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CHAPTER-2
TRACTION SYSTEMS FOR LOCOMOTIVES
2.1 Introduction:
Indian Railways use a specialized classification code for identifying its
locomotives. The code is usually three or four letters, followed by a digit
identifying the model (either assigned chronologically or encoding the power
rating of the locomotive).This could be followed by other codes for minor
variations in the base model.
The three (or four) letters are, from left to right, the gauge of tracks on which
the locomotive operates, the type of power source or fuel for the locomotive,
and the kind of operation the locomotive can be used for. The gauge is coded as
'W' for broad gauge, 'Y' for meter gauge, 'Z' for the 762 mm narrow gauge and
'N' for the 610 mm narrow gauge. The power source code is 'D' for diesel, 'A' for
AC traction, 'C' for DC traction and 'CA' for dual traction (AC/DC). The
operation letter is 'G' for freight-only operation, 'P' for passenger trains-only
operation, 'M' for mixed operation (both passenger and freight) and 'S' for
shunting operation. A number alongside it indicates the power rating of the
engine. For example, '4' would indicate the power rating of the above
4,000 hp (2,980 kW) but below 5,000 hp (3,730 kW). A letter following the
number is used to give an exact rating. For instance, 'A' would be an additional
100 horsepower (75 kW); 'B' 200 hp (150 kW) and so on. For example, a WDM-
3D is a broad-gauge, diesel-powered, mixed mode (suitable for both freight and
passenger duties) and has a power rating of 3400 hp (2.5 MW).
The most common diesel engine used is the WDM-2, which entered production
in 1962. This 2,600 hp (1.9 MW) locomotive was designed by Alco and
manufactured by the Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi, and is used as a
standard workhorse. It is being replaced by more modern engines, ranging in
power up to 5,500 hp (4.1 MW).