Indian locomotive class YCG-1

The YCG-1 was a class of electric locomotives built in the 1930s for use on the metre-gauge electrified lines in the Chennai area. The name stands for (Y)metre gauge, (C)DC electric, (G)goods. With the conversion of the lines to 25 kv AC, all were withdrawn. One is preserved at National Rail Museum in New Delhi.

Indian locomotive class YCG-1
A YCG-1 preserved at NRM, New Delhi
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
DesignerVulcan Foundry, English Electric
BuilderEnglish Electric
Order numberM3559/53261/51
ModelEM/1
Build date1930
Total produced7
RebuilderElectric Loco Shed, Chennai
Rebuild date1968
Number rebuilt7
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo′Co′
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge1,000 mm (3 ft 3+38 in)
Bogies3 Axle fabricated frame, Swing bolster with Equalizer beams
Wheel diameterNew:1,220 mm (4 ft 0 in),
Half worn:1,182 mm (3 ft 10+12 in) and
Full worn:1,114 mm (3 ft 8 in)
Wheelbase2,400 mm (7 ft 10 in)
Length:
 • Over couplers20.836 m (68 ft 4+516 in)
 • Over body19.5 m (63 ft 11+1116 in)
Width3.169 m (10 ft 4+34 in)
Height4.292 m (14 ft 1 in)
Frame type3 Axle fabricated frame
Axle load20.83 tonnes (20.50 long tons; 22.96 short tons)
Loco weight123.98 tonnes (122.02 long tons; 136.66 short tons)
Sandbox cap.8+8 sandboxes
Power supply110 V DC
Electric system/s1.5 kV DC Overhead
Current pickup(s)pantograph
Traction motorsE.E.514/2C ​
 • Rating 1 hour700A
 • Continuous600A
Gear ratio16:59
MU workingNot possible
Loco brakeAir/Hand, Regenerative braking
Train brakesVacuum
Compressor7 kg/cm
Safety systemsSlip control, Over voltage relay, No volt relay, Earth fault relay, Low pressure governor, Train parting alarms, and Brake cylinder cutoff valve
Performance figures
Maximum speed120.5 km/h (75 mph)
Power output:
 • StartingMax:3,700 hp (2,760 kW)
 • 1 hourMax:3,700 hp (2,760 kW)
 • ContinuousMax:3,170 hp (2,360 kW)
Tractive effort:
 • Starting31,000 kgf (300 kN)
 • 1 hour21,772 kgf (210 kN)
 • Continuous17,690 kgf (170 kN)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
ClassEM/1
Numbers20066-20072
LocaleCentral Railways
Delivered1930-193x
First run1930
Last run1965
Withdrawn1965
Preserved1
Scrapped1965
Current ownerNational Rail Museum
DispositionOne is preserved, rest all have been scrapped.

History edit

These were used in Chennai with 1,5 kV DC overhead wires. Goods locos used on the early DC electrified network of SR, and later withdrawn when SR switched to AC traction. They had a provision for coupling to 'ET' class 4-wheeled battery tenders to allow operating on unelectrified sidings, loop lines, etc. These locos had a roughly rectangular, box-like body with a cab at either end, with a short platform extending from each cab. The cabs each had a door opening on to the platform, and a window (on the right) at the ends. The two bogies had interconnecting linkages to allow easier negotiation of sharp curves. Two 'diamond' style pantographs for current collection. There were only seven of these locos; one is now preserved at the NRM (#21900).

Locomotive shed edit

  • All the locomotives of this class has been withdrawn from service.

See also edit