Indian locomotive class WDM-2

{{short description|Broad gauge Indian diesel–electric locomotive}}

{{Use Indian English|date=May 2019}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}{{more citations needed|date=May 2020}}

{{Infobox locomotive

| name = WDM-2

| powertype = Diesel

| image = 300px

| alt =

| caption = WDM-2 18233 Kundan on display.

| builder = Alco, BLW

| ordernumber =

| serialnumber =

| buildmodel = DL560C

| builddate = 1962–1998

| totalproduction = WDM-2/A/B: 2,700

| rebuilder =

| rebuilddate =

| numberrebuilt =

| Britishclass = Co-Co

| uicclass = Co′Co′

| gauge = {{RailGauge|1676mm|lk=on}}

| trucks =

| bogies = ALCO Asymmetric cast frame trimount

| wheeldiameter = {{convert|1092|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}

| trailingdiameter =

| minimumcurve =

| wheelbase = {{convert|12.834|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}

| length = {{convert|17.12|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}

| width = {{convert|2.864|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}

| height = {{convert|4.185|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}

| axleload = {{convert|18800|kg|abbr=on}}

| weightondrivers =

| locoweight = {{convert|112800|kg|abbr=on}}

| fueltype = Diesel

| fuelcap = {{convert|5000|L|abbr=on}}

| lubecap =

| coolantcap =

| sandcap =

| consumption =

| primemover = ALCO 251-B

| rpmrange = 400 - 1,000 rpm

| enginetype = V16 diesel

| aspiration = Turbo-supercharged

| displacement =

| alternator =

| generator =

| tractionmotors = GE752, BHEL 4906 BZ and 4907 AZ

| cylindercount = 16

| cylindersize = {{convert|228|x|266|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}
bore×stroke

| transmission = Diesel–electric transmission

| multipleworking = 2

| maxspeed = {{convert|120|km/h|0|abbr=on}}

| poweroutput = Max:{{convert|2600|HP|abbr=on}}
Site rated:{{convert|2430|HP|abbr=on}}

| tractiveeffort = {{convert|30.4|t|0|abbr=on}}

| factorofadhesion = 0.27

| trainheating =

| locobrakes =

| locobrakeforce =

| trainbrakes = Air, Vacuum and Dual

| safety =

| operator = Indian Railways

| operatorclass =

| powerclass =

| numinclass =

| fleetnumbers = 16000-16887, 17100-17999, 18040-18079, 18112-18514, 18523-18900, 18903-18999

| officialname =

| nicknames = Jumbo, Prabal

| axleloadclass =

| locale = All over Indian Railways

| deliverydate = 1962; 62 years ago

| firstrundate = 1962; 62 years ago

| lastrundate =

| retiredate = November 2023; 9 months ago

| withdrawndate =

| preservedunits = 10

| restoredate =

| scrapdate =

| currentowner =

| disposition = Few are still

in inferior service , rest scrapped.

}}

The Indian locomotive class WDM-2 is a class of diesel–electric locomotive that was developed in 1962 by American Locomotive Company (ALCO) for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Diesel (D), Mixed traffic (M) engine, 2nd generation (2). They entered service in 1962. A total of more than 2,700 WDM-2 was built at ALCO and Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW or DLW, as it was formerly Diesel Locomotive Works), Varanasi between 1962 and 1998, which made them the most numerous class of mainline diesel locomotive until its successor the WDM-3A.

The WDM-2 is one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways{{Peacock inline|date=August 2024}} serving both passenger and freight trains for over 60 years. A few WDM-2 units were exported to neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. 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 November 2023, all WDM-2 units have been retired, with further examples in service as WDM-3A or WDM-2S.

