A73 delivery run

A73 swings on the turntable at Ballarat East Locomotive Depot.

The first B class to emerge from rebuild at Clyde Engineering plant at Rosewater in Adelaide was 73.  After suffering a fire at Colac in November 1981, B73 was sent west in 1982, where it was completely stripped to enable frame and bodywork repairs and strengthening to be carried out. 

The rebuild involved a 50% increase in power with a turbo charged EMD 12-645E3B Engine producing 2,250hp replacing the original EMD 16-567B of 1,650hp. The D12 generator was replaced by an AR10A4-D18 alternator, while traction motors were changed from D27 to D57 type. EMD Dash-2 electrical equipment was fitted with improved air filtering and crew comfort was improved with cab air-conditioning and a better driving position.

 

The diagram from the Clyde Engineering brochure shows just how cramped the body was with all the extra equipment that was installed.

A73 emerged from the Rosewater plant on the 14th December 1983 and undertook a light engine trial to Gawler. Following final adjustments by Clyde, A73 commenced its delivery run on 19th December, departing Adelaide behind 958 and 934 on a Tailem Bend goods. The A later arrived at Serviceton behind 951 on 9180 Express Goods, where the Alco was exchanged for a pair of S class for run through Victoria. The A was later removed from 9180 and completed its delivery run marshalled between B78 and a N set on 8146 Horsham - Melbourne pass.

It wasn't until late February that A73 passed through Ballarat again. Vibration, cab noise and other issues saw A73 returned to Clyde at Rosewater for adjustments. After modification it was returned to Victoria with the second rebuild A71, behind C501 on 9146 Express Goods on 20th March 1984.

A73 is a detailed northern models body on an Athearn SD24 mechanism.