Classing: BU - Booster Unit
The BU class is the only example of a slug unit in Australia. A slug unit is a locomotive like a B unit but with no engine and weighted instead. Basically they are a weight with traction motors that feeds off the power supplied by another locomotive. The power they use is generated from another locomotives generator set but that loco must have the capabilities for the slug power feeds to be attached. Only the ALF class locomotives had the slug capabilities to route power to the slug unit if attached. Locomotives fitted with these capabilities have most likely had them removed by the new owners of those locomotives. The BU class was rebuilt out of SAR 600 class locomotives by MKA in 1993/1994 who were contracted by Australian National. The Bu's were also an A-1-A configuration meaning that the centre axel in each bogie was unpowered. They must have been a failure because they have all since been stored. Future for the class is unknown.
Drive Type: Electric - DC
Engine: No Engine
Generator: No Generator
Traction motors: EMD D77
Horse Power: 1,810hp
Weight: 100t
Max rated speed: 130km/h
Builders Model: ???