73 Class

Preserved locomotives 7321 and 7307, Oberon railway station, 20 January 2016.

Road numbers:

7315, 7340

Operator:

Manildra Group (7315, 7340)

Gauge:

1435 mm

Year of entry into service:

1970

Number built:

50

Model:

GH700V

Manufacturer:

Walkers Limited

Manufacturing location:

Maryborough, Qld

Engine:

Caterpillar D379B

Traction power:

485 kW

Wheel arrangement:

B-B

Weight:

49.8 t

Length:

11.0 m

Fifty of the 73 Class diesel-hydraulic shunting units entered service with the Department of Railways in New South Wales from 1970. Most were withdrawn from service from 1987 onwards with the reduction in need for shunting locomotives. Like the similar Queensland DH Class, some were later rebuilt as 610 mm gauge units for sugar cane haulage. Several continue in service as 73 Class members.