Origin

The history of WDM-2 begins in the early 1960s with the stated aim of the Indian Railways to remove steam locomotives from Indian Rails after recommendation of Karnail Singh Fuel Committee.{{cite web|url=https://www.indianculture.gov.in/report-expert-committee-coal-consumption-railways-1958 |title=Report of the expert Committee on Coal Consumption on Railways, 1958 |website=Indian Culture |language=en |access-date=2022-11-13}} Therefore, required building a large number of Co-Co diesel locomotives producing at least 2,600 hp (1,900 kW) with road switcher cabs to achieve this aim. Thus Indian Railways began looking at various diesel–electric designs.

Initially, the Indian railways invited tenders to build locomotives to the new specification. The following responses were received:

  • ALCO submitted their model (RSD29 / DL560C) with 2,600 hp, 16-cylinder, 4-stroke turbo-supercharged engine with Co-Co bogies.
  • General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) submitted their G16, turbocharged to become the GT16.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Locos/Diesel/wdm1_4_5_6_7/wdm3_001.jpg.html |title=WDM-4 masquerading as a WDM-3! |website=IRFCA.org |access-date=2022-11-13}} They had Co-Co bogies with 16-cylinder 2-stroke turbo-supercharged engines.{{cite web |url=https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/WDM4.PDF |title=WDM-4 specs for IR |access-date=2022-11-13}}

Each company submitted their prototypes and Indian Railways designated these prototypes as the WDM-2 class and WDM-4 class respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-loco.html#class |title=[IRFCA] What do the designations such as 'WDM-2', 'WAP-4' mean |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}} Technologically the General Motors WDM-4 was superior to ALCO WDM-2, but Indian Railways required a transfer of technology agreement that would allow these locomotives to be indigenously manufactured in India. Since General Motors did not agree to the transfer of technology agreement, the ALCO prototype was selected for production.

However, even before the arrival of WDM-2, another type of diesel locomotive was imported from ALCO in 1957. This locomotive was classified as WDM-1.{{cite web |url=https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/four-decades-of-service-the-early-workhorses-of-india-s-diesel-age/-gKCw2asIUlWLg |title=Four decades of service: The early workhorses of India's diesel age - National Rail Museum |website=Google Arts & Culture |language=en |access-date=2022-11-13}} However WDM-1s were not selected for mass production because of having only one forward cab at one end which needed a lot of turntables.{{cite web |url=https://24coaches.com/indian-railways-wdm-series/ |title=Diesel Locomotive Roster – The WDM (ALCO) Series |date=2013-10-30 |website=24 Coaches |language=en-US |access-date=2022-11-13}}

= Production history =

The first few prototype WDM-2 locomotives were imported, with locomotive number 18040 being assigned the first WDM-2 of India.{{cite web|url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3571 |title=WDM-2 18040 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |author=Historical Railway Images |title=India Railways - Indian Government Railways Class WDM2 (DL560C) diesel locomotive Nr. 18041 (Alco 84199 / 1962) |date=2019-12-31 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/124446949@N06/49306888842/ |access-date=2022-11-13}} The need for a large number of locomotives quickly was deemed paramount. After Banaras Locomotive Works (DLW) completed construction of its factory in Varanasi, production of the locomotives began in India. The first 12 locomotives were built using kits imported from ALCO (order no. D3389) in the United States.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-loco-2d.html |title=[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ - Broad Gauge Diesel Locomotives |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}}

The first diesel loco assembled in DLW was locomotive number 18233 and the first fully-built WDM-2 from DLW was 18299.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3732 |title=WDM-2 18233 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-shop.html#blw |title=[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ - Production Units & Workshops |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3798 |title=WDM-2 18299 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}} After that DLW started manufacturing WDM-2 locomotives from their own components. Since then over 2,800 locomotives have been manufactured with 16887 being the last locomotive in the series.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/2670 |title=WDM-3A 16887 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}}

