmeadow Serial number 8013-07/90-103 to 8013-07/90-116 Model General Electric C30-8 Build date 1990–1991 Total produced 14
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co-Co Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge Length 20.5 m (67 ft 3 in) Axle load 19.0t Loco weight 114.0t Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 7,500 liters (1,600 imp gal; 2,000 U.S. gal) Prime mover GE 7FDL-12 RPM: ​  • Maximum RPM 1,050 RPM Engine type V12 diesel Aspiration Turbocharger Alternator Ge GMG192 Traction motors 6 x GE 761-ANR1 Cylinders 12 Transmission Electric Gear ratio 93:19 MU working Yes Loco brake Air, Independent Air, Dynamic brake Train brakes Air Safety systems Driver Vigilance
Performance figures Maximum speed 140 km/h (87 mph) (pre-1998) 125 km/h (78 mph) (post-1998) Power output 2,460 kW (3,300 hp) Tractive effort 368 kN (82,729.69 lbf)
Career Operators Rail First Asset Management Number in class 14 Numbers EL51–EL64 Delivered 1990 First run Aug 1990 Last run Oct 1991 Current owner Rail First Asset Management Disposition 2 in service, 10 stored, 2 scrapped

The EL class locomotives are a class of diesel locomotives built by A Goninan & Co, Broadmeadow for Australian National in 1990–1991.

History

In June 1989, Australian National awarded a contract for 14 Dash 8 locomotives to A Goninan & Co^[1] with the first delivered in July 1990.^[2] Even though they were the most powerful locomotives to have operated by Australian National, they were fitted with lightweight traction motors which reduced their tractive effort by 33% compared to the preceding DL class locomotives. They were ordered for use on passenger and fast freight services and geared for a top speed of 140 km/h.^[3][4]

They regularly hauled The Ghan and Indian Pacific until replaced by CLP class locomotives in 1994. They were transferred to National Rail, however, following the delivery of the NR class, 13 were returned to Australian National and by November 1997 were stored at Islington Railway Workshops.^[5] The 14th had been destroyed in an accident at Mount Christie in February 1997. Six were briefly hired to Australian Southern Railroad in late 1997.^[6]

In November 1998, the remaining 13 were sold to Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia (later RailFirst Asset Management).^[7] All were overhauled by A Goninan & Co, Bassendean, during which they were re-geared, reducing their top speed to 125 km/h, but resulting in their tractive effort increasing by 19%.^[3][8] All were repainted into Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia's yellow, blue and silver livery and named after famous Australian racehorses. They have been leased to a variety of operators and have run in all mainland states.^[9]

Status table

References