Freight Australia XR class

The XR class are a class of diesel locomotives built by Freight Australia and Pacific National at South Dynon Locomotive Depot.

History
Between 2002 and 2004, Freight Australia rebuilt six X class locomotives with engines cascaded from G class locomotives, larger radiators, and a new cab to provide better driver visibility. The first six (XR550 - XR555) were converted from X38, X35, X40, X33, X34 and X32 respectively. A seventh (XR556) was planned to be converted from X36 but never eventuated.

A further three (XR557 - XR559) were built in 2004/05 by Freight Australia's successor, Pacific National, as new-builds.

In 2020, several were placed in storage due to a poor grain harvest. As at October 2022, all nine were active, seven on the broad gauge and two (XR558 and XR559) on standard gauge. As of November 2023 all are on BG except XR557 & XR559

The class are mechanically similar to the later XRB class B units.