The 2250 class is the result of QR’s commitment to providing extended life to their fleet of locomotives. Initially based on the 2100 Class (GT26C) platform, the Roots Blown EMD 16-645E powerplants are removed and replaced with refurbished Turbocharged 12-645E powerplants donated by surplus 1502 class locomotives.

Later rebuilds also saw the remaining 1550 Class (GT22C) converted, with their original Roots Blown 12-645E being turbocharged.

The QR Maxi Cab refurbishment is applied, which includes new Air-Conditioning, new Bramshey seats, DTC computer, Fridge, Kettle, etc. One of the recent additions to QR’s upgrade is the ZTR Traction Control Equipment which allows greater traction control without wheelslip, in addition these locomotives have been ballasted to 110 tonnes.

The first three locomotives were outshopped in QR’s old Corporate (Bronco) livery, while the remaining locomotives have been outshopped in the new QRNational livery.