{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}} {{Infobox locomotive | name = VL class | image = VL357 at Morrabbin Station.jpg | caption = VL357 at Moorabbin | powertype = Diesel-electric | builder = Avteq | buildmodel = EMD GT26C | builddate = 2007 - 2009 | totalproduction = 12 | Britishclass = Co-Co | gauge = {{track gauge|1435mm}}<br>{{track gauge|1600mm}} | locoweight = 130.0 tonnes<ref>{{cite web | title=VL Class - Rail First | url=https://railfirst.com.au/portfolio-item/vl-class/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514025229/https://railfirst.com.au/portfolio-item/vl-class/ | archive-date=14 May 2025 }}</ref> | fuelcap = 9,200 litres ((4,200 litres on Broad Gauge)) | primemover = EMD 16-645E3B | alternator = AR10A4 | tractionmotors = D78 | cylindercount = V16 | trainbrakes = Air | maxspeed = 115 km/h | poweroutput = {{convert|2237|kW|hp|abbr=on}} | operator = Rail First Asset Management | numinclass = 12 | fleetnumbers = VL351-VL362 | deliverydate = 2007 | firstrundate = 2007 | lastrundate = 2009 | currentowner = Rail First Asset Management | disposition = 12 in service }}
The '''VL class''' is a class of diesel locomotives built by Avteq at a factory in Sunshine, Melbourne for Railfirst Asset Management between 2007 and 2009.<ref>VL351 ''Catch Point'' issue 178 March 2007 page 16</ref> Built on the EMD GT26 platform, the class was an evolution of the Freight Australia XR class.<ref>The Allco / CFCLA Joint Venture VL Class ''Railway Digest'' April 2007 page 7</ref><ref>New Locomotive ''Newsrail'' May 2007 page 156</ref>
They have been hired to a variety of operators and have operated in all mainline states. Most entered service on lease to FreightLink hauling iron ore trains from Pine Creek to Darwin.<ref>Resumption of Frances Creek iron ore trains ''Railway Digest'' September 2007 page 16</ref> As at 2010, some remained on hire to FreightLink while others were engaged in hauling grain trains in other states. All are named after Australian racehorses.<ref>{{cite book|last=Oberg|first=Leon|title=Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 2010|date=2010|publisher=Rosenberg Publishing|isbn=9781921719011|pages=438/439}}</ref>
As at February 2022, nine of the 12 were being used by Qube.<ref>Qube takes over hauling Victorian steel trains ''The Railway Magazine'' issue 1452 March 2022 page 85</ref> As at September 2023, five are operating on the broad gauge with the Numbers 351, 353, 356, 357 & 360. The other seven on standard gauge have the Numbers 352, 354, 355, 358, 359, 361 & 362 .<ref> Australia Wide Fleet List ''Motive Power'' issue 144 November 2022 page 72</ref>
Avteq itself was founded in 2002 by Jed Macartney and Rob Powell as an aviation consulting business. In 2005, they diversified into locomotive manufacturing, building the VL class.<ref>Avteq: Who in the world are they? ''Motive Power'' issue 49 December 2006 pages 56/57</ref><ref>The Allco / CFCLA Joint Venture VL Class ''Railway Digest'' April 2007 page 7</ref><ref>New Locomotive ''Newsrail'' May 2007 page 156</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Oberg|first=Leon|title=Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 2010|date=2010|publisher=Rosenberg Publishing|isbn=9781921719011|page=438}}</ref> They designed a second locomotive class, but none were ever manufactured.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101113082510/http://avteq.net.au/products.html Avteq Products] Avteq</ref> The company was deregistered in 2013.<ref>[https://connectonline.asic.gov.au/RegistrySearch/faces/landing/panelSearch.jspx?searchText=101781257&searchType=OrgAndBusNm&_adf.ctrl-state=rco8hps06_15 Avteq Pty Ltd] Australian Securities & Investments Commission</ref> Southern Shorthaul Railroad would build two BRM class locomotives to the design in 2013.
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:Co-Co locomotives Category:Diesel–electric locomotives of Australia Category:Electro-Motive Diesel locomotives Category:Standard-gauge locomotives of Australia Category:Broad gauge locomotives in Australia Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 2007