What is a Hornby Eastwood 200?

The Hornby Eastwood 200 is a series of diesel-electric locomotives built by General Electric for the Victorian Railways of Australia between 1962 and 1964. They were the first diesel-electric locomotives to be built in Australia, and were designed to replace the X class steam locomotives on country lines. The locomotives were named after the town of Eastwood, New South Wales, where they were assembled.

The Hornby Eastwood 200s were powered by a 12-cylinder Alco 251F diesel engine, which produced 1,850 horsepower (1,380 kW). They were capable of hauling loads of up to 1,200 tons at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). The locomotives were also fitted with a dynamic brake, which allowed them to slow down without using the friction brakes.

The Hornby Eastwood 200s were initially classified as the D class by the Victorian Railways, but were later reclassified as the X class. They were introduced into service in 1962, and quickly proved to be very successful. They were used on a variety of passenger and freight services, and were particularly well-suited to hauling long-distance freight trains.

The Hornby Eastwood 200s remained in service with the Victorian Railways until the 1980s. They were then sold to a number of private operators, and continued to be used on freight services until the early 2000s. A few of the locomotives have been preserved, and can be seen at railway museums in Australia.

The Hornby Eastwood 200s were an important part of the Victorian Railways fleet for over 40 years. They were reliable, powerful and versatile locomotives, and played a key role in the development of diesel-electric traction in Australia.