To complete its dieselisation program, in 1970 New South Wales Government Railways (NSWGR) placed orders with A. Goninan & Company for 20 branch line locomotives to be known as 47 Class. These 1000HP/746KW units, powered by Caterpillar D339TA V16 diesel engine and largely designed by Hitachi (who also supplied the electrical equipment for same), were intended to replace a small number of steam locomotives still in the Newcastle area, but instead they were initially based at Bathurst. Not long after they entered service early 1971, major teething problems were encountered, especially with overheating, and they spent more time awaiting repair than in service. Eventually they were moved back to Broadmeadow depot in Newcastle where, with tender care, they settled down to a more reliable life, but were always the first class to be stored when seasonal traffic slumps occurred. Known as ‘Cadillacs’, they were loved by train drivers because of their smooth riding qualities but hated by maintenance personnel. Despite being the newest branchliners, they were of course the first class to be disposed of as branch line traffic diminished and heavier and more powerful newer motive power arrived. Lachlan Valley Railway historical society (LVR) purchased 6 of them (01, 02, 03, 07, 08, 16) and leased them to their commercial arm, Lachlan Valley Rail Freight (LVRF), who later purchased 4717. 4705 is on static display at Werris Creek, 4706 rests at the Dorrigo Railway Museum while 4719 (with the use of an additional cab from scrapped 4715) was converted to be the dynamometer car HTV2000, now also owned by Lachlan Valley. The remainder met up with the cutting torch. In this presentation we will have a detailed look at the inside and outside of the 47 Class and view it in service with LFRF and Independent Rail. Approximate run time: 90 minutes.
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