BHP Port Kembla D9 class

BHP Port Kembla D9 class
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder English Electric, Rocklea Build date 1956-60 Total produced 13
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC B-B Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge Wheel diameter 3 ft 8 in (1,118 mm) Minimum curve 150 ft (45.72 m) Wheelbase 28 ft 3 in (8.61 m) total, 7 ft 3 in (2.210 m) bogie Length 38 ft 1 in (11.61 m) over couplers Width 9 ft 3 in (2,819 mm) Height 13 ft 10+1⁄2 in (4,229 mm) Axle load 15 long tons (15.2 t; 16.8 short tons) Loco weight 60 long tons (61.0 t; 67.2 short tons) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 500 imp gal (2,300 L; 600 US gal) Prime mover English Electric 6KT RPM range 330 - 680rpm Engine type four stroke, 6 Inline two valves per cylinder Aspiration Natural Traction motors Two EE506 Cylinders 6 Cylinder size 10 in × 12 in (254 mm × 305 mm) Loco brake Air Train brakes Air
Performance figures Maximum speed 17+1⁄2 mph (28.2 km/h) Power output 400 hp (300 kW) gross Tractive effort 17,800 lbf (79.2 kN) at 2.9 mph (0 km/h)
Career Operators Australian Iron & Steel Number in class 13 Numbers D9-D15, D20-D25 First run August 1956 Preserved D9, D11, D20, D21, D23, D25 Disposition 6 preserved, 7 scrapped

The D9 class were a class of diesel locomotives built by English Electric, Rocklea for Australian Iron & Steel's, Port Kembla steelworks between 1956 and 1960.

History

In the 1950s, Australian Iron & Steel commenced an extensive modernisation and expansion of its Port Kembla steelworks. To operate on the expanded 200 kilometre network, seven shunter locomotives were ordered from English Electric with the first entering service in September 1956. A further six were delivered in 1960. A distinct feature of the locomotives was a large cooling fan at the end of the hood.

A down turn in the early 1980s saw the class withdrawn, with D10 being hired to fellow BHP subsidiary Blue Circle Cement for use at Portland in 1982/83 and Berrima in 1986/87. In 1989 three locos, D21, D23 & D24 were overhauled & repainted in the Lysaghts yellow colour scheme to replace locomotives on the neighbouring John Lysaght plant.

Six have been preserved:

• D9 by the Lachlan Valley Railway, Cowra
• D11 by the Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum
• D20, D21 and D23 by the Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park & Railway
• D25 by the Canberra Railway Museum