Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Chris Nuthall and Ian Green
Page Last Updated: 3/10/20
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Locomotive Info:
Type: Diesel-Electric Number Built: 3 Stored: 3 Loco Length: 18.34 Meters Weight: 124 tonnes Engine: EMD 16-645E3C Generator: EMD AR10A4 Traction Motors: EMD D77B (DC Type) Horsepower: 3300 Max Speed: 115 km/h |
XRB561 rests in the yards at South Dynon. (26/1/06)
Photo By: Chris Nuthall |
In 2005, Pacific National introduced the XRB class of locomotive which were mechanically based off of the XR class, however without cabs and toilets. These units were designed to supply extra power to locomotive consists as trailing ‘slug’ units. This idea had been used before by Australian National with the BU class which were rebuilds of the 600 class locomotives.
The XRB class were new-build locomotives like XRs 557 to 559, not rebuilt from older X class. The first unit to enter service was XRB560 on 21 December 2005, after numerous test runs on broad gauge. These tests included use on the Maryvale freight, which was PN operated at the time. When constructed, it wore an all over blue livery, with its ends painted yellow before it undertook testing. It then received a large white and yellow diagonal stripe on each side, and standard ‘stars’ livery. The livery however somewhat resembled the Pacific National ‘Queensland’ livery which had been used on the PN class locomotives. XRB561 and XRB562 were also in service during 2006.
The locomotives were of a GT26C-3B model with a 16-645E3C engine, the same as other standard XR locomotives. They also included ‘elephant ear’ covers over the radiators which allowed the locomotives to be permitted interstate. They do not have hostler controls of any sort, with a dead engine device and park-brake button being the only controls fitted.
Once in service, all locomotives were used on standard gauge. They would typically be used on intermodal services between Melbourne and Adelaide as well as working further west to Perth. One XRB would usually work between two NR class locomotives, although sometimes two XRBs could be seen on one train. In later years, the XRBs would find themselves working on Leigh Creek to Port Augusta coal trains, working with V544 and 82 class generally. The class also had a stint working MC/CM freights into NSW.
Today, the three XRB class are stored at Port Augusta Workshops with an unknown future. They have been stored out of service for a number of years now.
The XRB class were new-build locomotives like XRs 557 to 559, not rebuilt from older X class. The first unit to enter service was XRB560 on 21 December 2005, after numerous test runs on broad gauge. These tests included use on the Maryvale freight, which was PN operated at the time. When constructed, it wore an all over blue livery, with its ends painted yellow before it undertook testing. It then received a large white and yellow diagonal stripe on each side, and standard ‘stars’ livery. The livery however somewhat resembled the Pacific National ‘Queensland’ livery which had been used on the PN class locomotives. XRB561 and XRB562 were also in service during 2006.
The locomotives were of a GT26C-3B model with a 16-645E3C engine, the same as other standard XR locomotives. They also included ‘elephant ear’ covers over the radiators which allowed the locomotives to be permitted interstate. They do not have hostler controls of any sort, with a dead engine device and park-brake button being the only controls fitted.
Once in service, all locomotives were used on standard gauge. They would typically be used on intermodal services between Melbourne and Adelaide as well as working further west to Perth. One XRB would usually work between two NR class locomotives, although sometimes two XRBs could be seen on one train. In later years, the XRBs would find themselves working on Leigh Creek to Port Augusta coal trains, working with V544 and 82 class generally. The class also had a stint working MC/CM freights into NSW.
Today, the three XRB class are stored at Port Augusta Workshops with an unknown future. They have been stored out of service for a number of years now.
XRB560 and XRB561 at the Pacific National LPC. (5/2/06)
Photo By: Ian Green |
XRB560 parked at South Dynon. (27/11/05)
Photo By: Ian Green |
Locomotive Status
Road No. |
Livery |
Owner |
Service Life |
Current State |
XRB560 |
PN Blue and Yellow |
Pacific National |
21 Dec 2005 - Present |
Stored |
XRB561 |
PN Blue and Yellow |
Pacific National |
1 Jun 2006 - Present |
Stored |
XRB562 |
PN Blue and Yellow |
Pacific National |
Unknown - Present |
Stored |
All information sourced from Power to the Rails by John Scott, Vicsig and Wikipedia