Locomotive 517

Genesee and Wyoming Australia

Broad Gauge

 

Class operators: South Australian Railways/Australian National Railways/Genesee and Wyoming Australia

Bogie centres: 6.25

Built by: SAR Islington Railway Workshops

Condition: Good

Cylinders: 4 in line

Designer: SAR Islington

Engine type: English Electric Model 4 SRKT

Entered service: 23.02.1967

Entered the museum: 2013

Fuel capacity: 3180 Litres

Gear Ratio: 72:15

Height: 3.98 meters

Class Builders: SAR Islington Railway Workshops

Horsepower: 500hp

Length (over coupling points): 12.6 meters

Maximum Axle Load: 14.2t

Maximum Speed: 64 kmph

Model: 500 Class

Number in class: 34

Number series: 500 - 533

Ownership: Port Dock Station Railway Trust

Provenance: Genesee and Wyoming Australia

Total Weight: 56.8t

Traction Motors: 4

Tractive Effort (continuous): 133 kn at 6 km /h

Tractive Effort (starting): 139 kn

Wheel Arrangement: Bo-Bo

Width: 2.84 meters

Condemmed: 19 December 2013

Withdrawn: 19 December 2013

Mileage: 203,312 KM

 

The 500-class locomotives became the South Australian Railways shunting locomotives. Thirty-four were built at the Islington Workshops between 1964 and 1969 using English Electric engines and electrical components, and could be found working over virtually all of the broad and standard gauge systems.

Rated at 500 horsepower they proved ideal for use at smaller depots and over the lighter plant found on many branch lines. As their allocation to various depots proceeded they displaced more and more of the older steam locomotives, particularly the F and Rx classes, resulting in their removal from the SAR roster.

The 500s were quite distinctive machines, their most outstanding features being their roof-mounted bells and distinctive cabs, reminiscent of those on some steam locomotives.

Locomotive 517 was donated to the Museum by Genesee & Wyoming Australia in 2013, and will take over the role as broad gauge shunter at the Museum.

Visit the NRM

76 Lipson Street
Port Adelaide
South Australia  5015
Australia
Open Daily / 10am – 4:30pm

Adult

$17

Concession

$10

Child
5-15 yrs & with an adult

$7

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2 adults & up to 3 children

$40

  • Prices may vary for special events
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  • Closed Christmas Day

Phone: 8341 1690

The National Railway Museum acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional owners and custodians of the Adelaide Plains. We honour and respect their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country. We aim to respect the cultural heritage, customs and beliefs of all Indigenous people.

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