GML10's design is a hybrid of two earlier classes of Clyde-built locomotives, its frame and bodywork are essentially copied from the N class (EMD JT22HC-2) built for V/Line between 1985 and 1987, while its traction equipment and mechanical configuration is much closer to that employed on Australian National's DL class (model AT42C).[1]
Construction commenced almost immediately after the final DL class unit had been delivered, and in April 1990, the new locomotive undertook a trial run of approximately 82 kilometres to Lithgow.[2] It was subsequently worked to Perth in May 1990 at the head of a normal freight service, before being moved by road to the Goldsworthy railway.[3][4]
Goldsworthy were acquired by BHP in late 1990, and during the amalgamation with BHP's other railway operations GML10 was renumbered to GML20 to avoid having two locomotives both using number 10.[5][6]
In 1994 BHP listed the locomotive for sale, having elected to standardise on an all General Electric fleet.[6] It was purchased by Comalco in August of that year and renumber R1004, for use on its 20 km (12 mi) bauxite railway at Weipa, Queensland.[6][4][7]
In 2009, R1004 was sold to Australian Locolease who resold it to Qube. In late 2010, it was shipped to Newcastle before being taken to Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia's Goulburn Railway Workshops for overhaul in March 2011.[4][8] It returned to service in August 2011 as GML10 operating Qube services in South Australia and Victoria.
Though Clyde never built another GML class locomotive, the design did become the basis of FreightCorp's 82 class and Westrail's S class, both of which were also designated as JT42Cs.[6] GML10 itself would be replaced by two JT42Cs in 2009. The EMD Class 66 in the UK and Europe (model number JT42CWRM) is a relative of GML10, the Class 82 and the S class.
In 2021, GML10 was transferred to Western Australia to work Watco Australia's Forrestfield to Fremantle Harbour intermodal container service.
