Indian locomotive class WAG-1

The Indian locomotive class WAG-1 was a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was imported from Europe in the 1960s for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), AC Current (A), Goods traffic (G) locomotive, 1st generation (1). A total of 112 WAG-1 were built by The European Group 50 Hz Group/European Group/50 Cycles Group (consortium) between 1963 and 1966. They entered service in 1964.

Indian locomotive class WAG-1
WAG-1 20710 Bidhan at NRM
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Kraus-Maffei, Krupp, SFAC, La Brugeoise & Nivelle (50 cycles European group) Build date 1963–1966 Total produced 112
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC B-B Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Bogies Monomotor B-B bogies Wheel diameter New:1,140 mm (3 ft 9 in) Half worn: 1,120 mm (3 ft 8 in) Full worn: 1,064 mm (3 ft 6 in) Length 14.600 m (47 ft 10+13⁄16 in) Width 3.109 m (10 ft 2+13⁄32 in) Height 4.165 m (13 ft 7+31⁄32 in) Axle load 18,640 kg (41,090 lb) Loco weight 74,000 kg (163,000 lb) Electric system/s 25 kV 50 Hz AC AC Overhead Current pickup(s) pantograph Traction motors Siemens/ACEC/Alstom MG 710A (740hp, 1250V, 480A, 1000 rpm).Fully suspended, force- ventilated. Loco brake Air Train brakes vacuum train brakes.
Performance figures Maximum speed 112 km/h (70 mph) Power output MAX:2930HP Continuous: 2,930 hp (2,185 kW) Tractive effort Starting : 25,000 kgf (250 kN; 55,000 lbf)
Career Operators Indian Railways Numbers 20700-20709 (Niv. / SFAC) 20710-20791 (CLW) 20849-20868 (Niv. / SFAC) Locale All over India Disposition Retired

The WAG-1 served both passenger and freight trains for over 38 years. As of January 2002, All locomotives have been withdrawn from service. All but one were scrapped.

History

Forty-two locomotives of this type were ordered from European Group. Five of these were completely assembled in Europe and the remaining were built at CLW. A repeat order was placed on for 20 locomotives in 1963. Further these locomotives were manufactured at CLW. The typical feature of these locomotive is the Monomotor bogies. This construction results in substantial saving in weight in traction equipment and gives better adhesion. The traction motors are force ventilated and are fully suspended type. These motors are permanently grouped in parallel and are controlled by tap changer and field weakening. This can be used for a multiple unit operation to a maximum of four locomotives. Compressed air brake for the loco and vacuum brake for the train are provided, in addition, these locomotives have been provided with regenerative braking. Few locomotives have been converted to dual brake system. They were in service until 2002 when all but one were scrapped. The first indigenously CLW produced WAG-1 20710 'Bidhan' is preserved at the National Rail Museum, New Delhi.

Variants

• WAG-1S

Specification

• Build dates: 1963-66
• Wheel arrangement: B-B ( monomotor bogies )
• Traction motors: AEC/Alstom/Siemens MG1420. Two motors (monomotor bogies), force-ventilated, fully suspended.
• Gear ratio: 3.95:1
• Transformer: MFO, type BOT 3150. 22.5 kV / 3000 kVA. 32 taps.
• Rectifiers: Secheron A268 Excitrons (four). 510 A / 1250 V.
• Axle load: 21.3 t
• Max. Haulage: 1820 t
• Pantographs: Two Faiveley AM-12

Locomotive shed

• All locomotives of this class had been withdrawn from service.

See also

• Rail transport in India § History
• Indian Railways
• Locomotives of India
• Rail transport in India

External links

• [IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Locomotives—Specific classes : AC Electric
• [IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Diesel and Electric Locomotive Specifications
• 11081 Colour Photographs, Indian Railways