QR 4000 Class

["Jeff Schmidt" <jschmidt@tpgi.com.au>]

Queensland Rail's new 4000 Class locomotives will be designed by Clyde
Engineering and assembled at Walkers Ltd and will represent a major
advancement In narrow gauge locomotive technology.

These locomotives, due for delivery starting third quarter 1999, will be
rated at 2424 kW (3000 hp) gross power and will be one of the most powerful
narrow gauge diesel electric locomotives operating in the world today.

However, what will make this locomotive stand out is the high adhesion AC
traction system which provides much higher tractive effort (pulling power)
compared to previous DC traction locomotives, as well as significantly
reduced maintenance costs. The 4000 Class locomotive will be capable of a
continuous tractive effort of 460 kn. at 14.4 kph with an adhesion rating of
37%. This represents a major increase in adhesion capability over any other
OR locomotive, allowing 2 for 4 replacement of existing diesel electric
locomotives.

The 4000 Class locomotive will be powered by the smooth running 'new firing
order" 12 cylinder 710G3B engine utilising EMDEC electronic fuel Injection
for optimum fuel efficiency and emission control. The electrical traction
equipment includes a TA12-8 traction alternator and Siemens 1TB2622 traction
motors. The EM2000 microprocessor control system and the Siemens AC traction
systems will ensure that continuous adhesion levels of up to 37% are
achieved.

The 4000 Class locomotive will have a single drivers cab fitted with dual
operating consoles for maximum operating flexibility. The cabs will be
isolated from the locomotive underframe to ensure minimum noise and
vibration for driver comfort and will feature Rockwell Integrated Cab
Electronics (ICE) screen based instrumentation for maximum operating
efficiency. ICE Is designed and built by Rockwell and is based on Rockwell's
aerospace technology, ensuring extremely high levels of reliability are
achieved. The ICE screens will be linked with the EM2000, Siemens AC
Traction, EMDEC Electronic Fuel Injection and the combined electronic
braking / distributed power systems to provide a comprehensive diagnostics
and operating history capability for maintenance purposes.

A key optional feature of the 4000 Class locomotive is the Clyde designed
Radial Steering Bogie. Based on the highly successful EMD Radial Truck,
these bogies allow the axles to steer through the curves to ensure minimal
wheel flange and track wear - a must for modern narrow gauge locomotive
applications. The Radial Steering Bogie also provides additional adhesion
capability in curves.

Model: GT42CU AC
Power: 2424 kW gross
             2260 kW traction
Traction Effort - Continuous: 460 kn. at 14.4 km/h
Customer: Queensland Rail
Class: 4000
No. on Order: 38
Rail Gauge:1067 mm
First Locomotive Due: 3rd quarter 1999
Mass:120 tonnes
Axleload:20 tonnes
Wheel Arrangement:Co-Co
Maximum Speed:100 km/h
Power per Driving Axle: 377 kW
Gear Ratio: 90:17
Wheel Diameter: 1041 mm
Fuel Capacity: 9000 litres
Dimensions:
    Length of headstocks: 22000 mm
    Height over rail level: 3880 mm
    Width over cab gutters: 2880 mm
    Bogie wheelbase: 3800 mm
Engine: EMD 12N-71OG3B-ES
Main Generator: TA12--8/CA
Traction Motors: EMD/Siemens 1TB2622
Air Compressor: Gardner Denver WLA
Brakes – Air: Combined Electronic / Distributed Power
Brakes - Dynamic: 2600 kW
Cooling System: 2x 1321 mm, speed AC motor driven fans
Drivers Controls: Island Style Dual Position
Cab: Air Conditioned, Isolated
Special Features:
Siemens AC traction system
EM2000 microprocessor control system
Rockwell ICE screen based instrument displays
Isolated cab with Island style consoles
Clyde radial steering bogie (option)
Electronic fuel injection
Split cooling system