| VL class | |
| Powertype: | Diesel-electric |
| Builder: | Avteq |
| Buildmodel: | EMD GT26 |
| Builddate: | 2007 - 2009 |
| Totalproduction: | 12 |
| Britishclass: | Co-Co |
| Gauge: | |
| Fuelcap: | 9,200 litres ((4,200 litres on Broad Gauge)) |
| Primemover: | EMD 16-645E3B |
| Cylindercount: | V16 |
| Maxspeed: | 115km/h |
| Poweroutput: | 2237kW |
| Fleetnumbers: | VL351-VL362 |
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.[1] Built on the EMD GT26 platform, the class was an evolution of the Freight Australia XR class.[2] [3]
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.[4] 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.[5]
As at February 2022, nine of the 12 were being used by Qube.[6] As at September 2023, five are operating on the broad gauge With the Numbers 351, 353, 356, 357 & 360. with the other seven on standard gauge With the Numbers 352, 354, 355, 358, 359, 361 & 362 .[7]
Avteq designed a second locomotive class, but none were ever manufactured.[8] The company was deregistered in 2013.[9]