"To promote the appreciation of Queensland's railway heritage and to maintain authenticity in the recording and preservation of this heritage"
1460 class
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A clean looking QR DEL 1461 – also known as the "Golden Holden" poses at Ipswich on 14 March 1988.© G.Lythall |
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1461 at Salisbury. c1970s. Photo : G. Cash |
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QR DEL 1461 + 1499 lead a northbound freight away from Pandoin Overpass near Etna creek prison, about 2 km south of The Caves, on 24 June 1989. © Bruce Russell 1999 |
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QR DEL 1488 is 3km north of The Caves on 13 August 1995 with concrete sleepers and a rail set for track upgrading in the Moranbah area. The Plentiful Creek deviation has not long been opened as 1488 begins to roll downhill towards Yaamba . © Bruce Russell 1999 |
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On 26 September 1993, QR DEL 1501 with the morning sugar train from Sarina has departed (new) Mackay Station for the bulk sugar terminal at Mackay 1501 is now in New Zealand. © Bruce Russell 1999 |
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Gold QR DEL 1461 + vehicle DEL 1742D on 7610 freight approach Victoria Tunnel on Friday 25 March 1994. © Brian Webber |
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QR continued to order diesel locomotives during the 1960's to continue replacement of its aging steam fleet, which it desired to totally replace. As the 1400, and especially 1450 classes had been quite successful, QR placed an initial order with Clyde engineering for another 12 90-ton locomotives.
Clyde engineering revised the design of the 1450 class to be consistent with current practice and thus produced the 1460 class. The basic running gear and configuration of the class was the same as the 1450's, but the hood and cab design was altered significantly. A number of the class (such as 1501 above) were fitted with dynamic brakes which were to be known as "elephant ears" due to their look on the front of the loco, which also unfortunately reduced vision for the drivers.
1461 was named "Centennial" and painted gold to celebrate the QR centenary in 1965.
Like the 1450 class, these locos were coming to their of useful service with QR in the late 1980s. This was not the end for these useful locos, though, as quite a number have been purchased for use in New Zealand and Tasmania. Most of those locos have received some attention before returning to service, especially as the DQ class in New Zealand.
Specifications :
Running numbers : 1460-1501
Number in class : 42
Year in service : 1964
Number in service/preserved : ?
Model : G12C
Wheel Arrangement : Co-Co
Engine : EMD 12-567C
Generator: D25
Power
- Engine rated : 977kW (1310hp)
- Continuous Tractive Effort : 125kN@23.7kph (28000lbs@14.7mph)