“Watco demanded the utilisation of a proven medium-speed diesel prime mover, and the Queensland network requires a very specific and unique set of design parameters,” says Mr Kirby Roseveare, vice president of international sales at NRE. “Using remanufactured major components, NRE will be able to stay within the capital expenditure limitations of the contract while delivering a proven, reliable product.”
The eight six-axle 1067mm-guage locomotives will be fitted with new NRE bogies and limited to a maximum axle load of 15.75 tonnes, giving an overall weight of 94.5 tonnes.
The locomotives will be equipped with an EMD 12-645E3B diesel engine rated at 1.6MW, an AR10/D14 main alternator and GE761 type traction motors. Performance specifications include at least 27% adhesion available during traction mode with 99% reliability in all weather conditions, and a demonstrated 250kN of adhesion-limited tractive effort.
Earlier this year Watco announced it would expand its Australian operations after signing a seven-year contract with grain marketer and handler GrainCorp for haulage on the 1067mm network in the state of Queensland commencing in 2019.
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