Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Steve Bromley, Nevin Shakespeare and David Arnold
Page Last Updated: 21/1/21
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Locomotive Info:
Type: Diesel-Electric Number Built: 12 Operational: 9 Stored: 3 Converted: 1 Model: EMD G22C Loco Length: 15.03 Meters Weight: 91 tonnes Engine: EMD 645E V12 (2001-2005), EMD 645C V12 (2006-2012) Generator: EMD D32T (2001-2005), EMD D25 (2006-2012) Traction Motors: EMD D29 Horsepower: 1650 Max Speed: 80 km/h |
Liveries worn by DQ classes |
In 1998, New Zealand operator TranzRail sold 12 DQ class units to ATN Tasrail, assisting in the replacement of the aging English Electric locomotives still used in Tasmania. The DQs were originally purchased by TranzRail in 1995 as Queensland Rail 1460 and 1500 class locomotives, but had been extensively rebuilt between 1996 and 1999 with a total of 16 being rebuilt. The 4 units not shipped would remain in NZ.
The rebuilds of the DQs included lowering the nose for better visibility, computerised control systems, fitting of dynamic brakes and sound proofing. During their short time in NZ as rebuilt units, some saw service before being shipped to Tasmania. On the 2nd of September 1998, the first units numbered 2001 and 2002 were offloaded in Tasmania. They were repainted into a variant of ATN Tasrail maroon and yellow livery before testing and entering service. Later units would only receive a simplified version of that livery, being delivered to Tasmania on the 16th of December 1998 and into early 1999. Included in these shipments to Tasmania were 3 un-rebuilt QR locos and one TranzRail DC class loco. The DQ locomotives soon proved to be plagued with issues as generators would often fail along with vibration issues, but would see constant use regardless throughout the 2000s.
The rebuilds of the DQs included lowering the nose for better visibility, computerised control systems, fitting of dynamic brakes and sound proofing. During their short time in NZ as rebuilt units, some saw service before being shipped to Tasmania. On the 2nd of September 1998, the first units numbered 2001 and 2002 were offloaded in Tasmania. They were repainted into a variant of ATN Tasrail maroon and yellow livery before testing and entering service. Later units would only receive a simplified version of that livery, being delivered to Tasmania on the 16th of December 1998 and into early 1999. Included in these shipments to Tasmania were 3 un-rebuilt QR locos and one TranzRail DC class loco. The DQ locomotives soon proved to be plagued with issues as generators would often fail along with vibration issues, but would see constant use regardless throughout the 2000s.
Recently delivered 2001-2002 at Bernie with a loaded log train.
Date Taken: 1999 Photo By: Nevin Shakespeare |
2012-2001-2003-2011 with train #635 to Hobart at Granton.
Date Taken: 12th October 2013 Photo By: David Arnold |
ATN Tasrail was acquired by Pacific National in 2004, with all DQ class units also passing ownership. None of the DQs however received PN livery, instead remaining in the ATN Tasrail scheme. From 2010, the DQ class were repainted into the new Tasrail yellow and grey scheme after Pacific National pulled out of Tasmanian operations. Two DQs received special advertising panels, in-place of Tasrail logos for level crossing safety awareness.
With the new TR class locomotives being introduced from November 2014, a handful DQ class units including 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 were withdrawn and would require major overhauls before they could re-enter service. However, with the TR class unable to operate on the Melba line between Burnie and Melba Flats, serviceable DQs would continue to work on this line. In 2019, DQ 2007 was converted into a driving trailer and renumbered DV 2 for the Railton to Devonport cement trains, replacing DV 1. DQ 2008 has also since been returned to service. Today, units still in service can be seen on the Melba line hauling ore trains as well as infrastructure trains around Tasmania. They can also occasionally be used on other freight trains to cover loco failures.
With the new TR class locomotives being introduced from November 2014, a handful DQ class units including 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 were withdrawn and would require major overhauls before they could re-enter service. However, with the TR class unable to operate on the Melba line between Burnie and Melba Flats, serviceable DQs would continue to work on this line. In 2019, DQ 2007 was converted into a driving trailer and renumbered DV 2 for the Railton to Devonport cement trains, replacing DV 1. DQ 2008 has also since been returned to service. Today, units still in service can be seen on the Melba line hauling ore trains as well as infrastructure trains around Tasmania. They can also occasionally be used on other freight trains to cover loco failures.
Locomotive Status
Click on underlined Road No. for more photos
Road No. |
Livery |
Owner |
Service Life |
Current State |
TasRail Yellow & Grey |
TasRail |
1998 - Present |
Operational |
|
TasRail Yellow & Grey |
TasRail |
1998 - Present |
Operational |
|
TasRail Red & Grey |
TasRail |
1998 - Present |
Stored |
|
TasRail Red & Grey |
TasRail |
1998 - Present |
Stored |
|
TasRail Red & Grey |
TasRail |
1998 - Present |
Stored |
|
TasRail Yellow & Grey w/ 'Loose a Minute, Not Your Life' decals |
TasRail |
1999 - Present |
Operational |
|
TasRail Red & Grey |
TasRail |
1999 - Present |
Converted - Operational as DV2 |
|
TasRail Yellow & Grey |
TasRail |
1999 - Present |
Operational |
|
TasRail Red & Grey |
TasRail |
1999 - Present |
Operational |
|
TasRail Yellow & Grey |
TasRail |
1999 - Present |
Operational |
|
TasRail Red & Grey |
TasRail |
1999 - Present |
Operational |
|
TasRail Yellow & Grey w/ 'Rosebery Mine' Decals |
Tasrail |
1999 - Present |
Operational |
Information sourced from Wikipedia and RailTasmania.com