Downer EDI Rail GT42CU AC

GT42CU AC
Pacific National PN002 & Queensland Rail 4046 under construction at EDi Rail, Maryborough in November 2004
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder EDi Rail, Maryborough Model EMD GT42CU AC Build date 1999–2005 Total produced 62
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Length 20.8 m (68 ft 3 in) Width 2.85 m (9 ft 4 in) Height 3.87 m (12 ft 8 in) Loco weight 120 t (120 long tons; 130 short tons) Fuel type Diesel Prime mover EMD 12N-710G3B-ES Engine type V12 Diesel engine Alternator EMD TA12-QBE/CA7C (4000 class) Traction motors Siemens 1TB 2622 Cylinders 12 Cylinder size 11.63 L (710 cu in) Loco brake Dynamic Train brakes NYAB/Knorr CCB II
Performance figures Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) Power output 2,460 kW (3,300 hp) Tractive effort 460 kN (100,000 lbf)
Career Operators Pacific National Queensland Rail Number in class 61 Numbers 4001–4049 PN001–PN013 Delivered 23 October 1999 First run 1999 Last run 2005 Current owner Aurizon Pacific National Disposition 61 in service

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.

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 locos 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 Aurizon in 2012.[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
Aurizon	4000	48	4001–4049	1999–2005
Pacific National	PN	13	PN001-PN013	2005

Related Development

• UGL Rail C44aci, standard gauge competitor
• Downer EDI Rail GT46C, standard gauge variant
• Downer EDI Rail GT46C ACe, standard gauge successor
• Downer EDI Rail GT42CU ACe, successor

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