18D

 

 

First 18D, SM42-3001 (rebuilt SM42-396, Fablok 8136/1971), probably at the Newag premises, date unknown. Factory photo, source: www.newag.pl.

 

 

SM4201-3101 (ex SM42-635, Fablok 8797/1973, location unknown, October 16, 2014. Photo by someone who wants to be known as Birkow (source: www.commons.wikimedia.org).

 

 

SM42-3005 is the fourth identity of this locomotive. Delivered as SM42-121 (Fablok 7727/1968), it was re-built in 1977 and re-designated SU42-121. In 2000 its original designation was restored. In 2014 it was modernized to the 18D standard. Kraków Płaszów, February 3, 2015. Photo by Matias Lohmann-Quiñones (used by permission – many thanks!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

SM42 (factory type 6D) medium switcher remained in production at Fablok between 1964 and 1992. Over 2000 examples were built, including a version for light passenger trains, designated SP42. These already obsolete locomotives were subject to several modernization programs and currently a few versions are in use with various operators. Some of them have retained just frames, trucks and traction motors of the original design and are completely different externally.

In September 2013 PKP InterCity ordered from Newag of Gliwice twenty modernized locomotives of this type in two variants. The first one (factory type 6Dl) featured two Caterpillar C18 diesel-generator units and was intended for passenger trains. Ten examples, all converted from old SM42s and numbered SU42-1001 through 1010, were delivered between August 2014 and May 2015 and assigned to regional managements in Gdynia and Poznań. The remaining ten conversions featured single diesel-generator unit and battery energy storage; the latter allows to run some distance with the main diesel off. First tests took place in April 2014 and the order was completed between June and November. Two batches were delivered, with service numbers SM42-3001 through 3005 and SM42-3101 through 3105; the latter is distinguished by storage battery of higher capacity. 6Dl and 18D designs are unified to a certain extent and some parts are interchangeable. Apart from SM42-3001 which went to Gdynia, all locomotives of this type were assigned to PKP InterCity regional managements in Warszawa and Kraków.

Compared to ‘old’ SM42, type 18D is in fact a new design, which offers reduced emission, noise and vibration and much better conditions for crews, with similar power rating. Until now (August 2016) no more conversions have been ordered, but there is certainly a need for modern and effective switchers, not only at PKP InterCity, so further purchases may follow.

 
Main technical data

 

No.

Parameter

Unit

Value

1.

Years of manufacture

-

20141)

2.

Total built / used in Poland

-

10

3.

Axle arrangement

-

Bo’Bo’

4.

Transmission type

-

electric

5.

Design maximum speed

km/h

90

6.

Prime mover type

-

Caterpillar C18

7.

Engine rating

kW/hp

563 / 765

8.

Bore x stroke

Mm x mm

145 x 183

9.

Number of cylinders

-

6

10.

Number of electric engines

-

4 x LSa-430

11.

Rated output of electric engines

kW

4 x 173

12.

Main reduction gear ratio

-

13.

Diameter of drivers

mm

1100

14.

Total weight

kg

69 000

15.

Axle load

T

17.5

16.

Axle base

mm

10 100

17.

Overall length

mm

14 240

18.

Maximum width

mm

3 130

19.

Train heating

-

-

20.

Brake type

-

Knorr

1)      SM42 conversions.

 

References and acknowledgments

 

-       www.kolejowaklatka.org (website by Marek Dąbrowski);

-       Article by Paweł Terczyński (SK vol. 9/2015);

-       SK, various issues;

-       www.newag.pl.