Watco Australia WRA Class

Watco Australia WRA Class
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder National Railway Equipment Company Model NREC E2250CC
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR C-C  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Axle load 15,750 kg (34,720 lb) Loco weight 94,500 kg (208,300 lb) Prime mover EMD 12-645E3B Engine type V12 Diesel engine Alternator EMD AR10/D14 Traction motors GE761
Performance figures Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) Power output 2,250 hp (1,680 kW) Tractive effort 250 kN (56,000 lbf)
Career Operators Watco Australia Number in class 8 Numbers WRA001–WRA008

The Watco Australia WRA Class is an Australian diesel-electric locomotive, built by the National Railway Equipment Company in the United States for use on Watco Australia's services in Queensland.

History

In 2018, Watco Australia announced the order of 8 of the WRA Class locomotives for use on the Queensland Rail network. They are equipped with a V12 diesel prime mover, rated at 1.6MW. The locomotive is similar in specification to local units, such as the 2300 class.^[1] They have been modified to work in multi with Watco's other motive power.

Accident

On 23 May 2024,^[2] WRA 008 and 005 were involved in a derailment at Gooray Road Level Crossing, approximately 41 kilometres west of Goondiwindi on the South Western Line. These two locomotives were on grain train 6839 bound for the Port of Brisbane.^[3]

At 1:25 pm, the train collided with a truck carrying a bobcat loader, causing both locomotives and the first 14 wagons to derail. The train crew and truck driver escaped serious injury. WRA 008 and 005 remain out of service, as 008 was cut up on site for transport, and 005 was damaged beyond repair.^[3]

Delivery to Australia

On 16 August 2019, Watco Australia announced that the first two units were being delivered to Australia.^[4] WRA001 and 002 arrived at The Port of Brisbane on the vessel Tarago on 9 October 2019 and were transferred to Warwick behind QR locomotive 1724. The company began grain and cattle operations with the locos in 2020 after certification and testing.

References

1. "Specifications revealed for Watco Australia locomotives". International Railway Journal. 27 November 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
2. "Level crossing collision between freight train 6839 and truck" (PDF). Australian Transport Safety Bureau. Australian Transport Safety Bureau. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
3. "Collision between freight train 6839 and truck". www.atsb.gov.au. Australian Transport Safety Bureau. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
4. The Dispatch July 2019 - Watco Companies. Watco Australia. 2019.

External links

• "Watco loco transfer". YouTube (Video 4 mins 55 secs). 27 December 2019.