Although ALCO went bankrupt, DLW Varanasi successfully adapted the technology and produced many upgraded versions which were exported to many Broad Gauge countries.{{cite web |url=https://dlw.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,702 |title=History of DLW, Varanasi |access-date=2022-11-13 |archive-date=2019-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402102647/https://dlw.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,702 |url-status=dead}} Later a number of modifications were made and a few sub-classes were created. These include WDM-2A, WDM-2B and WDM-3A (formerly WDM-2C). A few WDM-2 locomotives had been rebuilt by Diesel Loco Modernisation Works (DLMW) in Patiala, Punjab.{{cite web |url=https://plw.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/CompanyProfile_Eng%201.pdf |title=DMW — About Us}} These are fitted with DBRs produced by Daulat Ram Engineering.{{cite web |url=http://www.daulatram.com/dy3.htm |title=Forced Cooled Roof Mounted DBR Assembly with Short Hood (WDM3D/WDG3A Alco Type Locomotive DU100102004) |website=Daulat Ram Engineering |access-date=2022-11-13}}

= Service history =

The whole batch of WDM-2 imports went all to the Diesel locomotive shed at Katni (KTE).{{cite web |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/mec_engg/downloads/DLS/wcr/New%20Katni%20Jn.pdf |title=Katni shed history |access-date=2022-11-13}} Locomotive number 18040 was first loco in the series, but 18042 was the first WDM-2 unit to be commissioned. By 1967 the first express trains were being hauled by the WDM-2 instead of steam locomotives. Trains like the Himgiri express and Tamil Nadu express were hauled entirely by WDM-2 units.{{cite web |url=https://www.world-railways.co.uk/general-photo-113 |title=Indian Railways WDM2 17722 with Himagiri Express at Varanasi |last=Johnson |first=Lou |date=1978 |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/GeneralScenes/gsarchive2/TamilNadu-Dhaulpu.jpg.html |title=Northbound Tamil Nadu (WDM-2 #18321?) at 9.24, overtaking a freight train |website=www.irfca.org |last=Smith |first=Roderick |date=1977-01-18 |access-date=2022-11-13}} One of the most important express trains hauled by the WDM-2 class was the Mumbai Rajdhani express.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Locos/Diesel/wdm2x/DualWDM2Raj_BVI_1986.jpg.html |title=Ratlam WDM2 #18640 and an unknown one leads Rajdhani Express towards Bombay Central through Borivali |website=www.irfca.org |last=Bodas |first=Atul |date=1986 |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Locos/Diesel/wdm2x/WDM2A18425.jpg.html |title=WDM-2A #18425 and 18640 are seen at Bombay Central having brought in the overnight express from Delhi |website=www.irfca.org |last=Morris |first=Roger |date=1992-03-06 |access-date=2022-11-13}} By the 1980s the WDM-2 class was hauling most of the passenger and freight trains in India.

The WDM-2 locomotives have a maximum speed of {{convert|120|km/h|abbr=on}}, restricted to {{convert|100|km/h|abbr=on}} when run long hood forward.{{cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/docs/wdm2-interactive.html |title=Interactive Diagram of the WDM-2 Locomotive |first=Sheeju |last=Chandran |publisher=IRFCA |date=2006 |access-date=2022-11-13 |archive-date=2019-06-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621101642/https://www.irfca.org/docs/wdm2-interactive.html |url-status=dead}} The last 3 pure units are based at Abu Road.{{cite web |title=Railway Website Mechanical Engineering Traction Circulars |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,366,541,710,717 |access-date=2022-11-13}}

= Maintenance =

The WDM-2 has a maintenance schedule of 3,000 km or 10 days, which was recommended by ALCO.{{cite web |url=https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1552994785415-White%20Manual.pdf |title=Indian Railways Maintenance Manual for Diesel Locomotives |date=December 2013 |access-date=2022-11-13}} These have been extended by 20 days to 30 days by using better and more efficient lubrication oils and other component fluids and improving some bearings for the suspension. The original WDM-2 bearings were very failure-prone and often required minor repairs.{{cite web |url=https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/Maintenance%20Handbook%20on%20Roller%20Bearing%20fitted%20on%20WDM2%20Diesel%20Locomotive%20-%20English.pdf |title=Maintenance Handbook on Roller Bearing fitted on WDM2 Diesel Locomotive |date=July 2003 |access-date=2022-11-13}} However the WDM-2 was very easy to operate and maintain because of its simple construction and mechanics which resulted in it being very reliable. This maintenance is usually done at the nearest Diesel loco shed.

