game changers
Found on trackwork during a weekend possession, these two loco types posing side by side is an uncommon sight. They also represent two significant locomotive classes that led to major change on their respective systems.
On the right is B61. The B class, introduced in 1952, was the first main line diesel on the Victorian broad gauge system, beginning dieselisation and the eventual demise of steam. The B class were also both the first GM-powered locos with tri-motor bogies (Co-Co) and the only locos with twin "bulldog" cabs worldwide. B61 was the second member of the B class and is 61 years old!
On the left is an 81 class. The 81 class was the first loco type in Australia fitted with electronic wheel-creep traction control (Superseries). Introduced on the NSW standard gauge system in 1982, they heralded a dramatic change in freight train operation in the state. This subsequently had an impact almost as big as the replacement of steam on the NSW network.
I tend to think of the 81 class as a modern loco, but the class is now 31 years old while 8171 is 28 years old. Still only half the age of the B class!
game changers
Found on trackwork during a weekend possession, these two loco types posing side by side is an uncommon sight. They also represent two significant locomotive classes that led to major change on their respective systems.
On the right is B61. The B class, introduced in 1952, was the first main line diesel on the Victorian broad gauge system, beginning dieselisation and the eventual demise of steam. The B class were also both the first GM-powered locos with tri-motor bogies (Co-Co) and the only locos with twin "bulldog" cabs worldwide. B61 was the second member of the B class and is 61 years old!
On the left is an 81 class. The 81 class was the first loco type in Australia fitted with electronic wheel-creep traction control (Superseries). Introduced on the NSW standard gauge system in 1982, they heralded a dramatic change in freight train operation in the state. This subsequently had an impact almost as big as the replacement of steam on the NSW network.
I tend to think of the 81 class as a modern loco, but the class is now 31 years old while 8171 is 28 years old. Still only half the age of the B class!