QGR/Stephenson-Hawthorns/Walkers - DL Class

The DL class were the first Diesel powered locomotives in the state (not including railmotors). DL1 is the oldest, built in 1939 at the Ipswich Workshops.

The DLs were used exclusively in the Atherton Tablelands, due to the lightly laid rails. They were later used for shunting elsewhere in the state.

Its quite interesting to note that all four members of the class still exist to this day, with two in operating condition. DL1 is preserved with QR Heritage, DL2 is on display in its namesake town of Forsayth, DL3 is based at the ARHS-Qld Rosewood Railway where it is regularly used for shunting and last but not least DL4, which is still in service with QR on the Normanton - Croydon line.

Technical details

Model Number-
Number in ClassQR (DL1)
Stephensons-Hawthorns (DL2)
Walkers Ltd. (DL3-4)
GaugeNarrow Gauge (1,435mm or 4' 8½")
Axleso O-Oº-O
1-C
Length7.16m
Mass18t
EngineGardner 6L3
TransmissionWilson SCG R11A
Power112kW / 150HP
Starting Tractive Effort31kN @ 30% adhesion
Continuous Tractive Effort27kN @ 11km/h
Speed50km/h (31.2mph)

Preserved locomotives

Locomotive Owner Location
DL1QR Heritage DivisionThe Workshops Museum, Ipswich
DL2Community of ForsaythForsayth (static display)
DL3ARHS-QldRosewood Railway Museum

Named locomotives

Locomotive Name Comments
DL1ETHERIDGENamed after the region DLs worked through regularly on the Cairns-Forsayth Line
DL2FORSAYTHOne of the towns on the Cairns-Forsayth line that the DLs worked through regularly
DL3MT. SURPRISEOne of the towns on the Cairns-Forsayth line that the DLs worked through regularly
DL4ALMADENOne of the towns on the Cairns-Forsayth line that the DLs worked through regularly

Class roster

4 of 4 locomotives
DL1-6/11/193913/02/1989
DL27747/248114/05/195415/05/1989
DL357123/06/196118/01/1988
DL457230/06/1961