V/Line N class

Infobox Locomotive
name = V/Line N Class (Order 1) and A Class contract revision (Order 2)cite book
author = Railmac Publications
title = Australian Fleetbooks: V/Line locomotives
publisher = Kitchner Press
year = 1992
isbn = 0 949817 76 7 ]
buildmodel = JT22HC-2

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|thumb|250px
caption = N class locomotive N469 at Southern Cross Station.
powertype = Diesel Electric
builder = Clyde Engineering
Somerton, Victoria.
length = 18.87 m
weight = 123.00 t
whytetype = Co-Co
enginetype = Order 1: EMD 12-645E3C
Order 2: EMD 12-645E3B
generator = EMD AR10-JJD-D18 Some units converted to AR10-CA5
tractionmotors = EMD D43 Some units converted to D77
topspeed = 120 km/h
poweroutput = 1,680 kW (2,500 hp)
numinclass = 10 (Order 1) 15 (Order 2)
roadnumber = N451 - N460 (Order 1) N461 - N475 (Order 2)
firstrundate = 1985
builddate=1984 - 1987
totalproduction=25
gauge=Broad (1600 mm, 5 ft 3 in)
tractiveeffort=Starting: 289 kN
Continuous: 260 kN at 21 km/h
railroad=1985 -
railroadclass=N
numinclass=25
locale=Victorian passenger network
deliverydate=1985
currentowner=V/Line Passenger Pty Ltd

The N Class are a diesel locomotive operated by V/Line from 1985. They have formed the core of Victoria's passenger fleet since introduction, and are seen throughout the state. The N Class are numbered N451 to N475, and all have been named after cities in Victoria. All N Classes are currently in service. Fitted with 6800 litre fuel tanks the class are capable of running from Melbourne to Adelaide without refuelling. because they were occasionally used on The Overland.

Originally, 10 N class locomotives were ordered, and all the B classes were to be re-built into the A class. [http://www.victorianrailways.net/motive%20power/ndie.html victorianrailways.net - N class information] ] This did not occur, so an additional 15 N classes were ordered using the parts intended for the A class conversions. The class are fitted with a separate engine for the head end power supply, used for lighting and air conditioning on passenger trains.

The N class originally appeared in the V/Line orange and grey livery, being repainted into the current red and blue livery from 1995. On March 3, 1987 locomotive N470 was returned to the Somerton factory for a ceremony, where brass plaques were affixed at both ends under the builder's plates, reading "N470 completing one million horsepower of diesel-electric locomotives built in Australia by Clyde Engineering Co". [cite journal | year = 1987 | month = June | title = Rollingstock | journal = Newsrail | publisher = Australian Railway Historical Society (Victorian Division) | pages = page 181 ]

As of 2007, some N Class members have received white stripes along the cabfronts, and cowcatches painted yellow to increase visibility at level crossings. In May 2008 N468 was repainted into the new V/Line livery of red with grey, white and yellow details. As of September 2008, N460 has also been painted into the new livery.

Locomotives

References

* [http://www.series567railvideo.com.au/victorian_n_class.htm http://www.series567railvideo.com.au/ - The Victorian N Class]
* [http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=locomotives&operator=V/Line%20Passenger Vicsig - V/Line Passenger Fleet]