Watco Australia WRA Class

The Watco Australia WRA Class is an Australian diesel-electric locomotive, built by the National Railway Equipment Company in the United States for use on Watco Australia's services in Queensland.

Watco Australia WRA Class
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderNational Railway Equipment Company
ModelNREC E2250CC
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Axle load15,750 kg (34,720 lb)
Loco weight94,500 kg (208,300 lb)
Prime moverEMD 12-645E3B
Engine typeV12 Diesel engine
AlternatorEMD AR10/D14
Traction motorsGE761
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Power output2,250 hp (1,680 kW)
Tractive effort250 kN (56,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsWatco Australia
Number in class8
NumbersWRA001–WRA008

History

edit

In 2018, Watco Australia announced the order of 8 of the WRA Class locomotives for use on the Queensland Rail network. They are equipped with a V12 diesel prime mover, rated at 1.6MW. The locomotive is similar in specification to local units, such as the 2300 class.[1] They have been modified to work in multi with Watco's other motive power.

Delivery to Australia

edit

On 16 August 2019, Watco Australia announced that the first two units were being delivered to Australia.[2] WRA001 and 002 arrived at The Port of Brisbane on the vessel Tarago on 9 October 2019 and were transferred to Warwick behind QR locomotive 1724. The company began grain and cattle operations with the locos in 2020 after certification and testing.

References

edit
  1. ^ "Specifications revealed for Watco Australia locomotives". International Railway Journal. 27 November 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  2. ^ The Dispatch July 2019 - Watco Companies. Watco Australia. 2019.
edit