Power type Diesel-electric Build date 2008-present UIC class Co-Co | Builder UGL Rail, Broadmeadow Total produced 139 + 3 on order | |
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Model GE Transportation C44aci | ||
The C44aci is a model of Australian heavy duty diesel electric locomotive designed by UGL Rail and built at is Broadmeadow factory. It is operated by a number of rail freight operators. The design is based on the Pacific National NR class but with some modifications and upgraded features.
Contents
Design
The C44aci was designed by UGL Rail in response to a tender issued by Pacific National, who required a locomotive to match the performance of their existing 90 class units when hauling heavy coal traffic, while still having the ability to work high speed intermodal services, with the change between applications to be simple.
The existing UGL Rail Cv40-9i (NR class) locomotive design was used as a base, but with alterations including: 1
The NR class design had also been used as a basis for the AC traction QR National 5000 class introduced in 2005. This design did not meet the requirements for Pacific National due to the heavy axle load, acceptable on the heavily laid coal routes, but not on lines outside of the Hunter Valley.
To reduce the weight, the level of fuel carried is altered: for intermodal applications the fuel level is 7,300 litres, for coal applications that permit higher axle loads the fuel level is increased to 13,500 litres, with an intermediate fuel level of 10,750 litres also available. These limits are enforced during refuelling by a float switch in the tank, the permitted level being set by a key switch with an indication displayed in the cab if the limits are breached. The provision of inline refuelling permits the topping up of the tanks in transit from a separate tank wagon behind the locomotives.
The older GE Transportation FDL series engine was chosen instead of the newer GE Evolution Series engine used in the United States, due to the greater height not fitting in the restricted Australian loading gauge, and there being no legal requirement to meet stringent Tier 2 emissions standards which drove adoption of the GEVO series elsewhere. The C44aci has one inverter per traction motor, this differs from competing Downer EDi Rail locomotives that have only one inverter per bogie. A further difference between the C44aci and the competing GT46C ACe is the lack of steering bogies to improve tracking properties and reduce the rate of wheel wear, instead fixed-frame pedestal-type bogies are used where all three axles are always held parallel.
Simulation work showed that three C44aci locomotives could equal the performance of 90 class units in heavy mode, while in intermodal mode could outperform the older NR class units by 20% on services, with the same sectional running times and in some areas a slight reduction in fuel consumed due to the increased adhesion resulting from AC traction. However the C44aci was outperformed by the comparable GT46C ACe locomotive produced by Downer EDi Rail in back-to-back trials performed by RailCorp on the steeply graded Cowan Bank.
By operator
As at June 2016, 139 were in service.
Pacific National
The first of the Pacific National 92 class was officially launched at Port Waratah on 3 October 2008. All 15 units entered service on coal trains in the Hunter Region and have yet to operate any other services. In 2012 Pacific National took delivery of six 93 class C44aci locomotives optimised for intermodal freight transport between Melbourne and Brisbane. On 17 January 2013, Pacific National placed an order for another two (later expanded to five) 93 class locomotives.In 2014, Pacific National extended the order of the 93 class to 9319, which is currently being constructed. The 93s are used on intermodal freight trains between Melbourne and Brisbane, although occasionally, they haul The Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide, supplementing the NRs' roster.
Three additional 93 class locomotives were ordered in June 2016.
Aurizon
In July 2008 QR National subsidiary Australian Railroad Group ordered eight locomotives, with options for 16 more units. Intended for use on their Western Australian standard gauge lines, they were delivered between August and September 2009. These units feature updated electronic control and engine management systems, and had their entry to service delayed by weight issues, with steel body side doors being replaced with lighter aluminium substitutes. Since entering service they have been used on the Koolyanobbing to Esperance iron ore service, in the full fuel load (139 tonnes) configuration.
In January 2009 QR National ordered twelve 6000 class units for use on coal and intermodal haulage. The first was delivered in October 2009. These units were to be fitted with electronically controlled pneumatic braking equipment, for operation with similarly fitted container wagons.
QR National subsequently ordered an additional 12 locomotives specifically to operate its intermodal trains. The first nine were delivered in 2012 as the 6020 class with the final three diverted to Australian Railroad Group as the ACC class.
Glencore
In November 2009 Xstrata (rebranded Glencore in 2014) placed an order for 10 locomotives for their Hunter Valley coal operations. This was followed by a further 20. These are operated by Freightliner Australia.
CFCL Australia
In 2011 Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia took delivery of six locomotives that were initially leased to Pacific National. Another six were delivered in May and June 2013.
Centennial Coal (Southern Shorthaul Railroad)
In 2012 Centennial Coal took delivery of seven locomotives for their coal operations. These are operated by Southern Shorthaul Railroad.
Genesee & Wyoming Australia
Between April and June 2012 Genesee & Wyoming Australia took delivery of nine locomotives for use on Adelaide to Darwin services. A further two were built but not delivered.
Mineral Resources
UGL Rail had four units on the production line for Consolidated Rail Leasing as the CRL class before the order was cancelled. They were completed and retained by UGL as lease units. They along with two units completed for but not delivered to Genesee & Wyoming Australia were sold to Mineral Resources as the MRL class. The first entered service in June 2014 haulling iron ore train from Mount Walton to Kwinana.
Fletcher International Exports
In 2014, three were completed for Fletchers International Exports to haul the Fletcher's container service from Dubbo to Port Botany.
Crawfords Freightlines
Two locomotives have become the permanent motive power for the Sandgate to Port Botany container train operated by Crawfords Freightlines, replacing the leased C class locomotives as the motive power.