<kuid2:73150:100725:2> NSWGR 7100 Class Tuscan

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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.

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.

Failures dogged the veteran locomotive and it was decided to condemn it in June 1974.