Locomotive Z1 – Northern Progress on the Bellarine

February 25, 2026

In 2025, a new sound joined the Bellarine Railway: the deep, powerful thrum of a 2025hp English Electric V12 engine. This was Z1, one of Tasmania’s legendary Z class locomotives—machines built not for the faint of heart but for hauling heavy woodchip and freight across challenging grades.

Now? She pulls something even more precious: our guests, becoming part of new train dining stories along the Bellarine Railway, between Drysdale and Queenscliff.

A Locomotive Built for Power

The Z-class was built in 1973 by English Electric Rocklea. Z1 was the first of four, delivered brand‑new to the Tasmanian Government Railways wearing the proud name Northern Progress.

Power: 2,025 hp (1,510 kW)
Weight: 97.5 tonnes
Engine: English Electric 12CSVT Mk II
Configuration: Co‑Co
Speed: Up to 97 km/h

Z1 was Tasmania’s powerhouse, larger, heavier, and stronger than anything that had come before it.

A Storied Career

Z1 worked across the island’s heaviest freight routes, Western Line, Fingal Lie, Bell Bay Line, and the Main Line, often in multiple with other Z or ZA-class locomotives. Over time, she received upgrades including:

Conversion from vacuum to air brakes (1984–85)
Crew comfort improvements (1995–96)
Modifications for driver‑only operation (1995)
Multiple repaints: TGR yellow, AN green, ATN maroon

By 2014, the Z class was finally retired and stored… until The Q Train came calling.

A Second Life Begins

In 2022, after eight years of open-air storage, The Q Train acquired Z1 and Z4. These massive locomotives had been unloved for years, but we saw potential. Restoration was not simple. During recommissioning, Z1 developed a water leak in one of its 12 cylinders, turning its engine oil into cappuccino foam. This required:

Removal of cylinder heads
Water, exhaust, and fuel piping disassembly
Extraction of the cylinder liner using a tool sourced from the UK

For any normal restaurant, owning a cylinder liner extraction tool isn’t common. But The Q Train is no normal restaurant.

Back on the Rails

Z1 officially re-entered service with The Q Train in June 2025, following Z4’s earlier return.

Today, she works one-way long-end-leading, something never done in Tasmania but essential for operations on the Bellarine Railway.

With her immense tractive effort and iconic deep EE growl, Z1 brings a new level of power and heritage excitement to our fleet.

A New Mission: Pulling Australia’s Only Rail Restaurant

From hauling heavy industry to powering fine dining, Z1 represents resilience, engineering excellence, and the magic of bringing history back to life.

For our guests, she’s a reminder that every journey on The Q Train is backed by over 50 years of rail engineering, and a locomotive that refuses to retire.