Railway Digest Magazine August 2025 Back Issue

The Expansion of the CBH Grain Fleet
In 2012, CBH (originally Cooperative Bulk Handling, an organisation controlled by WA Grain Farmers) took over operation of grain trains within WA from Aurizon, the successor to the WA Government Railways. In 2012, CBH started out with quite a large and modern fleet of wagons, light weight and high capacity and a new fleet of locomotives to haul it. The current fleet expansion more than doubles the fleet obtained in 2012, with 24 new locomotives, 17 narrow gauge and 7 standard gauge, 200 standard gauge wagons and 450 narrow gauge wagons, as Peter Clark reports.

The new Forteque Zero/Downer Battery Locomotive
While not the first battery locomotive to be built for the Pilbara Iron Ore Railways, Fortescue’s locomotive 001 is the first to arrive, in this case to Port Hedland. The locomotive is a rebuild of a former BNSF GE Dash 9 locomotive, believed to be BNSF 4854. Peter Clark looks at this significant development in mainline motive power.

Closing the Chapter: Tangaras on the South Coast
The Tangara — a workhorse of Sydney’s railways and surrounds since 1988. Approaching four decades in service, they were a familiar sight on the South Coast line. However, in May this year, the final timetabled Tangara run on the line took place, closing a unique chapter in their operational history. David McCafferty and Griffin Bishop explore the detailed history of Tangara operations on the South Coast line, their significance, and what the future holds.

The “Unveiling” of the 94 class
On Thursday 26 June, UGL and Wabtec held a ceremony to reveal their C44ESACi locomotive, so far only sold to Pacific National as their 94 class. It appears that at least ten 94 class units are complete. 9402 and 9403 carried out some trials, running light engine between The Rock and Uranquinty last year, but none have operated trials with loaded trains yet. Peter Clark reports.