Variants

= [[Indian locomotive class WDM-3A|WDM-3A]] =

The WDM-3A class is actually an upgraded WDM-2 designed to produce more power (3,100 hp instead of 2,600 hp) and increased reliability (roller bearings instead of conventional ALCO bearings). Except for 150 units, these are rebuilt WDM-2s. Rebuilt WDM-3As can be identified by an “R” at the end of their road number.

= [[Indian locomotive class WDG-2/3A|WDG-2/3A]] =

It is the dedicated freighter version of the WDM-2 and shares the same engine and horsepower rating with WDM-3A.The first units of this class was delivered on 18 July 1995 under the model name of WDG-2. The class was manufactured till the end of 2015. All the older locomotives built by DLW had a regular WDM-2 type square short hood profile and control stand position. The Bogies of WDM-2 have been replaced by high adhesion fabricated bogies for better traction and stability.

They are hugely successful; around 1163 units of this class were produced. These can be found all over India performing various duties like hauling freight and passenger service to shunting and departmental works.

= [[Indian locomotive class WDM-7|WDM-7]] =

They are lower powered (2,000 hp instead of 2,600 hp) version of the WDM-2. These locomotives were built from 1987 to 1989. A few were at Ernakulam, but all were transferred later to Tondiarpet. They can also be seen shunting at Chennai Central or used for light passenger haulage. Some are at the thermal power station, Chennai.

They were formerly housed at Erode and Golden Rock. They are reliable and rugged locomotives even though low powered. They can be easily recognised by the lack of grilles on the short hood. Two locomotives are running on a mixture of bio-diesel and diesel. All 15 are still in service.

= [[Indian locomotive class WDP-1|WDP-1]] =

It is a lower powered passenger (2,300 hp) version of the WDM-2. The Bogies of WDM-2 have been replaced by Bo-Bo fabricated bogies with a max. speed of 140 km/h. They were not hugely successful. About 69 units have been produced with 60 locomotives still being in service. They are identifiable by their ‘baldie’ grille-less short hoods.

= [[Indian locomotive class WDP-3A|WDP-2/3A]] =

It is a dedicated passenger version of the WDM-2/3A, similar to how the freighter WDG-2/3A was developed, but unlike its mixed-use and freight-dedicated counterparts, this locomotive features an aerodynamic streamlined dual-cab design, similar to its AC-electric counterparts, like the WAP-1 and WAP-4, making it the first dual-cab diesel–electric locomotive of India, preceding the EMD 710 based WDP-4D, and the Only dual-cab member of the ALCO DL560C family. Ever since the arrival of the imported EMD GT46PAC (WDP-4) locomotive in 2001, it too proved to be only merely successful over the WDP-1. This locomotive is known by the nickname "Toaster", as the second cab, which is too small and closely attached to the radiator of the locomotive, gets heated up and causes discomfort while driving.

Sub-classes

= WDM-2A =

The WDM-2A is a variant of the original WDM-2 series that have been retro-fitted with air brakes, in addition to the original vacuum brakes. Thus, these locomotives can haul both vacuum- and air-braked wagons. Air brakes were introduced as they're safer and more reliable.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/docs/brakes/brake-comparison.html |title=[IRFCA] Brake systems used by IR |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}} Despite this classification some WDM-2A locomotives are still marked as WDM-2 rather than WDM-2A.

= WDM-2B =

The WDM-2B is a variant of the original WDM-2 series built with air brakes as original equipment. They do not have vacuum brakes. Only some have been classified as WDM-2B.

