The class of six locomotives was built by A Goninan & Co, Broadmeadow, as sub-contractor to Australian Electrical Industries.

[1][2] These locomotives were unique in Australia in having Alco power units in GE Transportation Systems designed bodies, a legacy of the former Alco-GE partnership which was dissolved in 1953.

[4] The 43 class were not popular with the train crews, but they did pave the way for a long line of Alco-powered locomotives.

[5] In August 1974, 4301 was taken into Chullora Workshops for a regular overhaul, however a decision was made to use it as spares for the remaining units.

[10] The locomotive returned to traffic in June 1996 and has since been used extensively on charters in New South Wales as well as interstate to Brisbane and Melbourne.