CSR Ziyang SDA1


The CSR Ziyang SDA1 is a high-powered diesel-electric locomotive manufactured CSR Ziyang, China in association with MTU Friedrichshafen, for use in Australia.

History and design

In September 2010, CSR Ziyang won a 100 million yuan order to supply SCT Logistics with six locomotives for use on transcontinental trains in Australia. This was the first export of a Chinese-built locomotive to Australia. Four more locomotives were ordered in March 2011. The first locomotive was unveiled on 22 July 2011 at Ziyang.
Initial specifications for the locomotives were for a dual cab, Co-Co locomotive, with a mass of, powered by a MTU Friedrichshafen 20V4000R43L engine, with AC traction controlled by IGBT based converters, and a Wabtec braking system.
Testing started in early 2012, which included hauling a large iron ore train at up to between Port Augusta and Adelaide. The locomotives passed their introductory tests on 5 March 2012, allowing operations on mainline routes in Australia to commence. On 16 March 2012 two locomotives successfully hauled a train on a 1% grade, completing SCT's tests.
Bradken ordered two locomotives in December 2011 for haulage of iron ore. The order was later increased to four. After a period of storage at East Greta, they were then moved to Broadmeadow yard to be used on Qube Logistics container trains from Sandgate to Port Botany with the 1100s. Both were sold to SCT Logistics in January 2017.
Qube Logistics ordered six in January 2013 as the QBX class with all delivered in March 2015.
In October 2013, the entire fleet was withdrawn from service and quarantined, after white asbestos was found in the engine area. This is despite the locomotives being certified as asbestos free. By January 2014 remediation work had been carried out and most of the class was already back in service.

Summary