47 class
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Starting off with a troublesome career, the 47 class locomotive were built by United Goninan Broadmeadow NSW in 1972. Twenty locomotives were built altogether, intended for use on branchline services. These units were praised for their fine riding qualities, but were notorious for their frequency in engine failures.
The 47 class have a Caterpillar 16-D399TA engine, generating 840 kW / 1125 HP of power. They run on standard gauge and have Co-Co axles, with a maximum speed of 113km/h. The class have a length of 15.26m and a mass of 82t.
In the first four years of service, already two units were scrapped, and the entire class were withdrawn in late 1990, after only 15 years of service. Lachlan Valley Railway were the only ones who bid for the locomotives at at their disposal, purchasing 4701, 4702, 4703, 4708, 4709, 4716, 4717 and 4719 for preservation and freight purposes. They solved the problem which contributed to the engine failures and now the 47 class remain a frequent sight in NSW. 4705 is on static display at the Rail Monument at Werris Creek NSW.
