NR class
Encyclopedia
The NR class are an Australia
n mainline diesel electric locomotives
introduced by National Rail
in 1996. They were the only locomotives ordered by National Rail, thus being named the "NR" Class. Australian designed and built by Goninan, the 120 units use imported GE Transportation Systems
engines and traction equipment.
inherited a diverse collection of rolling stock to operate interstate freight operations in Australia. The fleet included locomotives of mixed age and power provided by Public Transport Corporation
of Victoria, the State Rail Authority of New South Wales, and the Australian National Railways Commission
.
United Goninan obtained the contract for 120 locomotives from National Rail. Because it was a locomotive to be used "Australia Wide", along with the specification of rapid delivery of one per week, two United Goninan plants were used to construct the class - Broadmeadow
(NSW
) and Bassendean (WA
). The Broadmeadow plant constructed NR 1–60, while the Bassendean plant constructed NR61–120. The plant at Hexham
(NSW) built the frames
, while their Taree
plant painted most of the Broadmeadow built units.
The first unit to be completed was NR1 which commenced trials on 23 September 1996. The first Bassendean built unit (NR61) was despatched on 26 September 1996 to Port Augusta, passing though Melbourne on the 28th and arriving into Sydney on the 29th. The units were initially delivered without National Rail branding or logos, but later units were delivered in full livery. Testing of the units was carried out in NSW between Werris Creek
and Maitland
using ballast hoppers and 442 class locomotives
in dynamic braking
mode as dynamic loads. 10,000 km of trouble free running was required of each unit before acceptance. In October 1997 Bassendean delivered their sixtieth NR class, delivering just over one locomotive a week as required in the contract.
As well as supplying the locomotives, Goninan was required to maintain the entire NR fleet. A depot was built alongside the Newport-Sunshine railway
in the western Melbourne
suburb of Spotswood
for this reason.
With the arrival of the class, National Rail was able to return leased units to their owners, including FreightCorp 422
, 80
, 81
, and 82 class
units; Silverton Tramway Company 442 class; and V/Line
C class
units. The relatively new EL class
were also removed from the National Rail roster in November 1997. Once all 120 units were delivered, the National Rail fleet still included AN
, BL
and DL class units, along with thirteen 81 class and several hired G class
. The new locomotives were placed on time sensitive trains first.
When first delivered, the NR class were banned from running in New South Wales
by the Environment Protection Authority due to excessive noise when under dynamic braking
but the ban was lifted after further testing. The class could also not lead on the Victorian standard gauge
network due to the lack of suitable radio equipment. In later years NR76 to NR98 were provided with V/Line Section Authority System equipment to work the Melbourne-Adelaide railway, while NR1 to NR13 and NR61 to NR72 were fitted with V/Line radios to operate on the Victorian North East standard gauge line.
Great Southern Railway
commenced using NR class locomotives from their formation, the first train running with NR77 on 1 November 1997. In 2000 National Rail begun to negotiate with drivers to operate driver only trains between Brisbane and Taree, Junee to Port August via Melbourne, and Kalgoolie to Perth.
With the sale of National Rail, ownership of the class passed to Pacific National
. NRs 81, 82 and 83 were leased to competitor Specialised Container Transport
for a period of time as part of an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
(ACCC) ruling.
, NSW
, resulting in the death of two crew members. It was rebuilt and renamed NR121. NR109 was involved in an accident while on a Ghan service in 2006, hitting a truck at a level crossing, being repaired. NR33 was involved in level crossing incident in June 2006, being the third locomotive on a Melbourne
to Adelaide
freight service, behind DL 40 and NR 52 (lead locomotive). NR33 was buried under 20 wagons and was subsequently written off and scrapped due to irreparable damage.
The NR Class cab was designed taking into consideration the results of an extended consultative process with the end users. This has resulted in a cab that has been well accepted. The layout of the control stand evolved from a British Rail Class 60
cab, and is substantially different from the more common AAR type I (stand) and Type II (desk) cabs.
The design is a long hood unit
locomotive, with only one cab but two separate sets of controls, which allow it be driven either "A" or "B" end leading. This locomotive had to pass all tests, such as being able to shunt if required, drive "long end leading" if needed, and allow drivers to do checks on fuel, brakes, and sand. Despite the twin controls, operation of the class number 2 end leading is avoided, with single NR classes being turned on turntables to ensure they face the correct way.
services. The locomotives were delivered in plain grey and black, with the artwork being applied soon after. Railfan
s dubbed the locomotives snake and pizza. The green "Trailerail" livery was applied to NR53, 54 and 55. NR56 and 57 received the blue and white "Seatrain" livery. NR58, 59 and 60 received the grey and white "Steelink" livery.
