8169 & 8236 Goobang Jnc East NSW. Sun 29th June 2025

A very brisk winters morning has 8169 & 8236 diverting across to the Inland Rail branch with an empty grain rake made up of 44 NGPF and NGKF hoppers. 8169 is designated EMD model JT26C-2SS with a total of 84 units constructed from two orders between 1982 and 1986, and a final request for four more units in 1991, all built by Clyde Engineering, at Kelso NSW. They were the first new locomotives to be delivered in the love it or loathe it "candy" colour scheme. Powered by a V16 two stroke turbo charged EMD 16-645E3B prime mover delivering 3,000hp. Published track speed is 115KMh. Fuel capacity is 6,600 litres, loco weight is 129 tonnes. 8169 was handed over new on the 03rd of July 1985. The 81 class are nearing the end of their working career with some class members laid up deemed "surplus to requirements" at old Parkes Loco in western NSW. It has been said that there are also a small number stored at Werris Creek NSW as well. All of the class are still "on the books" except for 8147 which was scrapped after a level crossing accident at Back Creek NSW on the 10th of March 2007. The locomotive was burnt out and spent a period at Lithgow before the decision was made to scrap the damaged unit. 8236 was delivered new on the 16th of December 1994. Very few of the 82 class remain in the original FreightCorp blue and white livery, the majority are now painted into Pacific National colours. The 82 class were built between 1994 and 1995 by Clyde Engineering at Braemar NSW as part of an order for 58 units. Designated EMD model JT42C they are powered by 12-cylinder super turbo charged two stroke EMD 12-710G3A prime mover delivering around 3,250hp. Published track speed is 121KMh. Parts for the construction of the class were manufactured at various locations and brought by road to Braemar where the locos were assembled. The main diesel engine, generator and electronic micro-processor were imported direct from General Motors in the USA. Fuel capacity is 10,000 litres, gear ratio is 69:18, lube oil capacity is 1,302 litres and water coolant capacity is 795 litres. A number of 82 class are allocated to Parkes NSW for the Pacific National "Rural & Bulk" division business unit hauling grain and ore trains in the area. The 82 class were the first locomotives in NSW to feature desk top controls and also were the first NSW main line locomotives to feature only one brake shoe per wheel instead of the traditional two, a feature that was not popular with drivers, especially when holding a loaded and stationary train using the independent locomotive brakes. When first introduced the 82 class were not a popular engine with crews, they had a distinct cab wobble when stationary and at idle, this earned them the nickname of "Jitterbugs". They were also prone to throwing the odd piston through the engine block due to a loco weight imbalance. Both issues were addressed by Clyde Engineering. Also slipping to a stand in wet weather was an issue with both the 82 and 90 class locomotives, it was later found that the "Super Series" had not been installed correctly. Many of the older drivers preferred an 81 class in preference to a new 82 class, a status which still remains today with many crew. However, when all is said and done, they have settled in quite well and have proved to be very reliable locomotive. Of the 58 class members built some 54 remain in active service today. 8219, 8246 & 8247 were written off and scrapped as a result of the Beresfield NSW accident on the 23rd of October 1997 due to the driver of the fore mentioned locomotives passing a signal at stop and rear ending a loaded coal train ahead. 8221 was also written off and scrapped due to a severe engine room fire taking place at Awaba NSW whilst on coal train ER64 bound for Eraring power station on 05th of June 2014. The fire was attributed to the Clevis clamp on the fuel sight glass breaking away and thus spraying pressurised diesel fuel into the engine compartment and then catching fire. 8221 was officially written off on the 29th of November 2016. Early in their career the 82 class were used on coal train working and interstate freight working, a number were "borrowed" by National Rail whilst the NR class were being built. Members of the class also worked the Leigh Creek SA coal contract held by Pacific National at the time. Pacific National has a number of 82 class based at Parkes NSW in their Rural & Bulk Division working grain and ore traffic in the area. 0812hrs on Sunday 29th of June 2025.