6Dh
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6Dh-1-001 and 6Dh-1-002, photographed in Dębica on June 24, 2017, by Roman Szumski
(source: www.commons.wikimedia.org).
Photo of the 6Dh-1-002, taken on the same
occasion.
This 6Dh-1 012 (rebuilt SM42-1012, Fablok
10044/1978) is operated by PKP PLK.
Photo taken in Tuchola on August 15, 2024. |
Tabor company of Dębica was
founded in 1993, its prime occupation being initially repair and
modernization of locomotives and rolling stock. In 2013 it was split into two
enterprises, of which one is a licensed railway operator and leasing company.
The other one, Tabor Dębica Sp. z o.o., has
retained much of the company’s original scope of activities. In 2008 they
undertook a modernization of class SM42 (Fablok factory type 6D),
standard medium switcher of PKP and
many private and industrial operators. Similarly to modernization proposed by
Newag
(type 6Dg – described under a separate entry), Caterpillar C27 V-12 diesel engine was fitted, together with new Emit GHp400 M4C generator and control
system. Ls430 traction motors were retained, as were wheelsets and trucks.
The body was thoroughly redesigned, with lowered front and rear cowlings to improve
visibility from the cab. Type certificate was issued by UTK (Urząd Transportu Kolejowego – Office
of Rail Transport) in 2008, but the prototype – rebuilt SM42-2437, Fablok
9853/1977 – was outshopped only in August 2016. It
was designated 6Dh-1-001, although alternative designation 6Dh-001 is also
used, and given commercial name Alf.
This locomotive still remains the manufacturer’s property. Second example,
6Dh-1-002, for Budimex S.A. company, followed in June 2017. Between
January and August 2019 four more conversions were completed for Opole power plant. Until now (August
2024) fourteen more examples were completed. Of these, five are operated by PCC Intermodal and three by PKP PLK (company responsible for
national railway network maintenance). The rest are owned by or leased to
various private operators. This type has thus fared much worse than the 6Dg
from Newag,
of which about 170 examples have so far been delivered. Further conversions,
however, may follow. Type 6Dh, with sloping front and rear cowlings, is
somehow unique in a rather numerous family of SM42 modernizations. Main
technical data
1)
SM42 conversion. 2)
Until August 2024. References and acknowledgments
-
www.kolejowaklatka.org (website
by Marek Dąbrowski); -
SK,
various issues. |
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