Ghana Railways 1851 class

The Ghana Railways 1851 class were a class of diesel-electric locomotives built by English Electric-AEI Traction for the Ghana Railways in 1969/70.

Ghana Railways 1851 class
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderEnglish Electric-AEI Traction
Serial number3850-3859, 3864-3869
Build date1969/70
Total produced16
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICCo+Co
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
BogiesEnglish Electric bolsterless low weight transfer, interlinked
Wheel diameter3 ft 1+12 in (0.953 m)
Length48 ft 6 in (14.783 m) over headstocks
Width9 ft (2.743 m)
Height12 ft 1+12 in (3.696 m)
Axle load13.6 long tons (13.8 t; 15.2 short tons)
Loco weight81.5 long tons (82.8 t; 91.3 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity770 imp gal (3,500 L)
Prime moverEnglish Electric 12CSVT Mk II
RPM:
 • RPM idle450rpm
 • Maximum RPM850rpm
Engine typeFour stroke, four valves per cylinder
AspirationTurbocharged, intercooled
GeneratorEE822/16J
Traction motorsSix EE537
CylindersV12
Cylinder size10 in × 12 in (254 mm × 305 mm)
MU working110V, stepless electro-pneumatic throttle
Loco brakeAir - straight and proportional control
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Maximum speed60 miles per hour (97 km/h)
Power output2,025 hp (1,510 kW) gross, 1,850 hp (1,380 kW) net
Tractive effort:
 • Starting65,000 lbf (289.1 kN)
 • Continuous50,000 lbf (222.4 kN) at 11.5 mph (20 km/h)
Career
OperatorsGhana Railway Corporation
Number in class16
Numbers1851 - 1866
First run1969
Disposition16 scrapped

Description

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The 1851 class were a dual cab hood type general purpose locomotive. Engine, electrical and control equipment was essentially as fitted to the British Rail Class 37 as well as a number of other export locomotives.[1][2]

The main frame consisted of two fabricated box section longitudinal members with fabricated box section cross members. These box sections were sealed to form the fuel tank in the centre of the locomotive.

The bogies, designed by English Electric, were cast steel with axles fully compensated with underslung beams acting on long travel coil springs. Side bearers are totally enclosed with oil lubrication. Lateral spring controlled intercouplers link the bogies, reducing track stresses and flange wear in curves. Traction motors are mounted on the axle towards the inner end of the bogies to reduce weight transfer under load.

History

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By 1999 only two remained in service.[3] In 2003 just one, 1864, remained in storage at New Takoradi, but had been scrapped by 2007.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Ghana commissions high-power EE-AEI diesels Railway Gazette 6 February 1970 page 321
  2. ^ High-Power English Electric Dieseln Locomotives for Gahana Modern Railways issue 259 April 1970 pages 166/167
  3. ^ Design improvements help to keep diesel locos on the road Railway Gazette International April 1999
  4. ^ "The Railways of Ghana". International Steam. April 2007.