<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> Pacific National has announced the arrival of five new 88 class locomotives from a Chinese provider, for use in its Queensland coal operations. </span> <p>Designed, built and commissioned by CSR Qishuyan in Changzhou, China, the new 88 class locomotive has been purpose-built to meet the operational requirements of the Queensland heavy haul rail market, Pacific National owner Asciano said.</p><p>The 88’s  frame and bodywork was built in Changzhou, China, Asciano said, “with the new prototypes utilising proven equipment from industry recognised and approved suppliers.”</p><p>Designed to meet Australian and international standards, key features of the 88 class locomotive include:</p><ul><li>MTU turbocharged diesel engine with fuel saving features and EU Stage IIIA emissions compliance</li><li>ABB traction alternator and AC traction control system including self-load and dynamic brake</li><li>ABB solid state auxiliary power supplies</li><li>Voith cooling system</li><li>Knorr Bremmse (NYAB) electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake and distributed power (WDP)</li><li>Faiveley electrically driven air compressors</li><li>Selectron locomotive control system</li><li>CSR steering bogie</li><li>Simico Queensland Train Radio and PN PACE-R communications equipment</li><li>Wabtec event recorder and forward facing video recording</li><li>Wabtec on-board waste treatment system</li></ul><p>Pacific National employees in Gracemere, Queensland were consulted on the cabin design to ensure the new locomotives meet the functional requirements of Australian operations, the company added.</p><p>The five new locomotives left Shanghai in February and arrived in Gladstone Port, Queensland at the beginning of March 2014.</p><p>Having successfully cleared customs and quarantine, and having gained interim registration from Queensland track owners, the locos have now been relocated to Pacific National’s maintenance facilities and are currently undergoing a rigorous test program to assure their performance, reliability and safety, the company said.</p><p>“The procurement model for the new 88 class locomotive has achieved a cost effective solution that will help drive a more efficient haulage operation for Pacific National in Queensland now and into the future,” Pacific National’s Queensland general manager Paul Griffin said.</p>
