46 class
The 46 class electric locomotive was introduced into the NSW Rail System under New South Wales Government Railways. Metropolitan-Vickers obtained the contract to build 40 of these locomotives.
Introduced in 1956, these electric locomotives spent their life hauling coal, freight and passenger carriages under the wires. Although the electrified network was small, they had their uses, especially for hauling the Indian Pacific from Sydney (NSW) to Lithgow (NSW). The 46 class locomotives were often seen double or tripple heading coal and freight services.
The electric locmotives were of standard type (1500V DC), operated on standard gauge, have Co-Co axles, a mass of 110t and a length of 16.44 m. The electrical equipment was supplied by Beyer-Peacock, developing 2535kW (3400HP), and had a maximum speed of 115km/h.
These older locomotives were scrapped in favour of using more modern locomotives such as the 85 class and 86 class.
4620 was scrapped in the tragic Granville railway disaster, which claimed 88 lives.
The locomotives which are preserved:
- 4601 Rail Transport Museum, Valley Heights
- 4602 Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum
- 4615 Sydney Electric Train Society
- 4617 Privately owned, Junee (cab only)
- 4627 Hunter Valley Railway Trust
- 4638 Rail Transport Museum, Thirlmere
The remaining have all been scrapped.
