VR-Enthusiast - Diesel Electric Locomotives

The Victorian Railways T class is a Clyde built Bo-Bo diesel electric locomotive. Consisting of five separate orders, it is one of the most varied locomotive designs to ever run on the network. Although there are differences between the five orders, generally, the appearance of the engines is divided into three classes. The initial 'flat top' T, high cab T and low nose T. The H class is a slightly modified variety, featuring a heavier axle load and additional driving equipment for operation at low speed.

All were delivered in the VR blue and gold colour scheme between 1955 and 1969.

Although the VR didn't claim the T class to be the successor to the newly ordered J class steam locomotive, or the earlier K class, their successful use on both branch line and main line passenger and freight services soon saw the new diesel electrics supersede their steam predecessors.

The locomotives are capable of travel at 60 mph (100 km/h). Their light axle load meant they could travel on all the VR's light rail branch lines.

They've seen many liveries over the years, including the V/Line grey and orange and, with the advent of privatisation, Freight Australia green and yellow, West Coast Railway blue and today's Pacific Nation blue and yellow, Southern Shorthaul Railroad black and gold as well as Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia blue and silver.

A rebuild program commenced in the 1980s with the flat top T class units being converted into the P class diesel electrics. Those that were not rebuilt or preserved were scrapped. The preserved units remain today with preservation groups around the state.

The models featured are all Austrains models, which are the most superior plastic ready-to-run models of the T class available. Auscision, in conjunction with Austrains, has also released a special order of CFCLA and SSR members.

They feature a 5 pole skew wound motor driving all wheels and contain all wheel pickup. Scale handrails complement separate detail components such as mirrors, separate brake and air hoses, uncoupling rods, sanding gear, windscreen wipers, directional headlights, etched number boards and scale hood rails. The models also feature correct valance detail where appropriate.

Although they are supplied with plastic Kadee compatible couplers, these models have been fitted with the Kadee No. 58 scale coupler.

The lights are able to be turned off via a switch under the exhaust panel, for multi unit operation.