BHP Newcastle 32 class

The BHP Newcastle 32 class were a class of diesel locomotives built by A Goninan & Co, Broadmeadow for the BHP, Newcastle steelworks between 1954 and 1956.

BHP Newcastle 32 class
34 at Richmond Vale Railway Museum
in September 2000
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderA Goninan & Co, Broadmeadow
ModelGeneral Electric 70 Ton switcher
Build date1954-56
Total produced5
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICBo-Bo
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Wheel diameter33 in (838 mm)
Minimum curve75 ft 0 in (22.86 m)
Length38 ft 10 in (11.84 m)
Width9 ft 9 in (2.97 m)
Height13 ft 11 in (4.24 m)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity400 imp gal (1,800 L; 480 US gal)
Lubricant cap.100 imp gal (450 L; 120 US gal)
Coolant cap.80 imp gal (360 L; 96 US gal)
Sandbox cap.12 cu ft (0.34 m3)
Prime moverCooper Bessemer FWL-6-T
RPM range350-1010
Engine type4 stroke diesel
AspirationTurbocharged
GeneratorGeneral Electric GT-571
Traction motors4 off General Electric GE-747
Cylinders6 in line
Cylinder size9 in × 10.5 in (230 mm × 270 mm)
bore x stroke
Loco brakeWestinghouse A7
Train brakesWestinghouse AH7
Performance figures
Power outputGross:
627 hp (470 kW),
For traction:
600 hp (450 kW)
Career
OperatorsBHP Newcastle Steelworks
Number in class5
Numbers32-36
Preserved32, 34
Disposition2 preserved, 3 scrapped

History

In 1954 BHP took delivery of three GE 70-ton switchers for use on its Newcastle steelworks network from A Goninan & Co, Broadmeadow with a further two delivered in 1956.[1]

There were several modifications form the standard US design. One is the alteration to the bogie pivot pin from the usual centre position to a point 18 inches (457 mm) towards the buffer beam. The alteration enabled the locos to travel the tight curves found in the works, and also reduced excessive buffer and coupler misalignment. Deep buffer beams were fitted with a 3 1⁄2-inch (89 mm) rail clearance, to minimise damage during derailments. To reduce excessive body roll due to poor track conditions, extra bearing pads were fitted to the outside of the bogie frame and the main frame. The fitting of large 64 cubic feet (1.8 m3) capacity air reservoirs on each side enabled the locos to be used with 6 of the pneumatic dump cars in use at the steelworks. Also as the standard US design did not have buffers fitted, the BHP locos were fitted with buffers with oversized buffer heads, necessary for the tight curves and BHP’s own internal rolling stock.

Class list
LocomotiveBuilder's NoEntered serviceWithdrawnNotes
321/S0001Jul 1954Aug 1986preserved on static display at the Richmond Vale Railway Museum
332/S0002Aug 1954Feb 1987-
343/S0003Dec 1954Jan 1990stored at the Richmond Vale Railway Museum
3510/S3006Dec 1956Aug 1988-
3611/S3007Dec 1956Jun 1985-
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gollark: It's historically important, at least.
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gollark: I assume they'll just extend the dam thing into a giant Netherlands-covering dome.

References
  1. Oberg, Leon (1984). Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 1980s. Frenchs Forest: Reed Books. p. 218. ISBN 0 730100 05 7.
  • Men, Steel and Rails by David Jehan 1999, Published by BHP ISBN 1-876634-09-X
  • Australian Diesel Scene 5 2002, Published by Eveleigh Press ISBN 1-876568-23-2
  • Specification sheet ex BHP Newcastle Steelworks diesel shop
  • Steel and Rails in Newcastle, by Keith McDonald 1981, Published by Light Railway Research Society of Australia ISBN 0-909340-15-3
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