New South Wales 45 (later 71) class locomotive

New South Wales 4501 (later 7100)
Prototype electric locomotive 7100 pauses at Berowra for a photo-stop on an ARHS tour to the Hunter Valley on 17 June 1962.
Power type	Electric
Builder	NSWGR Chullora Workshops
Build date	1952
Total produced	1
UIC classification	Co+Co
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	48 in (1,219 mm)
Wheelbase	41 ft (12 m)
Length	Over headstocks: 52 ft 2 in (15.90 m), Over coupler pulling faces: 55 ft 4 in (16.87 m)
Width	9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Height	Over stowed pantograph: 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m)
Axle load	18 tons 0 cwt (40,300 lb or 18.3 t)
Locomotive weight	108 tons 0 cwt (241,900 lb or 109.7 t)
Sandbox capacity	17.6 cu ft (0.50 m3)
Electric system	1500 V DC
Current collection method	Overhead, two pantographs
Traction motors	MV 179 (6 off)
Top speed	70 mph (113 km/h)
Power output	One hour: 2,700 hp (2,013 kW)
Tractive effort	Continuous: 28,000 lbf (124.55 kN)
Career	New South Wales Government Railways
Number	4501, 7100 from October 1961
First run	21 July 1952
Withdrawn	June 1974
Disposition	Preserved, New South Wales Rail Transport Museum

The New South Wales 45 class was a class of mainline electric locomotive introduced on to the NSW rail system in 1952 by the New South Wales Government Railways. With only a single locomotive in the class, it was later renumbered as the 71 class and the number group was reused for a class of diesel-electric locomotives in 1962.

Construction

The sole member of this class was designed by the New South Wales Government Railways and was built at their Chullora Workshops using components supplied by Commonwealth Engineering. It was completed in June, 1952 and bore the initial classification number 4501.^[1]

Operation

4501 has a one-hour power rating of 2,700 horsepower (2,000 kW) with a total weight of 108 long tons (110 t). Its maximum speed is 70 miles per hour (110 km/h)

It has a driving compartment at each end of its very box-shaped body. Its colour scheme being bottle green, with chrome lining, it became affectionately known as the Green Beetle.

Its purpose was to provide the necessary experience of operating powerful electric locomotives prior to the arrival of the 46-class locomotives which had been ordered from England for use on the electrified line to Lithgow. Once the electrification project had reached Penrith in October, 1955, 4501 had its first opportunity to haul passenger trains. Six months later, when the first 46-class arrived, the locomotive became a regular assistant locomotive for steam powered trains between North Strathfield and Hornsby.

In 1957, it was transferred to the Flemington Electric Train sheds where it was employed as a shunter. This location, at that period, was the service centre for the locomotive hauled air-conditioned trains.

In October, 1961, it was re-numbered 7100, releasing the 45-series for a class of diesel locomotives.

It received a major overhaul in 1968 when several tonnes of additional ballast was added. Main-line safeworking equipment was provided to allow its use on heavy coal trains over the newly opened route from Glenlee, south of Campbelltown, to Rozelle.

Demise

Failures dogged the veteran locomotive and it was decided to condemn it in June 1974. Following an extended period of storage, it was placed with the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum.^[2]

7100 at the NSW Rail Transport Museum in 2001

References

1. ^ A Century Plus of Locomotives. Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division. 1965. 
2. ^ Oberg, Leon. Locomotives of Australia. Rosenberg Publishing Pty. Ltd.. ISBN 9781877058547. 

• New South Wales Rail System Locomotives. Sydney: Archives Section, State Rail Authority of New South Wales. 1984.