48 class
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Once the most ubiquitous locomotive in NSW, the 48 class locomotives were built by A.E Goodwin, based on ALco units. These locomotives were extremely popular, and were a common sight, with 165 locomotives being built, in four batches. The 48 class was used for branchline services. The South Australian Railways 830 class were of a very similar design.
The 48 class have an Alco 6-251B engine, have power of 780 kW / 1050 HP and have a maximum speed of 120km/h. They ride on standard gauge, have Co-Co axles, have a length of 14.76m, and weigh 75t.
The Mark 1 locmotives have already been withdrawn from service, with many being sold to Silverton and various other freight companies and preservation groups. It is expected that the current drought will see more of these locomotives withdrawn from service. Seven Mark 2 locomotives were rebuilt as the PL class. Preserved locomotives are:
- 4801 SRA Heritage Unit, Eveleigh
- 4803 Rail Transport Museum, Thirlmere
- 4805 SRA Heritage Unit, Eveleigh
- 4807 ARHS - Canberra Railway Museum (on loan from SRA)
- 4821 Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre
- 4822 Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum
The locomotives have been painted in various colour schemes. When they first entered service, they sported the traditional Tuscan livery. Some were later painted in the Reverse then SRA Candy scheme, and later the SRA "Red Terror" scheme. All locomotives that remained in service with FreightRail were painted in the "FreightRail Blue" scheme, and the livery remains on them today, with the ones still in service having Pacific National decals over the FreightRail/FreightCorp ones.
