Tasmanian Government Railways Z class

Tasmanian Government Railways Z class
Type and origin
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder English Electric Rocklea
Build date 1973
Total produced 4
Specifications
UIC class Co-Co
Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Loco weight 104 tonnes
Fuel type Diesel
Prime mover English Electric 12CSVT Mk II
Train brakes Vacuum, converted to air (1984/85)
Performance figures
Power output 1380 kW
Career
Operators Tasmanian Government Railways
Number in class 4
Numbers Z1-Z4
First run June 1973
Current owner TasRail
Disposition 4 in service

The Z class are a class of diesel locomotives built by English Electric Rocklea for the Tasmanian Government Railways in 1973.

History

With the construction of a new line from Launceston to Bell Bay, Tasmanian Government Railways placed an order for four 1752 kW locomotives with English Electric. However, with the locomotive still under development, it was decided to purchase four 1380 kW locomotives that were an evolution of the Western Australian R class locomotives with a low nose profile and vacuum brakes. At 104 tonnes, they were considerably heavier than the previous heaviest locomotives on the network at 62 tonnes, requiring significant upgrades to infrastructure.[1][2]

In March 1978 the Z class were included in the transfer of the Tasmanian Government Railways to Australian National. In 1984/85 all had their vacuum brakes replaced with air brakes.[3]

In June 1998 all were renumbered as the 2110 class.[4]

All remain in service with TasRail, but as of May 2014 they are reserved for emergency use only. New drivers having ceased training on these locos 8 months prior.

Status table

Name Original no Current no Owner Status
Northern Progress Z1 2110 TasRail In service
Bell Bay Pioneer Z2 2111 TasRail In service
Z3 2112 TasRail In service
Z4 2113 TasRail In service

See also

References

  1. ↑ Oberg, Leon (1984). Locomotives of Australia 1850s-1980s. Frenchs Forest: Reed Books. pp. 284–285. ISBN 0 730100 05 7.
  2. ↑ Z Class Railpage
  3. ↑ Z Class Rail Tasmania
  4. ↑ "Tasrail Loco Renumbering" Railway Digest October 1998 page 36
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