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Class S8 is a Diesel multiple unit (DMU) made by Hitachi and Hyundai, operated by Sri Lanka Railways. It was imported to Sri Lanka in 1991 and, according to the website Sri Lanka Railways Info Page, is "the best diesel multiple unit ever imported to Sri Lanka".
| Sri Lanka Railways S8 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi |
| Replaced | Class S6, S7 |
| Constructed | 1991 |
| Entered service | 1991 |
| Number built | 20 |
| Formation | 4 Passenger Compartments, including control unit, Engine Unit |
| Fleet numbers | 821 ~ 840 |
| Operators | Sri Lanka Railways |
| Depots | Power Coaches Shed |
| Lines served | Main Line Kelani Valley Line Puttalam Line Coast Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 65 ft (19.81 m) |
| Maximum speed | 88 km/h (55 mph) |
| Weight | 70 t (69 long tons; 77 short tons) |
| Prime mover(s) | MTU 12V396TCI13 |
| Engine type | V12 diesel |
| Power output | 1,430 hp (1,070 kW) |
| Transmission | Voith L 520 R U2 |
| Braking system(s) | Air |
| Coupling system | Automatic (dual) |
| Multiple working | Yes |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
History edit
This was introduced 12 years after the previous S7 DMU was imported. 20 train-sets were ordered in order to strengthen the DMU fleet of SLR.[1]
Operation edit
Due to high power of the engine, this has a higher acceleration rate and also this DMUs can be used for multiple unit working. Multiple S8 units are used in peak hours. These are mostly used in short distance services. And also majority of services in Kelani Valley Line is carried out by this DMUs. Operation lines are;
- Colombo Fort to Rambukkana via Polgahawela.
- Colombo Fort to Avissawella on Kelani Valley Line.
- Colombo Fort to Puttalam.
- Colombo Fort to Aluthgama on Coast Line.
Passenger accommodation edit
It has four passenger compartments, including dummy control unit. There are no vestibules between the compartments, giving it better ability to run through sharp curves, such as those on the Kelani Valley Line.
Service edit
Almost all units are in service, as none have been withdrawn, but the class has faced many accidents.
Incidents edit
In 1991, a service train and a S8 DMU collided together, and the Dummy Unit of DMU was destroyed. In 1998 due to a derailment with a Canadian class m2 Montreal another Dummy Unit of a S8 DMU was destroyed
References edit
- ^ "Class S8". Sri Lanka Railway Forum. 2019-03-10. Retrieved 2023-05-25.