= Jumbos =

File:WDM-2 Diesel loco of PUNE.jpg

The WDM-2 locomotives from serial numbers around 17788 to 17890 were fitted with full-width short hoods with the intention of improving visibility for drivers.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3461 |title=WDM-2 17890 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}} These are unofficially termed 'Jumbos' by crew and rail fans.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/docs/wdm2-jumbo.html |title=[IRFCA] WDM-2 'Jumbo' locos |website=www.irfca.org |date=1998 |access-date=2022-11-13}} WDM-2 #17722 and #17748 are rumored to be the prototypes of the jumbo class but differ slightly from other Jumbos.{{cite web|url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3293 |title=WDM-2 17722 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3319 |title=WDM-2 17748 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |url=https://indiarailinfo.com/blog/post/1214327 |title=WDM2 17722 'JUMBO' at Dildarnagar Junction |last=Kumar |first=Nitin |date=2014-09-13 |access-date=2022-11-13}} However, these locomotives proved to be not so ergonomic since locomotive pilots observed that they had to stand up to operate them. So a few were modified to have normal short hoods. Some earlier Jumbo locomotives were also converted to WDM-3A.

These locomotives are easily recognisable by their short hoods with large windows. After over-ageing of these locomotives, the jumbos were mainly used on shunting or departmental works trains. All of them are now withdrawn from service and condemned.

= WDM-2S =

This classification is given to WDM-2s that are nearing the end of their service life. These locomotives can be easily recognized by '0' at the beginning of their road number.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/imagebank/Members/Shanx/ShanxMisc/018210_G_001.jpg.html |title=Kazipet WDM2 #018210 hauls a departmental flat car rake carrying finished track sections |last=Nanda |first=Shashanka |website=www.irfca.org |date=2004-09-20 |access-date=2022-11-13}} These are relegated to shunting duties, and occasionally haul Departmental works trains.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Locos/Diesel/wdm2x/WDM-2S.jpg.html |title=SSB (Shakurbasti) WDM-2S #17217 just outside Ludhiana diesel shed onboard Sindhu Exp. |website=www.irfca.org |last=Bharaj |first=Ankit |date=2008-07-13 |access-date=2022-11-13}} Some WDM-2 units remain in classification for many years before they are scrapped.

Export versions

= Sri Lanka =

File:SLR M8 Loco.jpg in Sri Lanka]]

{{Main|Sri Lanka Railways M8}}

Eight WDM-2 locomotives were purchased by the Sri Lanka Railways, the state-run railroad operator in Sri Lanka in 1996. They were the longest and most powerful locomotives at that time. They were allocated the M8 class.{{cite web |title=Class M8 |date=18 September 2012 |url=https://slrailinfo.wordpress.com/locomotives/class-m/class-m8/ |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |title=Diesel Locomotives of Sri Lanka Locomotive classification |url=http://www.srilankanlocos.com/data/data.html |website=www.srilankanlocos.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502083448/http://www.srilankanlocos.com/data/data.html |archive-date=2007-05-02 |access-date=2022-11-13}} However, some modifications to the appearance were done by SLR.{{cite web |title=෴M8 දුම්රිය එන්ජිම - අපේ අසල්වැසි රට වන ඉන්දියාවේ නිෂ්පාදනයක්෴ |website=Loco Lanka |url=https://locolanka.blogspot.com/2011/02/m8.html |date=2011-02-06 |access-date=2022-11-13}} These locomotives have been assigned road numbers 841 to 848{{cite web |title=SLR Locomotive data |url=http://www.srilankanlocos.com/data/locodata.html |website=www.srilankanlocos.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502083329/http://www.srilankanlocos.com/data/locodata.html |archive-date=2007-05-02 |access-date=2022-11-13}} and all are still operational.

= Bangladesh=

{{Main|Bangladesh Railway Class 6400}}

Ten WDM-2 locomotives were purchased by Bangladesh Railway in 2001. They were the most powerful locomotives at that time. They were allocated Class 6400 or BED-26 numbered from 6401 to 6410. All are fitted with air brake and AAR coupling. Unlike their Indian counterparts, these locomotives do not have the dynamic braking system. All locomotives are still in service.

