Restoration of former QR Diesel Electric Locomotive 1604

The Bellarine Railway Geelong Steam Preservation Society

The Blues Train at Suma Park - Feb 2013

The Bellarine Railway Geelong Steam Preservation Society

Built in 1962, 1604 was preserved after withdrawal from QR service by ARHS and resided at Rosewood Qld. The locomotive was acquired in a derelict state by The Bellarine Railway in 2011 and transported to our railway in October of that year.

The locomotive was progressively overhauled, tested and restored by our Diesel Team in 12 months. Work involved:• Full cosmetic overhaul including removal of much rust and 52 seamless patches welded into

the carbody, repainting and lining in QR colors.• Bogie examinations and minor repairs• Rebuilding of traction motor blower bellows• Examination of all air, brake and electrical systems; stripping cleaning and repairing as

required.• Repairs to No4 cylinder injectors and adjustments. Calibration of all injectors• Repairs to engine Woodward governor• Engine oil change and full lube replacement• Electrical systems tests and repairs. New batteries. • Repairs to voltage regulator and transition solenoids• Fitting of drivers cabside mirrors

A test run was successfully undertaken in August 2012 with a 550t trailing load as part of the accreditation process, & 1604 was accredited for operations on The Bellarine Railway in October 2012. Apart from a few minor shake down bugs, it has operated faultlessly since and is regular motive power for our signature operation The Legendary Blues Train.

The Bellarine Railway Geelong Steam Preservation Society

1604 in as-purchased condition prior to lifting at Rosewood

The Bellarine Railway Geelong Steam Preservation Society

En-route to Queenscliff on the Newell Highway at Goondiwindi.

First movement under its own power at Queenscliff November 2011. Battery power supplied by TGR diesel X3 – an historical first - TGR X class and QR 1600 together

The Bellarine Railway Geelong Steam Preservation Society

Heavy Rust in Cab

First test run

Primer

Final touch up

The Bellarine Railway Geelong Steam Preservation Society

SNAKES ON A TRAIN!

1604 was home to a family of Queensland Coastal Pythons! 4 in fact.

One was evicted from the cab at Rosewood, and three more, 2.5m long, were evicted at Queenscliff after scaring the daylights out of one of our fitters.

The loco is to be named “Monty”

The local snake catcher after spending three hours catching an elusive python, which was living in the main electrical cabinet.She survived, had babies and now lives happily at Australia Zoo in Qld

The Bellarine Railway Geelong Steam Preservation Society

The Bellarine Railway is home to three operational Australian first generation English Electric diesel electric locomotives. They were used in Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland. Our fleet create a lot of international interest. 1604 therefore takes its place proudly as a fully working example of these once common locomotives.