40 of the 442 class locomotives were built for the New South Wales Government railways by AE Goodwin in Auburn by Alco between 1970 and 1973 as the Alco DL-500G model.
Most of the class started to be withdrawn when the 82 and 90 class locos started to be introduced in 1994 and numerous locos were sold to other operators.
The last ones in service for Freightcorp were withdrawn in March 1998, and loco 44211 was then earmarked for preservation at the New South Wales Transport Museum at Thirlmere.
44211 is in operable condition and often runs heritage specials.
