Another major milestone in the revitalisation of the Tasmanian rail network was realised today with the safe arrival of the first two of TasRail’s 17 new PR class locomotives from Progress Rail in the United States.
TasRail CEO Damien White stated the new locomotives would allow for significant efficiency gains across the network, primarily in the areas of fuel usage, haulage capacity along with lower maintenance costs and increased environmental benefits.
“This really is a red-letter day for TasRail, and marks the culmination of two years of hard work across the organisation from when we signed the contract of supply with Downer EDI and Progress Rail back in December 2011.” He said.
Once the locomotives have landed, the next phase of the project will see the new assets moved to TasRail’s East Tamar Junction workshops. The locomotives, which arrive completely wrapped in plastic, will have to be unwrapped ahead of a two-month acceptance, testing and commissioning process.
Mr White said interest in the new locomotives and other new TasRail assets such as the Tamper and Ballast Regulator was strong in the Tasmanian community and beyond.
“While I understand there’s a significant amount of curiosity around the arrivals, I ask the public, rail enthusiasts and the media to be patient during the commissioning process as TasRail will be making the new locomotives publicly available for viewing at multiple locations across Tasmania early in the new year.
“The desire for information and access must be appropriately balanced against TasRail’s safety first culture and the significant potential safety issues around the unloading and transportation of the locomotives.”
During the period public access is not available, TasRail will releasing a selection of materials such as images and video footage of the new assets for publication.
TasRail will be hosting Tasmanian Premier the Hon. Lara Giddings MHA and the media once initial testing is completed on the 29th of November to formally launch the new locomotives.
Polly McGee Corporate Relations Manager www.tasrail.com.au
