Queensland Railways 3300/3400 class
| Industry | Locomotive manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Kelso, Somerton , Australia |
| Products | 3300/3400 class electric locomotives |
The 3300/3400 class electric locomotives were manufactured by Clyde Engineering at their facilities located in Kelso and Somerton for use by Queensland Rail during the period of 1994 to 1995.
History
Clyde Engineering initially secured a contract to produce 13 units to meet operational demands following the commencement of the Ensham coal mine. This order was subsequently increased to a total of 22 locomotives. The design of the 3300/3400 class was developed as an advancement of the earlier 3100/3200 class. While construction started at the Kelso plant, limitations in production capacity necessitated that the final seven units be completed at the Somerton facility.
The inaugural locomotive was delivered in February 1994; however, problems with the cooling system postponed its entry into active service until October 1994. These locomotives were first assigned to operations on the Blackwater railway system, working alongside 3500/3600 class locomotives before being relocated in 1999 to Jilalan Depot in Mackay.
Equipped with Locotrol technology, all units allowed for remote operation of intermediate slave locomotives from lead command units. This capability resulted in two distinct subclasses: seven command units classified as 3300 class, which could lead trains, and fifteen slave units designated as 3400 class.