Clyde/GM Q/4000 Class

The ARG Q/4000 Class (originally Westrail Q Class) were introduced in 1997 to eventually replace the L/3100 Class. However they have ended up complementing them in service. The Q class were the 1st class in Australia to use the EMD 16-710G3B-ES engine producing a powerful 3800kW/4150HP.

Recently with the QRNational takeover, a new numbering scheme has been applied to the class to reflect horsepower (4000 Class).

The Q class are predominantly used west of Kalgoorlie, and rarely venture across the Nullabour.

Technical details

Model NumberGT46C
BuilderClyde Engineering, Bassendean/Somerton/Kelso
Locomotive NumbersQ301-319 (old numbering); Q4001-4019 (new numbering)
Number in Class19
Introduced1997
GaugeStandard Gauge (1,435mm or 4' 8½"
AxlesOº-Oº-Oº Oº-Oº-Oº
Co-Co
Length22m
Mass134t
EngineEMD 16-710G3B-ES
Generator/AlternatorEMD AR11
Traction MotorsEMD D87BTRL
Power3100kW / 4150HP
Starting Tractive Effort640kN @ 30% adhesion
Continuous Tractive Effort408kN @ 21km/h
Speed115km/h

Class roster

19 of 19 locomotives
Q301/Q400197-14549/1997--
Q302/Q400297-14559/1997--
Q303/Q400397-14569/1997--
Q304/Q400497-14579/1997--
Q305/Q400597-145810/1997--
Q306/Q400697-145910/1997--
Q307/Q400797-146010/1997--
Q308/Q400897-146110/1997--
Q309/Q400997-146210/1997--
Q310/Q401097-146311/1997--
Q311/Q401197-146412/1997--
Q312/Q401297-146512/1997--
Q313/Q401397-146612/1997--
Q314/Q401497-146712/1997--
Q315/Q401597-146812/1997--
Q316/Q401698-14785/1998--
Q317/Q401798-14796/1998--
Q318/Q401898-14806/1998--
Q319/Q401998-14816/1998--