Freight Australia XR class

The XR class are a class of diesel locomotives built by Freight Australia & Pacific National at the South Dynon Locomotive Depot.

History

Between 2002 and 2006, Pacific National rebuilt six X class locomotives with engines cascaded from G class locomotives, larger radiators, and a new cab to provide better driver visibility. The first six were converted from X38, X35, X40, X33, X34 and X32 respectively. A seventh was planned to be converted from X36 but never eventuated.
A further three were built in 2004/05 by Freight Australia's successor, Pacific National, as new-builds. The class are mechanically similar to the later XRB class B units.
In 2020, several were placed in storage due to a poor grain harvest. As of November 2024 all are in service on BG except for XR555 & XR559 which is on SG. XR class locomotives are common on Tocumwal container traffic.