"To promote the appreciation of Queensland's railway heritage and to maintain authenticity in the recording and preservation of this heritage"
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QR DEL1604 + 1647 depart Nerimbera on the Yeppoon Branch with a long rake of VBO ballast wagons on 14 July 1990. 1604 was withdrawn on 26 March 1991 but 1647 survived until 6 October 1996. © Bruce Russell 1999 |
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1604 at Salisbury late 1970's. Photo G. Cash |
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1610 at Salisbury - someone left the front door open! c1970s. Photo : G. Cash |
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 1604 at Kunkala on the Rosewood Railway 23/5/2005. Photo : J. Cash |
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The 60 ton 1600 class entered service on 12 December 1962, being intended to displace steam locos from the west of the state and for suburban work, although their slow pick up speed meant they were soon banned from suburban service.
This class introduced a number of "firsts" to QR, including multiple unit control, dual driving stations and an intercooler for the turbocharger. The multiple until functionality became extremely useful for the mountainous branch-lines where they spent much time in service, allowing much larger loads to be carried & they gained a reputation for reliability and comfort.
By 1990, their usefulness was coming to an end, especially as they only had 838hp (625kW) of power, and trains being hauled by QR were only increasing in size. Although only 18 were built, five survived into preservation. As was occurring commonly the class leader was not the first locomotive to enter service, that honour falling to 1604.
Specifications :
Running numbers : 1600-1617
Number in class : 18
Year in service : 1962
Number in service/preserved : 0/5
Model : N/A
Wheel Arrangement : Co-Co
Engine : English Electric 6CSRKT
Generator: EE827 9F
Power
- Engine rated : 625kW (838hp)
- Continuous Tractive Effort : 133kN@12.6kph (30000lbs@7.8mph)