Westrail DB class

Westrail DB Class
DB1588 at Forrestfield Yard in April 1986.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Clyde Engineering, Rosewater Serial number 81-989 to 81-998 82-1122 to 82-1124 Model EMD G26CU-2 Build date 1982-1983 Total produced 13
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C  • UIC Co-Co Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Bogies Clyde Hi-Ad Wheel diameter 1,016 mm (40.0 in) Length 18.01 m (59 ft 1.06 in) Width 2.85 m (9 ft 4.20 in) Height 3.95 m (12 ft 11.51 in) Axle load 18 t (18 long tons; 20 short tons) Loco weight 110 t (110 long tons; 120 short tons) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 6,000 L (1,320 imp gal; 1,585 US gal) Lubricant cap. 757 L (167 imp gal; 200 US gal) Coolant cap. 795 L (175 imp gal; 210 US gal) Prime mover EMD 16-645E RPM range 255-900 Engine type Diesel Aspiration Roots Blown Alternator EMD AR6-G Traction motors EMD D29 (6 of) Cylinders V16 Train brakes Air & Vacuum
Performance figures Power output 1,715 kW (2,300 hp) Tractive effort 322 kN (72,000 lbf) (starting) 269 kN (60,000 lbf) (continuous)
Career Operators Aurizon, Watco Australia Number in class 13 Numbers DB1581–DB1593/ DBZ2301–DBZ2313 Locale Western Australia First run 27th April, 1982 Current owner Aurizon, Watco Australia Disposition 2 in service, 11 stored

The Westrail DB Class is a class of diesel-electric locomotives built by Clyde Engineering, Rosewater, for Westrail in 1982-1983.

In 1980, Westrail ordered ten DB Class locomotives from Clyde Engineering, Rosewater. Designated as the EMD G26CU-2, they were an evolution of the D and DA Classes. The original order was extended to thirteen in October 1980.^[1] The class were fitted with a full width cab, dual braking (air and vacuum) systems, a pressurised body to exclude dust and were the first Westrail locomotives to have air-conditioned cabs.^[2]

They were not owned by Westrail, but leverage leased from LVL Nominees, entering service between April 1982 and May 1983. All were named after cities and shires in South West Western Australia.^[3] Brass nameplates were originally fitted, but these were later replaced by painted names.^[2]

All were included in the sale of Westrail to Australian Railroad Group in December 2000, the State Government having bought out the leases shortly before. As part of a policy to drop letter classifications in favour of a numeric system based on horsepower, they became the 2300 Class. In May 2003, 2313 was transferred to Australian Southern Railroad's Whyalla operation, it returned in August 2006.^[1][2]

In June 2006, all were included in the sale of Australian Railroad Group's Western Australian operation to QR National. Between 2006 and 2012, all were equipped with ZTR engine control equipment. A change in policy saw letter classifications reintroduced, with the class again becoming the DB Class. Upon being fitted with ZTR equipment, they were reclassified as DBZs.^[1][2]

All remained in service at the beginning of 2013, however 12 months later this was down to five with the last two withdrawn in March 2014. By June 2014, seven had returned to service.^[2]

In December 2017, CBH Group purchased 10 units from Aurizon (DBZ2301-2308, 2312-2313) for use on their wheat train services, operated by Watco Australia at the time. These units were transferred to Beverley for further storage pending reactivation. By July 2019, three units, DBZ2301, 2302 and 2305, had entered service with their new owners.

In 2023, all CBH owned locomotives were stored pending shipping to South Africa before the sale fell through just two days before they were due to leave. One year later, Watco had purchased the units from CBH and have transferred them from Beverley to the Wheatbelt Heritage Rail Centre in Minnivale.^[4]

Media related to WAGR DB class at Wikimedia Commons

• Flickr gallery
• History of Western Australian Railways & Stations gallery