Power type Diesel-electric Total produced 132 | Build date 2007-13 UIC class Co'Co' | |
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Builder Downer Rail, Maryborough Model Electro-Motive Diesel GT42CU ACe | ||
The GT42CU ACe is a model of diesel electric locomotives manufactured by EDi Rail, Maryborough between 2007 and 2013 under licence from Electro-Motive Diesel, for use on narrow gauge railways in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Contents
History
The GT42CU ACe is an evolution of the GT42CU AC being fitted with a different computer system and traction motors.
In 2006 Queensland Rail placed an initial order for 15, with a further orders increasing the number to 75. These were designated as the 4100 class. Following Queensland Rail purchasing Australian Railroad Group in June 2006, 19 were transferred to Western Australia and reclassified as the ACN class, but retain their original numbers.
The Queensland based units are primarily used on the Blackwater, Moura Newlands coal networks, and on phosphate trains between Mount Isa and Townsville. The Western Australian-based units are primarily engaged hauling iron ore trains. All were included in the transfer of Queensland Rail's freight business to QR National in July 2010.
Pacific National placed an order for 13 units for coal haulage on the Blackwater system that later grew to 46. These were designated as the 83 class. A further six on order were cancelled in 2013 when partially completed and completed as the Downer Rail LDP class. As at December 2013 these were in store at Downer Rail's Maryborough premises.
In July 2012 Genesee & Wyoming Australia placed an order for five for use in South Australia. Designated the GWN class, they operate on the Arrium iron ore railway to Whyalla Steelworks.