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// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the VL class say? "We're in a high-class situation.

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VL class
VL357 at Moorabbin
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderAvteq
ModelEMD GT26C
Build date2007 - 2009
Total produced12
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Loco weight130.0 tonnes[1]
Fuel capacity9,200 litres ((4,200 litres on Broad Gauge))
Prime moverEMD 16-645E3B
AlternatorAR10A4
Traction motorsD78
CylindersV16
Train brakesAir
Performance figures
Maximum speed115 km/h
Power output2,237 kW (3,000 hp)
Career
OperatorsRail First Asset Management
Number in class12
NumbersVL351-VL362
Delivered2007
First run2007
Last run2009
Current ownerRail First Asset Management
Disposition12 in service

The VL class is a class of diesel locomotives built by Avteq at a factory in Sunshine, Melbourne for Railfirst Asset Management between 2007 and 2009.[2] Built on the EMD GT26 platform, the class was an evolution of the Freight Australia XR class.[3][4]

They have been hired to a variety of operators and have operated in all mainline states. Most entered service on lease to FreightLink hauling iron ore trains from Pine Creek to Darwin.[5] As at 2010, some remained on hire to FreightLink while others were engaged in hauling grain trains in other states. All are named after Australian racehorses.[6]

As at February 2022, nine of the 12 were being used by Qube.[7] As at September 2023, five are operating on the broad gauge with the Numbers 351, 353, 356, 357 & 360. The other seven on standard gauge have the Numbers 352, 354, 355, 358, 359, 361 & 362 .[8]

Avteq itself was founded in 2002 by Jed Macartney and Rob Powell as an aviation consulting business. In 2005, they diversified into locomotive manufacturing, building the VL class.[9][10][11][12] They designed a second locomotive class, but none were ever manufactured.[13] The company was deregistered in 2013.[14] Southern Shorthaul Railroad would build two BRM class locomotives to the design in 2013.

Status Table[15][16]
Number Name Entered Service Status Owner Livery Operator Notes
VL351 Danehill 2007 In Service Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue Qube Logistics Currently on Broad Gauge for use by QUBE in Victoria
VL352 Makybe Diva 2007 Stored, available for hire Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue N/A
VL353 Comic Court 2007 In Service Rail First Asset Management CFCLA silver & blue QUBE Logistics Currently on Broad Gauge for use by QUBE in Victoria
VL354 Van Der Hum 2007 Stored, available for hire Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue N/A Stored at Islington Workshops, SA
VL355 Black Knight 2007 Stored, available for hire Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue N/A
VL356 Gatum Gatum 2008 In Service Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue QUBE Logistics Currently on Broad Gauge for use by QUBE in Victoria
VL357 Empire Rose 2008 In Service Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue Qube Currently on Broad Gauge for use by QUBE in Victoria
VL358 Vintage Crop 2008 Stored, Available for Hire Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue N/A
VL359 Media Puzzle 2008 In Service Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue Sydney Rail Services
VL360 Gurner’s Lane 2008 Stored, available for hire Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue N/A Was used by QUBE on Broad Gauge services in Victoria from 2018 until mid-2026
VL361 At Talaq 2009 Stored, available for hire Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue N/A
VL362 Efficient 2009 Stored, available for hire Rail First Asset Management RFAM silver & blue N/A

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "VL Class - Rail First". Archived from the original on 14 May 2025.
  2. ↑ VL351 Catch Point issue 178 March 2007 page 16
  3. ↑ The Allco / CFCLA Joint Venture VL Class Railway Digest April 2007 page 7
  4. ↑ New Locomotive Newsrail May 2007 page 156
  5. ↑ Resumption of Frances Creek iron ore trains Railway Digest September 2007 page 16
  6. ↑ Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 2010. Rosenberg Publishing. pp. 438/439. ISBN 9781921719011.
  7. ↑ Qube takes over hauling Victorian steel trains The Railway Magazine issue 1452 March 2022 page 85
  8. ↑ Australia Wide Fleet List Motive Power issue 144 November 2022 page 72
  9. ↑ Avteq: Who in the world are they? Motive Power issue 49 December 2006 pages 56/57
  10. ↑ The Allco / CFCLA Joint Venture VL Class Railway Digest April 2007 page 7
  11. ↑ New Locomotive Newsrail May 2007 page 156
  12. ↑ Oberg, Leon (2010). Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 2010. Rosenberg Publishing. p. 438. ISBN 9781921719011.
  13. ↑ Avteq Products Avteq
  14. ↑ Avteq Pty Ltd Australian Securities & Investments Commission
  15. ↑ "VL Class - Rail First". Retrieved 8 September 2026.
  16. ↑ "VICSIG". vicsig.net. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
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