The D9 class were a class of diesel locomotives built by English Electric, Rocklea for Australian Iron & Steel's, Port Kembla steelworks between 1956 and 1960.

History

In the 1950s, Australian Iron & Steel commenced an extensive modernisation and expansion of its Port Kembla steelworks. To operate on the expanded 200 kilometre network, seven shunter locomotives were ordered from English Electric with the first entering service in September 1956. A further six were delivered in 1960. A distinct feature of the locomotives was a large cooling fan at the end of the hood.

BHP Port Kembla D9 class

A down turn in the early 1980s saw the class withdrawn, with D10 being hired to fellow BHP subsidiary Blue Circle Cement for use at Portland in 1982/83 and Berrima in 1986/87. In 1989 two were overhauled to replace locomotives on the neighbouring John Lysaght plant.

BHP Port Kembla D9 class

Six have been preserved: D9 by the Lachlan Valley Railway, Cowra D11 by the Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum D20, D21 and D23 by the Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park & Railway D25 by the Canberra Railway Museum

BHP Port Kembla D9 class

References

BHP Billiton diesel locomotives

Bo-Bo locomotives

English Electric locomotives

Diesel locomotives of New South Wales

Railway locomotives introduced in 1956

Standard gauge locomotives of Australia

Diesel-electric locomotives of Australia