V/Line RTL class

RTL class

Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Western Star Trucks Serial number 2WLPCCCJ9TK941796 Build date 1995 Total produced 1

Specifications Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) Length 11.23 metres Loco weight 25.4 tonnes Fuel type Diesel

Career Operators V/Line Freight Freight Australia Numbers RTL1 Current owner Just Track

The V/Line RTL class is a road-rail locomotive, capable of operating on both road and rail. It was basically a truck with retractable rail wheels. Built by Western Star Trucks in the United States, the rail equipment was provided by Brandt Industries of Canada.

It was to be the first of three for V/Line Freight, but the other two were never completed. It was purchased for short-haul duties on grain lines. It began tests in January 1996 on the Dookie and Cobram lines. In 1999/2000 it was used to haul log trains between Bairnsdale and Sale on the Gippsland line. Numbered RTL1, it was registered MVO782. It was included in the sale of V/Line Freight to Freight Australia receiving a custom plate of MVORTL. It was included in the sale of Freight Australia to Pacific National.

After being stored at South Dynon Locomotive Depot for a number of years it was sold in 2011 to Just Track. It was used during the 2012 upgrade of the Gawler Central railway line in Adelaide. In 2015, it was used to haul wagon flats on the Southern Sydney Freight Line between Enfield and Leightonfield.

Locomotives

Locomotive	Entered service	Withdrawn	Owner	Status
RTL1	January 1996		Just Track	In Service

References

• Peter J. Vincent: RTL class
• Vicsig RTL class
• Railpage Australia forum thread with sightings
• Weston Langford gallery