Many locomotives have been named, the first being done on delivery. They were done at operational convenience rather than in groups of numbers. Names include cities and suburbs served by National Rail, in addition to their depots and maintenance centres. The special livered locomotives were given related names. It had been intended to name all locomotives, but by February 2000 only 70 had been named, a number not much larger today.
In later years for Great Southern Railway services NR74, 75 and 109 were painted in the red The Ghan livery while NR25, 26, 27 and 28 have been painted in blue Indian Pacific In 2011 a new yellow & grey design for the Indian Pacific was released on NR18. With Pacific National
ownership further changes were made, the 'Pacific National' decals placed over the side air deflectors replacing the 'National Rail' signage. From 2006 the National Rail 'diamonds' on the side and ends of the locomotives were removed or painted over. Full repainting has also been carried out with NRs 8, 29, 73, and 103 painted in the blue and yellow Pacific National livery (NR103 has a trial Pacific National livery: an all-over blue scheme), while NRs 1, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 67, 68, 69, 71, 76, 77, 78, 81, 86, 88, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 99, 100, 101, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 112, 113, 115, 119 and 121, have been repainted into the Pacific National 'Intermodal' livery which includes the Southern Cross at the rear of the locomotive side carbody. This repaint program is continuing and almost complete.
In 2008 NR84 and NR85 were repainted into a green and white The Southern Spirit livery. Railfan
speculation has suggested further locomotives will be repainted for Great Southern Railway services, including The Overland for the first time, as well as updated Indian Pacific and The Ghan liveries.
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n mainline diesel electric locomotives
Diesel locomotive
A diesel locomotive is a type of railroad locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine, a reciprocating engine operating on the Diesel cycle as invented by Dr. Rudolf Diesel...
introduced by National Rail
National Rail Corporation
The National Rail Corporation was a rail operator in Australia. The Australian Government, New South Wales and Victoria established the National Rail Corporation in 1992...
in 1996. They were the only locomotives ordered by National Rail, thus being named the "NR" Class. Australian designed and built by Goninan, the 120 units use imported GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation Systems
GE Transportation, formerly known as GE Rail, is a division of General Electric. The organization manufactures equipment for the railroad, marine, mining, drilling and energy generation industries. It is based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Locomotives are assembled at the Erie plant, while engine...
engines and traction equipment.
History
Upon commencing operations in April 1993 the National Rail CorporationNational Rail Corporation
The National Rail Corporation was a rail operator in Australia. The Australian Government, New South Wales and Victoria established the National Rail Corporation in 1992...
inherited a diverse collection of rolling stock to operate interstate freight operations in Australia. The fleet included locomotives of mixed age and power provided by Public Transport Corporation
Public Transport Corporation
The Public Transport Corporation was a State Government of Victoria owned corporate body formed under the Transport Act 1983 which operated passenger and freight trains, trams and bus services in Victoria, Australia....
of Victoria, the State Rail Authority of New South Wales, and the Australian National Railways Commission
Australian National Railways Commission
The Australian National Railways Commission was a government owned railway operator in Australia. ANRC was also known as Australian National Railways in its early years and was later rebranded as Australian National .-History:...
.
United Goninan obtained the contract for 120 locomotives from National Rail. Because it was a locomotive to be used "Australia Wide", along with the specification of rapid delivery of one per week, two United Goninan plants were used to construct the class - Broadmeadow
Broadmeadow, New South Wales
Broadmeadow is the geographic centre of Newcastle city. Its main commercial hub is located at the “Nineways”.-Origins:Broadmeadow was originally part of the Newcastle Pasturage Reserve of 648 hectares...
(NSW
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
) and Bassendean (WA
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
). The Broadmeadow plant constructed NR 1–60, while the Bassendean plant constructed NR61–120. The plant at Hexham
Hexham, New South Wales
Hexham is a suburb of the city of Newcastle, about inland from Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia on the bank of the Hunter River.Settlement occurred at Hexham in the 1820s when the land was granted to Edward Sparke...
(NSW) built the frames
Locomotive frame
A locomotive frame is the structure that forms the backbone of the railway locomotive, giving it strength and supporting the superstructure elements such as a cab, boiler or bodywork. The vast majority of locomotives have had a frame structure of some kind...
