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Withdrawn: 19 December 2013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.