VL class
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox locomotive
| name = VL class
| image = VL357 at Morrabbin Station.jpg
| caption = VL355 at Moorabbin
| powertype = Diesel-electric
| builder = Avteq
| buildmodel = EMD GT26
| builddate = 2007 - 2009
| totalproduction = 12
| Britishclass = Co-Co
| gauge = {{track gauge|1435mm}}
{{track gauge|1600mm}}
| locoweight = 130.0 tonneshttps://web.archive.org/web/20250514025229/https://railfirst.com.au/portfolio-item/vl-class/
| fuelcap = 9,200 litres ((4,200 litres on Broad Gauge))
| primemover = EMD 16-645E3B
| alternator = AR10A4
| tractionmotors = D78
| cylindercount = V16
| trainbrake = Air
| maxspeed = 115 km/h
| poweroutput = {{convert|2237|kW|hp|abbr=on}}
| operator = Rail First Asset Management
| numinclass = 12
| fleetnumbers = VL351-VL362
| deliverydate = 2007
| firstrundate = 2007
| lastrundate = 2009
| currentowner = Rail First Asset Management
| disposition = 12 in service
}}
The VL class is a class of diesel locomotives built by Avteq, at a factory in Sunshine, Melbourne for Railfirst Asset Management between 2007 and 2009.VL351 Catch Point issue 178 March 2007 page 16 Built on the EMD GT26 platform, the class was an evolution of the Freight Australia XR class.The Allco / CFCLA Joint Venture VL Class Railway Digest April 2007 page 7New Locomotive Newsrail May 2007 page 156
They have been hired to a variety of operators and have operated in all mainline states. Most entered service on lease to FreightLink hauling iron ore trains from Pine Creek to Darwin.Resumption of Frances Creek iron ore trains Railway Digest September 2007 page 16 As at 2010, some remained on hire to FreightLink while others were engaged in hauling grain trains in other states. All are named after Australian racehorses.{{cite book|last=Oberg|first=Leon|title=Locomotives of Australia 1850s - 2010|date=2010|publisher=Rosenberg Publishing|isbn=9781921719011|pages=438/439}}
As at February 2022, nine of the 12 were being used by Qube.Qube takes over hauling Victorian steel trains The Railway Magazine issue 1452 March 2022 page 85 As at September 2023, five are operating on the broad gauge With the Numbers 351, 353, 356, 357 & 360. with the other seven on standard gauge With the Numbers 352, 354, 355, 358, 359, 361 & 362 . Australia Wide Fleet List Motive Power issue 144 November 2022 page 72
Avteq designed a second locomotive class, but none were ever manufactured.[https://web.archive.org/web/20101113082510/http://avteq.net.au/products.html Avteq Products] Avteq The company was deregistered in 2013.[https://connectonline.asic.gov.au/RegistrySearch/faces/landing/panelSearch.jspx?searchText=101781257&searchType=OrgAndBusNm&_adf.ctrl-state=rco8hps06_15 Avteq Pty Ltd] Australian Securities & Investments Commission Southern Shorthaul Railroad would build two BRM class locomotives to the design in 2013.