, while their Taree
Taree, New South Wales
Taree is a city on the Mid North Coast, New South Wales, Australia. Taree and nearby Cundletown were settled in 1831 by William Wynter. Since then Taree has grown to a population of around 20,000 people and is the centre of a significant agricultural district. It is 16 km from the sea coast,...
plant painted most of the Broadmeadow built units.
The first unit to be completed was NR1 which commenced trials on 23 September 1996. The first Bassendean built unit (NR61) was despatched on 26 September 1996 to Port Augusta, passing though Melbourne on the 28th and arriving into Sydney on the 29th. The units were initially delivered without National Rail branding or logos, but later units were delivered in full livery. Testing of the units was carried out in NSW between Werris Creek
Werris Creek, New South Wales
Werris Creek is a small town in New South Wales, Australia, near Tamworth, in Liverpool Plains Shire. It is north of Quirindi and is at the junction of the Main North railway line to Armidale and Moree. At the 2006 census, Werris Creek had a population of 1,490.-History:The area is thought to...
and Maitland
Maitland, New South Wales
Maitland is a city in the Lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia and the seat of Maitland City Council, situated on the Hunter River approximately by road north of Sydney and north-west of Newcastle...
using ballast hoppers and 442 class locomotives
New South Wales 442 class locomotive
The 442 class locomotives were ordered and operated by the New South Wales Government Railways. They were the second generation of Alco units to be built, and were used on both main freight and passenger service in New South Wales, and throughout Australia since entering private ownership. The...
in dynamic braking
Dynamic braking
Dynamic braking is the use of the electric traction motors of a railroad vehicle as generators when slowing the Locomotive. It is termed rheostatic if the generated electrical power is dissipated as heat in brake grid resistors, and regenerative if the power is returned to the supply line...
mode as dynamic loads. 10,000 km of trouble free running was required of each unit before acceptance. In October 1997 Bassendean delivered their sixtieth NR class, delivering just over one locomotive a week as required in the contract.
As well as supplying the locomotives, Goninan was required to maintain the entire NR fleet. A depot was built alongside the Newport-Sunshine railway
Newport-Sunshine railway line, Melbourne
The Newport-Sunshine line is a railway line in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Linking Newport station on the Werribee line to Sunshine station on the Sydenham line, it is a primarily freight only line with no overhead wires, passenger stations or platforms.-History:The line was opened...
in the western Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
suburb of Spotswood
Spotswood, Victoria
Spotswood is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 7 km south-west from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Hobsons Bay...
for this reason.
Into service
New South Wales 422 class locomotive
The 422 class diesel electric locomotive was introduced into the New South Wales rail system in 1969. Clyde Engineering of Granville, New South Wales obtained the contract to build 20 of these units....
, 80
New South Wales 80 class locomotive
The 80 class is a class of mainline diesel locomotive introduced from 1978 in the state of New South Wales. They were the first class to be built "as a whole" by Commonwealth Engineering in Granville, New South Wales, based on an Alco design. Altogether 50 units were built. These units were a...
, 81
New South Wales 81 class locomotive
The 81 class is a class of mainline diesel locomotive in the state of New South Wales. Introduced between 1982 and 1984, the 81 Class is currently the largest class of locomotive in New South Wales, and for many years has been the backbone of the fleet...
, and 82 class
New South Wales 82 class locomotive
The 82 class is a class of mainline diesel locomotive introduced in 1994 in the state of New South Wales. 58 were ordered by then freight operator Freightrail which latter became FreightCorp, and were completed under a Ready Power contract, by Clyde Engineering, Mittagong, New South Wales...
units; Silverton Tramway Company 442 class; and V/Line
V/Line
V/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
C class
Victorian Railways C class (diesel)
The Victorian Railways C Class GT26C mainline diesel locomotives are a hood unit heavy freight locomotive introduced from 1977 which are mechanically identical to American EMD SD40s, and used on interstate freight services...
units. The relatively new EL class
EL class
The EL class are an Australian mainline diesel electric locomotive originally ordered by Australian National in 1990, and built by Goninan to a local design using imported GE engines and traction equipment. Appearing visually similar to the AN class design, these locomotives haul freight trains...
were also removed from the National Rail roster in November 1997. Once all 120 units were delivered, the National Rail fleet still included AN
AN class
The AN class is a set of Australian diesel electric locomotives, ordered by the Australian National Rail Commission in 1991. Eleven in number, these "JT46C" locomotives from the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors were for use on flagship intercapital freight services...
