ALCo DL531

The ALCo DL531 was once a common sight on Australia's railways, designed to improve on steam hauled mixed and goods services over light plant branch lines. Built by Goodwin under license from ALCo, the DL531 with it's unrestricting axle load of 11.9t proved to be a successful and versatile unit.

The New South Wales Government Railways took delivery of 165 of these units between 1959 and 1970, over 100 of which can still be seen raising plumes of thick black smoke in true ALCo fashion all over NSW.

The South Australian Railways took delivery of 45 units, making them the most numerous class in the state. The SAR "830" class was unique in that it was the only type of locomotive in Australia, and possibly the world, to be operated over three gauges on one system.

The amalgamation of the Commonwealth, and Australian National Railways in the late 70's brought a surplus of narrow gauge power to the Northern division, and between 1980-86, 20 of the class were transferred to Tasmania.

Private Operator - Silverton Tramways (now Silverton) have taken posession of several units from SA (AN) NSW (SRA) and Tas. (TASRAIL/AN) Several of the NSW units are now in the hands of preservation societies.

Resources

General Data
Dimensions
Images
3D Model

48 class roster - Railpage/Locopage by John Cleverdon
830 class roster - Railpage/Locopage by John Cleverdon
Silverton roster - Railpage/Locopage by John Cleverdon