Locomotive road numbers

During the manufacture of WDM-2, DLW built and numbered these locomotives non-sequentially.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-specs.html#WDM-2 |title=[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Diesel and Electric Locomotive Specifications |website=www.irfca.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604102601/https://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-specs.html |archive-date=2020-06-04 |access-date=2022-11-13}}

= 18040–079/18112–18232 series locomotives =

These locomotives were among the first WDM-2s used in India. Locomotive number 18040 is the first in the series to be imported; subsequent ones were later supplied by ALCO. Locomotives numbered from 18080 to 18111 are actually WDM-4 class. These WDM-2 locomotives can be easily identified by their original ALCO dynamic brake vents with three partitions.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Locos/Diesel/wdm2x/100_0567.JPG.html |title=WDM-2 18068 hauls the Ratnagiri–Dadar passenger |website=www.irfca.org |date=2006-05-27 |last=Rayaguru |first=Kamal |access-date=2022-11-13}} They were mostly in mainline service till 2007 and were relegated to shunting/departmental duties thereafter. The last of these locomotives (WDM-2 numbered 18068 from Kurla) were condemned by March 2014.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3599 |title=WDM-2 18068 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |title=Original Alco built WDM-2/S #18068 rests with WCAM3 #21954 |url=https://indiarailinfo.com/blog/post/608371 |last=Garg |first=Anil Kumar |website=indiarailinfo.com |access-date=2022-11-13}} All of these locomotives have been withdrawn from service and scrapped.

= 18232–18514-series locomotives =

After 18232, DLW started manufacturing locomotives from kits supplied by ALCO. The first kit-built from DLW was 18233 named 'Kundan'; subsequent ones were later assembled in DLW from kits supplied by ALCO after technology transfer took place. Some of these locomotives (like WDM-2 18236) have retained their original ALCO dynamic brake vents with three partitions.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3735 |title=WDM-2 18236 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}} The first fully-built WDM-2 from DLW was 18299. These locomotives were mostly in mainline service till 2007, thereafter relegated to shunting/departmental duties like ALCO-built ones. The last of these locomotives (such as #18473) were condemned by November 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3971 |title=WDM-2 18473 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}}

After 18514, DLW started manufacturing '17' series locomotives.

= 17100–17999, 17-series locomotives =

DLW stopped 18-series midway (18499) and started producing 17-series locomotives. Locomotives numbered from 17000 to 17099 are WDM-1 class. These were fully-built WDM-2 locomotives from DLW. The locomotive numbers 17796–17895 are the Jumbo versions of WDM-2. Almost all of the WDM-2 Jumbos belong to this series. Most of these locomotives were manufactured in the 1970s. The 17 series locomotives are no longer used for mainline services; these are now fit only for shunting and inferior activities with most of them being condemned or scrapped.

18514–18522 are WDM-3 locomotives built by German manufacturers Henschel.

= 18523–18900/18903–18999 series locomotives =

The locomotives numbering 18530 onward were manufactured from the early 1980s. Almost all locomotives were rebuilt to WDM-3A standards, but most were returned to WDM-2 standards as they reached the end of their service life. A few are still in mainline service as WDM-3As. Some of them are fit only for shunting and inferior activities with most of them being condemned or scrapped.

18901 and 18902 are WDM-6 locos{{dash}}no longer in service.

= 16000–16887 / '16' series locomotives =

The '16' series is the youngest in the WDM-2 series. The oldest locomotive number 16001 was manufactured in the mid-1980s. They are originally WDM-2s and all were rebuilt to WDM-3A standards (except for locomotives lost to collision damage).{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/ |title=Listing All Locos - IRFCA Locomotive Database |website=www.irfca.org |access-date=2022-11-13}} All '16' series locomotives are still running in mainline duties as WDM-3A class. About 30 units remain as pure WDM-2s and still in service. Rapid scrapping of the '16' series has now begun.

