BHP Whyalla DH class

The BHP Whyalla DH class were a class of diesel locomotives built by Walkers Limited, Maryborough for the BHP's Whyalla Steelworks between 1962 and 1968.

BHP Whyalla DH class
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-hyrdauliic
BuilderWalkers Limited, Maryborough
Build date1962-1968
Total produced6
Specifications
Configuration:
  UICBo-Bo
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in) standard gauge
Fuel typeDiesel
Prime moverCummins NRTO.6BI
Performance figures
Tractive effort427 kW (573 hp)
Career
OperatorsBHP
Number in class6
NumbersDH1-DH6
LocaleWhyalla Steelworks
First runApril 1962
Disposition6 scrapped

History

In 1962 three locomotives were purchased by BHP for use at its new Whyalla Steelworks. Initially used on construction trains until the facility opened in 1964. A further two were delivered in 1965. All were built for use on the standard gauge. In March 1968 a sixth was purchased for use on the narrow gauge line between Hummock Hill and the blast furnaces.[1]

All six members of this class have been scrapped with DH1 being the last to be scrapped, having been transferred to Australian Southern Railroad when it took over OneSteel's rail operations in 2000.[2]

NumberSerial NumberInto ServiceWithdrawnScrapped
DH1573Apr 1962-2004
DH2574Apr 1962-Feb 1994
DH3575May 1962-Oct 1997
DH4579Aug 1965-Sep 1997
DH5580Sep 1965-Sep 1997
DH6582Mar 1968-Sep 1997

Further reading

  • Men Steel and Rail by David Jehan Published by BHP 1999

References

  1. Oberg, Leon (1984). Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 1980s. Frenchs Forest: Reed Books. pp. 242–243. ISBN 0 730100 05 7.
  2. BHP / Onesteel / Arrium Whyalla Diesel Locomotives www.minnipasiding.com.au
  • BHP Tramways Centenary History David Griffiths Mile End Railway Museum
  • BHP Locomotives David Griffiths Railmac Publications
  • Locomotives of Australia By Leon Oberg
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