UGL/GE AC Class

The AC class were the first C44aci-family locomotives for QR National's Western Australian operation. The Australian Railroad Group, by then a QR National subsidiary, ordered eight in July 2008 with options for 16 more, and they were delivered from UGL at Broadmeadow between August and September 2009. They're the Cv43aci model, the "v" denoting a variable power option that saves fuel when running in multiple with similar units, and they introduced updated electronic control and engine management systems. Entry into service was delayed by weight problems, which were solved by replacing the steel body side doors with lighter aluminium ones.

They were bought for the Koolyanobbing to Esperance iron ore trains, which they work in full fuel configuration at around 139 tonnes, and have since also been used on grain and other freight around Western Australia.

References

'UGL Rail C44aci', Wikipedia (accessed October 2026)
'AC Class', Railtram Australia (accessed October 2026)