The Indian locomotive class WDG-3A is a class of diesel-electric locomotive that was developed in 1994 by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW),Varanasi for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad-gauge (W), Diesel (D), Goods traffic (G) engine, 3,100 hp (3A) locomotive. They entered service on 18 July 1995. A total of 1,164 WDG-3A units were built between 1994 and 2015 at BLW, Varanasi with a few units being produced by Diesel Loco Modernisation Works (DLMW) and Parel Workshop.
Quick Facts WDG-3A, Type and origin ...
WDG-3A |
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Ludhiana based WDG-3A at Jalandhar City. |
Type and origin |
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Power type | Diesel |
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Builder | BLW, Diesel Loco Modernisation Works |
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Model | ALCO-251C/ALCO DL560C variant |
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Build date | 1994-2015 |
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Total produced | WDG-3A: 1,998 |
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Rebuilder | Diesel Loco Modernisation Works, Patiala |
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Specifications |
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Configuration:
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• UIC | Co-Co |
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Gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
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Bogies | High adhesion Fabricated bogies |
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Wheel diameter | 1,092 mm (3 ft 7 in) |
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Wheelbase | 12.834 m (42 ft 1+1⁄4 in) |
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Length | 17.85 m (58 ft 6+3⁄4 in) |
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Width | 3.016 m (9 ft 10+3⁄4 in) |
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Height | 4.162 m (13 ft 7+7⁄8 in) |
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Axle load | 23,500 kg (51,800 lb) |
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Loco weight | 127 t (125 long tons; 140 short tons) |
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Fuel type | Diesel |
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Fuel capacity | 6,000 L (1,300 imp gal; 1,600 US gal) |
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Prime mover | ALCO 251-C |
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RPM range | 400 - 1,050 rpm |
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Engine type | V16 Diesel engine |
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Aspiration | ABB VTC304-15 or Napier NA 295 IR turbocharger |
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Traction motors | BHEL TA 10102 CW (new), BHEL TG 10931 AZ(old) |
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Cylinders | 16 |
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Cylinder size | 228 mm × 266 mm (8.98 in × 10.47 in) bore x stroke |
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Transmission | Diesel electric |
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MU working | 2 |
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Loco brake | air dynamic brake |
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Train brakes | Air, Vacuum and Dual |
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Performance figures |
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Maximum speed | 125 km/h (78 mph) |
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Power output | WDG-3A: 3,100 hp |
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Tractive effort | 37.90 t (37 long tons; 42 short tons) |
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Factor of adh. | 0.33 |
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Career |
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Operators | Indian Railways |
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Numbers | 14501-14999, Newer 13000-13665 |
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Nicknames | Shakti, Prabal, Jai Jawan |
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Locale | throughout Indian Railways |
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First run | 1994 |
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Retired | Early 2020s-present |
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Preserved | 1[citation needed] |
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Disposition | In service |
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Close
It is the dedicated freight version of the very successful WDM-2 and shares the same engine and horsepower rating with WDM-3A. It is considered to be a successful locomotive class with high reliability and few maintenance problems. Despite the introduction of more modern types of locomotives like WDG-4 and electrification, a significant number are still in use, both in mainline and departmental duties.
As of September 2023, 787 locomotives still retain "operational status" on the mainline as WDG-3A, with a few examples having been converted to WAGC-3 or WAG-10.