, BL
BL class
The BL class are an Australian diesel electric locomotives introduced to service in 1983 and built by Clyde Engineering, Rosewater, to a contract issued by Australian National. Ten were built over a period of 16 months, from March 1983 to July 1984...
and DL class units, along with thirteen 81 class and several hired G class
V/Line G class
The V/Line G class are a mainline diesel electric locomotives built by Clyde Engineering from 1984, the last of 33 locomotives entering service in December 1989...
. The new locomotives were placed on time sensitive trains first.
When first delivered, the NR class were banned from running in New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
by the Environment Protection Authority due to excessive noise when under dynamic braking
Dynamic braking
Dynamic braking is the use of the electric traction motors of a railroad vehicle as generators when slowing the Locomotive. It is termed rheostatic if the generated electrical power is dissipated as heat in brake grid resistors, and regenerative if the power is returned to the supply line...
but the ban was lifted after further testing. The class could also not lead on the Victorian standard gauge
Rail transport in Victoria
Rail transport in Victoria, Australia, is provided by a number of railway operators who operate over the government-owned railway lines. Victorian lines use broad gauge, with the exception of a number of standard gauge freight and interstate lines, a few experimental narrow gauge lines, and...
network due to the lack of suitable radio equipment. In later years NR76 to NR98 were provided with V/Line Section Authority System equipment to work the Melbourne-Adelaide railway, while NR1 to NR13 and NR61 to NR72 were fitted with V/Line radios to operate on the Victorian North East standard gauge line.
Great Southern Railway
Great Southern Railway (Australia)
Great Southern Railway , owned by Serco Asia Pacific, is a tourism business and rail transport operator in Australia.GSR operates interstate passenger trains aimed at the tourist market:* The Indian Pacific...
commenced using NR class locomotives from their formation, the first train running with NR77 on 1 November 1997. In 2000 National Rail begun to negotiate with drivers to operate driver only trains between Brisbane and Taree, Junee to Port August via Melbourne, and Kalgoolie to Perth.
With the sale of National Rail, ownership of the class passed to Pacific National
Pacific National
Pacific National is one of Australia's largest private rail freight businesses. Originally a joint venture between Patrick Corporation and Toll Holdings; it is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Asciano Limited following the restructure of Toll Holdings....
. NRs 81, 82 and 83 were leased to competitor Specialised Container Transport
Specialised Container Transport
SCT Logistics is an interstate transport company in Australia, with facilities in Melbourne, Adelaide, Parkes, and Perth. The company was founded in 1974.- History :...
for a period of time as part of an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is an independent authority of the Australia government. It was established in 1995 with the amalgamation of the Australian Trade Practices Commission and the Prices Surveillance Authority to administer the Trade Practices Act 1974...
(ACCC) ruling.
Accidents
NR3 was involved in an accident at RobertsonRobertson, New South Wales
Robertson is a small town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, in Wingecarribee Shire. The town is located on the edge of an elevated plateau about 35 km from the coast. At the 2006 census, Robertson had a population of 1,206 people.Robertson is known for its high annual...
, NSW
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, resulting in the death of two crew members. It was rebuilt and renamed NR121. NR109 was involved in an accident while on a Ghan service in 2006, hitting a truck at a level crossing, being repaired. NR33 was involved in level crossing incident in June 2006, being the third locomotive on a Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
to Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
freight service, behind DL 40 and NR 52 (lead locomotive). NR33 was buried under 20 wagons and was subsequently written off and scrapped due to irreparable damage.
Features
The NR Class introduced many new features that other older locomotives lacked. These were the first locomotives in Australia to have "variable horsepower", which meant that the power output of the engine had three different settings, making the NR class the most fuel efficient locomotives in Australia. They have GE 7FDL-16 engines, with power levels of 2850HP, 3560HP or 4020HP, mass of 132t, a Co-Co wheel arrangement and a maximum speed of 115 km/h.The NR Class cab was designed taking into consideration the results of an extended consultative process with the end users. This has resulted in a cab that has been well accepted. The layout of the control stand evolved from a British Rail Class 60
British Rail Class 60
The British Rail Class 60 is a class of Co-Co heavy freight diesel-electric locomotives built by Brush Traction. They are nicknamed Tugs by Rail Enthusiasts.-History:...
cab, and is substantially different from the more common AAR type I (stand) and Type II (desk) cabs.
