Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Brian Atkins
Page Last Updated: 10/9/20
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Locomotive Info:
Type: Diesel-Electric Number Built: 6 Exported: 2 Scrapped: 4 Model: G22C Loco Length: 16.03 Meters Weight: 95 tonnes Engine: EMD 12-645E Generator: EMD D32T Traction Motors: EMD D29 Horsepower: 1500 Max Speed: 80 km/h |
Liveries worn by 423 classes |
The 423 class were introduced when QR National needed new standard gauge power for their new subsidiary Interail in NSW. 6 stored Queensland 1502 class locomotives were chosen to be rebuilt into what would be the 423 class which were in service in 2002. They were constructed at Redbank Workshops in Queensland.
The rebuilt locomotives featured a lowered nose and were painted into ‘Northern Rivers’ livery with Interail signage. The last two units however were painted into QR National’s yellow, black and maroon livery. They used bogies from withdrawn 49 class, which were obtained with the sale of Northern Rivers to QR National/Interail. The first two members of the class were built with the driving controls on the right hand side of the cab which is standard in Queensland. The final four members of the class were built with their driving controls on the left hand side which is standard for NSW locomotives. This created a variation on the side the cab door is on, with it being on the opposite side with 42301 and 42302 as it is on 42303 to 42306. The cab design is similar to the Clyde design used on various Queensland locomotives for driver-only operation. New mufflers and sound proofing was installed for the locomotives to be at NSW standards. An EMD 12-645E engine powers each locomotive.
When introduced, the locomotives were mainly used on Newcastle coal traffic in push-pull formation. They would also occasionally see work on QR National intermodal and container freights but only within NSW. In 2012, QR National changed their name to Aurizon. By 2014 however, the 423 fleet were for the most part in storage at Casino. These locomotives were scrapped, 42304 and 42305 were exported to Saudi Arabia.
The rebuilt locomotives featured a lowered nose and were painted into ‘Northern Rivers’ livery with Interail signage. The last two units however were painted into QR National’s yellow, black and maroon livery. They used bogies from withdrawn 49 class, which were obtained with the sale of Northern Rivers to QR National/Interail. The first two members of the class were built with the driving controls on the right hand side of the cab which is standard in Queensland. The final four members of the class were built with their driving controls on the left hand side which is standard for NSW locomotives. This created a variation on the side the cab door is on, with it being on the opposite side with 42301 and 42302 as it is on 42303 to 42306. The cab design is similar to the Clyde design used on various Queensland locomotives for driver-only operation. New mufflers and sound proofing was installed for the locomotives to be at NSW standards. An EMD 12-645E engine powers each locomotive.
When introduced, the locomotives were mainly used on Newcastle coal traffic in push-pull formation. They would also occasionally see work on QR National intermodal and container freights but only within NSW. In 2012, QR National changed their name to Aurizon. By 2014 however, the 423 fleet were for the most part in storage at Casino. These locomotives were scrapped, 42304 and 42305 were exported to Saudi Arabia.
42303 leads Interail coal #DU603 at Wards River.
Date Taken: 25th June 2008 Photo By: Brian Atkins |
Driver's view from 42306-42305 at Pitlochry on wagon transfer #6472.
Date Taken: 27th July 2005 Photo By: Brian Atkins |
Inside the cab of a 423 Class
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Inside the cab of 42304.
Date Taken: 10th April 2005
Photos By: Brian Atkins
Date Taken: 10th April 2005
Photos By: Brian Atkins
Locomotive Status
Click on underlined Road No. for more photos
Road No. |
Livery |
Owner |
Service Life |
Current State |
Interail |
Aurizon |
May 2002 - 2014 |
Scrapped |
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Interail |
Aurizon |
Oct 2002 - 2014 |
Scrapped |
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Interail |
Aurizon |
Mar 2004 - 2014 |
Scrapped |
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Interail |
Aurizon |
Jun 2004 - 2014 |
Exported - Saudi Arabia |
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QRN Eagle |
Aurizon |
2 Apr 2005 - 2014 |
Exported - Saudi Arabia |
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QRN Eagle |
Aurizon |
2 Apr 2005 - 2014 |
Scrapped |
Information sourced from Wikipedia, Vicsig and An Australian Locomotive Guide by Peter Clark