Liveries

  • RTM : *1. Red top, Navy blue bottom and white band middle. - *2. Light Blue top, Navy blue bottom and white band middle. - 3. Typical Patiala Workshop livery dark blue top, bottom and white band middle.
  • TNP: Light and dark blue bottom. Flying bird on pink background was the logo. Few biodiesel ones were green.
  • ERS: A Kerala-based logo with characteristic ICF Rajdhani livery.
  • ED: Prancing deer of IR, dark blue with white.
  • R: Light Blue Top and Bottom with White Band in middle.

File:A diesel loco WDM2 resting at Secunderabad Junction.jpg|KJM (SWR): dark blue/light blue livery and logo has SWR written in white on blue background.

File:BKSC WDM3A ^16149R with 15929 MS-DBRT Express instead of its regular UDL or MLDT link - Flickr - Dr. Santulan Mahanta.jpg|BKSC: Green and orange livery similar to Bangladeshi national flag

File:A WDM 3A loco resting at Visakhapatnam.jpg|VSKP: red yellow maroon livery

File:12586 (Sambalpur-Howrah) Express.jpg|Bondamunda had a red yellow maroon livery somewhat similar to VSKP

  • * = Forbidden

{{anchor|Preserved examples}}

Preserved examples

A number of WDM-2 locomotives have been preserved all over India with some units still in service.{{cite web |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,366,1706 |title=Heritage Directorate, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways |website=www.indianrailways.gov.in |access-date=2022-11-13}}{{cite web |url=https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L7PMD3GYsSQibjrOjIk9dpekeDi7Gp9u |title=Heritage Inventory for Website |access-date=2022-11-13}}

class="wikitable"
Class

!Manufacturer

!Loco Number

!Previous shed

!Name

!Livery

!Location

!ref

WDM-2/3A

|BLW

|16000

|Andal (UDL)

|

|UDL dark green with yellow stripe

| Preserved at Howrah Rail Museum [Dec 2021]

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/1783 |title=WDM-3A 16000 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13}}

WDM-2B

|BLW

|17263

|Malda Town (MLDT)

|

|MLDT blue/cream/blue with red lining

|Plinthed at Kishanganj (KNE) station of Katihar Division, NFR [2013-12-20]

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/2834 |title=WDM-2 17263 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-2B

|BLW

|17307

|Malda Town (MLDT)

|

|MLDT blue/cream/blue with red lining

|Plinthed at Malda Town DLS

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/2878 |title=WDM-2 17307 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-2B

|BLW

|17421

|Malda Town (MLDT)

|

|MLDT blue/cream/blue with red lining

|Preserved at Aluabari Road.

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/2992 |title=WDM-2 17421 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-2

|BLW

|17445

|Kazipet (KZJ)

|

|

|Earmarked for preservation: I.R. Heritage Website [November 2018]

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3016 |title=WDM-2 17445 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-3A/2A

|BLW

|17754

|Ludhiana (LDH)

|

|LDH grey/red/grey with white lining

|Earmarked for preservation: I.R. Heritage Website [November 2018]

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3325 |title=WDM-3A 17754 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-2

|ALCO

|18040

|Katni (KTE)

|

|Maroon with yellow lining & blue Stripes

|Preserved at National Rail Museum, New Delhi

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3571 |title=WDM-2 18040 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Trips/north/Vicky-misc/IMG_2130.jpg.html |title=WDM-2#18040, which has just been moved to the NRM |author=Vicky |date=2004-10-24 |access-date=2022-11-13}}

WDM-2

|ALCo

|18113

|Itarsi (ET)

|

|Light blue with white band

|Plinthed at Zonal Railway Training Institute, Bhusaval

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3612 |title=WDM-2 18113 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-2

|ALCo

|18119

|Itarsi (ET)

|

|Light blue with white band

|Plinthed at Zonal Railway Training Institute, Bhusaval

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3618 |title=WDM-2 18119 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

id="Kundan"

|WDM-2A

|ALCo

|18160

|Ernakulam (ERS)

|

|Red

|This loco is preserved in GOC workshop.

