<kuid:60723:1292> NSW SRA 35 Class

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In 1984 the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees (AFULE) placed a ban on the 45 Class as a leading unit due to poor cab conditions for crews. This left the 45 Class as a trailing units, displacing them from many of their previous roles and limiting their usefuless.

In 1988 Cardiff Workshops refitted the cab of 4527 to make it suitable to be a leading unit, which would lead to a 'new' class of locomotive - the 35 Class. In all, six 45 Class locomotives would become 35 Class locos: 3505, 3507, 3513, 3518, 3527 and 3532.

Apart from the very visible 'Marlboro' livery, most modifications were within the cab, which included improved cab heating and sealing, aluminium window frames and tinted glass, more comfortable seating and improved sound proofing. The No.2 end control stand was also removed from the cab, replaced with a fold out table and lamp for the fireman.

When released in October 1988, 4527 retained its' original number. 4507 was renumbered 45107 so the traffic branch could identify the locos for rostering. Soon after, 4527 became 45127, and both locos soon were relocated for banking duties at Ardglen. The 451 Class was short lived however, as in April 1989 the decision was made to renumber the modified locos as the 35 Class. The modification program was completed by November 1990.

Following approval from crews and the AFULE, the six units recommenced normal duties, mainly on the North Coast Line and banking at Ardglen (a duty they did for five years), but were seen on occasion on the west and south lines. Following the 'Booz-Allen' report in 1989, 3513, 3518 and 3527 were relocated to Werris Creek for banking duties and 3505, 3507 and 3532 sent to Yeerongpilly for shunting. 3507 would be free from this role however and returned to normal duties on the North Coast, Northern and coal lines.

In 1994, following the failure of 3507 and the delivery of the 82 and 90 Class, the 35s were gradually placed into storage. The last 35/45 to be stored was 3505 in September 1994, ending a 32 year era of the 45 Class loco in NSW government service.

Model - Alco World DL541 (35 Class, modified from 45 Class)
Year - 1962/1988
Engine - Alco 251C
Power - 1340kw/1800hp
Continuous Tractive Effort - 302.46 kN
Length - 17.88m
Weight - 112 tonnes
Axles - Co-Co
Max Load and Speed on 1:40 - 650 tonnes at 17.7km/h