The design is a long hood unit
Hood unit
A hood unit, in railroad terminology, is a body style for diesel and electric locomotives. On a hood unit, the body of the locomotive is less than full-width for most of the locomotive's length, with walkways on the outside of the locomotive. In contrast, a cab unit has a full-width carbody for...
locomotive, with only one cab but two separate sets of controls, which allow it be driven either "A" or "B" end leading. This locomotive had to pass all tests, such as being able to shunt if required, drive "long end leading" if needed, and allow drivers to do checks on fuel, brakes, and sand. Despite the twin controls, operation of the class number 2 end leading is avoided, with single NR classes being turned on turntables to ensure they face the correct way.
Livery
On entry to service the class were painted in the orange and grey National Rail livery, with a few exceptions. NR30 and 52 were painted in Aboriginal artworks, intended to be used on GSRGreat Southern Railway (Australia)
Great Southern Railway , owned by Serco Asia Pacific, is a tourism business and rail transport operator in Australia.GSR operates interstate passenger trains aimed at the tourist market:* The Indian Pacific...
services. The locomotives were delivered in plain grey and black, with the artwork being applied soon after. Railfan
Railfan
A railfan or rail buff , railway enthusiast or railway buff , or trainspotter , is a person interested in a recreational capacity in rail transport...
s dubbed the locomotives snake and pizza. The green "Trailerail" livery was applied to NR53, 54 and 55. NR56 and 57 received the blue and white "Seatrain" livery. NR58, 59 and 60 received the grey and white "Steelink" livery.
Many locomotives have been named, the first being done on delivery. They were done at operational convenience rather than in groups of numbers. Names include cities and suburbs served by National Rail, in addition to their depots and maintenance centres. The special livered locomotives were given related names. It had been intended to name all locomotives, but by February 2000 only 70 had been named, a number not much larger today.
In later years for Great Southern Railway services NR74, 75 and 109 were painted in the red The Ghan livery while NR25, 26, 27 and 28 have been painted in blue Indian Pacific In 2011 a new yellow & grey design for the Indian Pacific was released on NR18. With Pacific National
Pacific National
Pacific National is one of Australia's largest private rail freight businesses. Originally a joint venture between Patrick Corporation and Toll Holdings; it is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Asciano Limited following the restructure of Toll Holdings....
ownership further changes were made, the 'Pacific National' decals placed over the side air deflectors replacing the 'National Rail' signage. From 2006 the National Rail 'diamonds' on the side and ends of the locomotives were removed or painted over. Full repainting has also been carried out with NRs 8, 29, 73, and 103 painted in the blue and yellow Pacific National livery (NR103 has a trial Pacific National livery: an all-over blue scheme), while NRs 1, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 67, 68, 69, 71, 76, 77, 78, 81, 86, 88, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 99, 100, 101, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 112, 113, 115, 119 and 121, have been repainted into the Pacific National 'Intermodal' livery which includes the Southern Cross at the rear of the locomotive side carbody. This repaint program is continuing and almost complete.
In 2008 NR84 and NR85 were repainted into a green and white The Southern Spirit livery. Railfan
Railfan
A railfan or rail buff , railway enthusiast or railway buff , or trainspotter , is a person interested in a recreational capacity in rail transport...
speculation has suggested further locomotives will be repainted for Great Southern Railway services, including The Overland for the first time, as well as updated Indian Pacific and The Ghan liveries.
See also
- List of locomotives
- List of Australian diesel locomotives
- Pacific NationalPacific NationalPacific National is one of Australia's largest private rail freight businesses. Originally a joint venture between Patrick Corporation and Toll Holdings; it is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Asciano Limited following the restructure of Toll Holdings....
External links
- NR Class Repaints, sightings of repainted locomotives on the Railpage AustraliaRailpage AustraliaRailpage Australia is a private owned and run website focusing on railways within Australia and Oceania. The site was run by volunteers, and provided free or reduced-cost internet services to not-for-profit railway organisations and preservation groups...
online forum - Sightings of NR locos, sightings of any NR locomotive in Australia on the Railpage AustraliaRailpage AustraliaRailpage Australia is a private owned and run website focusing on railways within Australia and Oceania. The site was run by volunteers, and provided free or reduced-cost internet services to not-for-profit railway organisations and preservation groups...
online forum