The 10 C class were the last locos delivered in VR's classic blue and gold color scheme, they were also VR's first turbocharged locos. Mechanically they were an SD40 (not SD40-2) When introduced their weight meant that they were very restricted as to the lines they could run over. C 501 - 504 were put on the SG running between Melbourne and Albury,C 505 - 510 were kept on BG and ran Melbourne to Serviceton interstate express freights. On 3/8/1979 C 505 and C 506 operated a freight all the way from Melbourne to Adelaide thus ushering in through working of locos between Victoria and South Australia. Upon the formation of National Rail all of the C class were transfered to National Rail (1995) where they ran for a little while before they were removed from traffic due to the arrival of the NR class locos. 2 C's (505 & 508) were later re-issued to traffic as NR shunters in Melbourne
Over the years the C's underwent many external and internal changes including:
extra handrail near turbo on firemans side
radio equipped stickers and aerials
widened coupler pocket
Brakepipe and Main reservoir pipe bifuricated
Fixed jumper cables
Full width handrails on short end
Airconditioned
Long end wipers
Staff exchanger removal
Harmon fuel saver devices fitted
All C class were built at Clyde's Rosewater S.A, plant
The Victorian Railways purchased ten 3300hp units for interstate freight train traffic. The units were based on the EMD SD40 design but much lighter at 130 tons.
The units were placed into service between 1977 and 1978.
Because of their weight they ran at reduced speed and were restricted to certain lines, mainly North East standard gauge and the Melbourne - Adelaide corridor.
Class numbers were 501 - 510
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C501 at Seymour loco.jpg |
C501 in blue undercoat.JPG.jpg |
C501 in undercoat.jpg |
C501 in V/Line livery.jpg |
C505 in NR livery.jpg |
C508 in NR livery.jpg |
Cs1 (C507) in Silverton Livery (on Normal Bogies).jpg |
Cs1 (C507) in Silverton Livery (on Transfer Bogies).jpg |
Cs2 (C504) in Silverton livery.jpg |
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