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3659 |title=WDM-2 18160 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-2

|BLW

|18233

|Mughalsarai (MGS)

|Kundan

|Red/white/grey

|Permanent Exhibit at DLW, Varanasi

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/3732 |title=WDM-2 18233 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-2B

|BLW

|18575

|Malda Town (MLDT)

|

|MLDT blue/cream/blue with red lining

|Earmarked for preservation: I.R. Heritage Website [November 2018]

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/4065 |title=WDM-2 18575 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

WDM-2/3A

|BLW

|18599

|Krishnarajapuram (KJM)

|

|KJM blue/turquoise/blue with blue lining

|Plinthed at SWR Headquarters Office - Rail Soudha, Hubballi, glass panels on one side

|{{cite web |url=https://www.irfca.org/apps/locos/4089 |title=WDM-3A 18599 - IRFCA Locomotive Database |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=www.irfca.org}}

Former sheds

  • Abu Road (ABR)
  • Andal (UDL)
  • Bardhaman (BWN)
  • Bokaro Steel City (BKSC)
  • Bondamunda (BNDM)
  • Deen Dayal Upadhaya (DDU)
  • Ernakulam (ERS)- The very last WDM-2 (18701) was removed from service in June 2019 after being in the shed for 38 years.
  • Erode (ED)
  • Gonda (GD)
  • Gooty (GY)
  • Guntakal (GTL)
  • Howrah (HWH)
  • Itarsi (ET)
  • Izzatnagar Loco Shed (IZN)
  • Jhansi (JHS)
  • Kalyan (KYN)
  • Kazipet (KZJ)
  • Kharagpur (KGP)
  • Krishnarajapuram (KJM)
  • Lucknow (LKO)
  • Ludhiana (LDH)
  • Moula Ali (MLY)
  • Pune (PUNE)
  • New Guwahati (NGC)
  • Raipur (R)
  • Patratu (PTRU)
  • Ratlam (RTM)
  • Samastipur (SPJ)
  • Tughlakabad (TKD)
  • Tondiapet (TNP)
  • Vatva (VTA)
  • Visakhapatnam (VSKP)
  • Malda Town (MLDT)

Technical specifications

class="wikitable"
Manufacturers

|Alco, DLW

Engine

|Alco 251-B, 16 cylinder engine, {{convert|2600|hp|abbr=on|lk=on}} ({{convert|2430|hp|abbr=on|disp=or}} site rating) with Alco 710/720/?? turbo supercharged engine. 1,000 rpm max, 400 rpm idle; {{convert|228|x|266|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} bore x stroke; compression ratio 12.5:1. Direct fuel injection, centrifugal pump cooling system ({{convert|2,457|L/min|abbr=on|disp=or}} at 1,000 rpm), fan driven by eddy current clutch ({{convert|86|hp|abbr=on|disp=or}} at 1,000 rpm)

Governor

|GE 17MG8 / Woodwards 8574-650 / Medha MEG 601

Transmission

|Electric, with BHEL TG 10931 AZ generator (1,000 rpm, 770 V, 4,520 A)

Traction motors

|GE752 (original Alco models) ({{convert|405|hp|abbr=on|disp=or}}), BHEL 4906 BZ (AZ?) ({{convert|435|hp|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and (newer) 4907 AZ (with roller bearings)

Axle load

|{{convert|18.8|t|abbr=on}}

total weight

|{{convert|112.8|t|abbr=on}}

Bogies

|Alco design cast frame trimount (Co-Co) bogies

Starting TE

|{{convert|30.4|t|abbr=on}}, at adhesion 27%

Length over buffer beams

|{{convert|15,862|mm|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}

Distance between bogies

|{{convert|10,516|mm|ftin|abbr=on|frac=8}}

See also

References

{{commons category|Indian locomotive class WDM2}}

{{reflist}}

=Notes=

=Bibliography=

{{refbegin}}

  • {{Hughes-IndianLocos4}}

{{refend}}

{{Broad gauge locomotives of India |state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:WDM-2}}

M-2A

Category:Co-Co locomotives

Category:ALCO locomotives

Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 1962

Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives