The X class are mostly used on main-line freight operations, and particularly so early on, to help alleviate a motive power shortage caused by the Southern Aurora crash. They have also been used on passenger services such as the Overland, and used to work the Lysaghts goods, prior to the BLs taking this over.
Similar to the S class, long distance main line locomotives.
X47 was the first loco to appear in the new Freight Victoria livery.
Some of the 1st and 2nd order locomotives have since been rebuilt with G class engines (EMD 16-645E3C) for high horsepower. In 2004 these rebuilts were reclassed XR and given new numbers (see XR class page).
The X class locomotives were introduced to service in 1966. They were built by Clyde Engineeering with EMD components and are an export model G-16.
There were three types placed into service:
1st series: Numbers 31 - 36, 1966/1967, with V16-567E engine. Small radiator grilles.
2nd series: Numbers 37 - 44, 1970, with V16-645E engine. Large radiator grills.
3rd series: Numbers 45 - 54, 1975/1976, V16-645E engine. Modified cab design.
The units saw service on all main lines on both passenger and freight. Traralgon running was extremely rare until the end of electrified service in the early 1990's.
Until through train running on the standard gauge, several X locos were assigned for running between Albury and Melbourne.
X 31 was notable for running on the standard gauge for many years. The auto staff exchange box under the cab floor was to incorrect dimensions and so was not run on broad gauge. Only in the late 1980's with run through locomotive power did the loco see service on broad gauge after equipment modifications.
There were three distinct series of X's.
X's 31 to 36 and 37 to 44 were built at Clyde's Granville N.S.W. plant
X 45 to 54 were built at Clyde's Rosewater S.A. plant
All X's were included in the sale of VR (PTC) to Freight Victoria.
Until 1983 all of the X's wore the VR blue and gold paint scheme, after this time the X's were painted in several different schemes as outlined below.
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X20 Red livery.jpg |
X3 in Red livery.jpg |
X3 Red livery.jpg |
X32 In FA livery.jpg |
X33 in FA Livery.jpg |
X34 in FA Livery.jpg |
X35 in FA Livery.jpg |
X36 in FA Livery.jpg |
X37 in FA Livery.jpg |
X38 in FA Livery.jpg |
X39 in FA Livery.jpg |
X39_in_FA livery With_PN logo.jpg |
X40 in FA Livery.jpg |
X41 in PN Livery.jpg |
X42 in FA Livery.jpg |
X43 in FA Livery.jpg |
X44 in FA Livery.jpg |
X46 in FA Livery.JPG.jpg |
X47 in FA Livery.jpg |
X48 in FA Livery.jpg |
X49 in FA Livery.jpg |
X50 in FA Livery.jpg |
X50 in PN Livery.jpg |
X51 in FA Livery.jpg |
X52 in FA Livery.jpg |
X53 in FA Livery.jpg |
X54 in FA Livery.jpg |
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