RT Class | Railways and Tramways of Australia

RT Class

Anchor 1

Rail tractor RT17, Healesville, Victoria, 24 January 2009.

Road numbers:

LT4, LT50, RT11, RT18–20, RT28–9, RT37, RT43, RT46, RT48, RT52

Operator:

GrainCorp (RT46); Pacific National (RT11, RT18–20, RT29, RT43, RT48, RT52); Southern Shorthaul Railroad (LT4, LT50, RT37); UGL Rail (RT28)

Gauge:

1435 mm; 1600 mm

Year of entry into service:

1932

Number built:

Model:

Unknown

Manufacturer:

Victorian Railways

Manufacturing location:

Newport, Vic.

Engine:

Fordson

Traction power:

30 kW (RT2–18); 39 kW (RT19–52)

Wheel arrangement:

A-A

Weight:

9.9 t (RT2–18); 10.4 t (RT19–52)

Length:

6.3 m (RT2–18); 6.5 m (RT19–52)

The RT Class are small rail tractors that were introduced by the Victorian Railways. With a low power output, they were designed to provide limited shunting assistance at station yards throughout Victoria. Although the first unit commenced operations in 1932, subsequent rail tractors were not built until 1957. There were several variations in their engine type and other features. Declining needs for shunting engines led to most being withdrawn from service. LT4 was originally built for the Portland Harbour Trust and is a different design; it was classified as RT54 when it came into V/Line ownership in 1994. LT50 was originally RT50.