<kuid:73150:7344> 7344 3801

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In 1969 the NSWGR was striving to eliminate the last pockets of steam in NSW depots and so was in the market for a light shunting locomotive. The diesel-hydraulic mechanism also appeared ideal to haul trains through light floodwaters where conventional diesel-electric locos could not. After noting the success of the diesel-hydraulic locomotives used by the Emu Bay and Queensland Railways, the NSWGR placed an order with Walkers Ltd of Maryborough Queensland for 30 units in October 1969.

Locomotive 7302 was the first of the class in service on October 20th 1970. Several teething problems were evident during early trials with the class with insufficient horsepower being predominant. Many trials and tests were conducted on the class until a final rating of 300 tons at 5.4mph was decided upon as satisfactory.

Later years saw the little locomotives struggle with increased freight tonnages at various depots, with the result that branch-line units were often used for shunting instead. The 73s returned to Sydney where they were often used in pairs for shunting work at the Port Botany container terminal. The class also saw work in the Newcastle area on trip-train duties, however ongoing reliability problems and the increased loads meant they were never really successful in their later years.

Today class leader 7301 survives as the Meeks Road XPT depot shunter, whilst 7333 and 7344 are in active service with 3801 Ltd on the Cockatoo run.


Company: New South Wales Government Railways
Model: 73 Class Bo-Bo
Year: 1970-73
Engine: Caterpillar D379 Series B
Engine BHP: 700hp
Power at Rail: 650hp
Max Speed: 64 kph (40 mph)
Length: 11.99m
Weight: 49.8 tonnes