VL class

VL class
VL357 at Moorabbin
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Avteq Model EMD GT26C Build date 2007 - 2009 Total produced 12
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Commonwealth Co-Co Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) Loco weight 130.0 tonnes Fuel capacity 9,200 litres ((4,200 litres on Broad Gauge)) Prime mover EMD 16-645E3B Alternator AR10A4 Traction motors D78 Cylinders V16 Train brakes Air
Performance figures Maximum speed 115 km/h Power output 2,237 kW (3,000 hp)
Career Operators Rail First Asset Management Number in class 12 Numbers VL351-VL362 Delivered 2007 First run 2007 Last run 2009 Current owner Rail First Asset Management Disposition 12 in service

The VL class is a class of diesel locomotives built by Avteq at a factory in Sunshine, Melbourne for Rail First Asset Management between 2007 and 2009. Built on the EMD GT26 platform, the class was an evolution of the Freight Australia XR class.

They have been hired to a variety of operators and have operated in all mainline states. Most entered service on lease to FreightLink hauling iron ore trains from Pine Creek to Darwin. As at 2010, some remained on hire to FreightLink while others were engaged in hauling grain trains in other states. All are named after Australian racehorses.

As at February 2022, 9 of the 12 were being used by Qube. As at September 2023, 4 are operating on the broad gauge with the Numbers 351, 353, 356 & 357. The other 8 on standard gauge have the Numbers 352, 354, 355, 358, 359, 360, 361 & 362.

Avteq itself was founded in 2002 by Jed Macartney and Rob Powell as an aviation consulting business. In 2005, they diversified into locomotive manufacturing, building the VL class. They designed a second locomotive class, but none were ever manufactured. The company was deregistered in 2013. Southern Shorthaul Railroad would build 2 BRM class locomotives to the design in 2013.

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