Tasmanian Government Railways X class

Tasmanian Government Railways X class

Preserved X1 at the Tasmanian Transport Museum in August 2011

Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder English Electric Serial number 1796–1805 (VF D88–D97); 1811–1820 (VF D105–D114); 1821–1832 Build date 1950-1952 Total produced 32

Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Bo-Bo Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Axle load 14.5 t (14.3 long tons; 16.0 short tons) Loco weight 58 t (57 long tons; 64 short tons) Fuel type Diesel Prime mover English Electric 6SRKT Mark I Engine type Inline Cylinders 6 Cylinder size 10 in × 12 in (254 mm × 305 mm) Transmission Electrical Train brakes Vacuum

Performance figures Maximum speed 88 km/h (55 mph) Tractive effort 54 kN (12,000 lbf)

Career Operators Tasmanian Government Railways Number in class 32 Numbers X1-X32 First run September 1950 Last run August 1988 Preserved X1, X3, X4, X10, X18, X20, X30 Disposition 7 preserved, 25 scrapped

The X class was a class of diesel locomotives built by English Electric for the Tasmanian Government Railways between 1950 and 1952. They were the first class of diesel locomotive, to enter mainline service on a Government-owned railway in Australia.

In 1946, the Tasmanian Government Railways put out a request for tender for the construction of five to ten diesel-electric locomotives, which was successfully awarded to English Electric. Following a review of the tender in 1948, it was decided to order a second batch of ten, and finally a third batch of twelve in 1949.

Delivered by English Electric between September 1950 and December 1952, the first 20 were manufactured by the Vulcan Foundry under contract to English Electric, and the remaining 12 at Dick Kerr works. The first two units entered service on the Tasmanian mainline railways on the 13 September 1950.

The X Class was the first locomotive design in Australia to have a multi-unit capacity, with the possibility of operating up to three engines in tandem all controlled from the leading locomotive.

No members of the class were named after entering service, however X16 was named Festival of Britain in 1951 after it was displayed at the aforementioned exhibition.

Primarily designed for branch line and shunting services, the X class proved very successful on main line heavy goods duties as well. Their light axle loading made it possible for them to work on a wide variety of lines, and for many years after their introduction the X class were the dominant freight-hauler on Tasmanian railways. They were also used on passenger trains.

Starting in April 1954 and working until July 1978, the Tasman Limited, Tasmania's premier passenger train, was hauled primarily by the X class. From 1960 they were often used in multiple on the train, and when Tasmania's passenger trains were ceased on 28 July 1978; X20, X16, X29 and X17 hauled the last Tasman Limited from Hobart to Wynyard. This was the last regular passenger service to operate in Tasmania.