6Dl
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‘Prototype’ SU42-1001 (rebuilt SM42-576),
Olsztyn Główny station, July 1, 2015.
Next day, the same locomotive and location. |
Between
1964 and 1992 Fablok delivered over 2000 examples of factory type 6D locomotives and their
derivatives, both for PKP (classes
SM42, SP42 and SU42) and industry. They served mainly as medium switchers,
but were also used in with light freight trains; SP42 and SU42, fitted with
car heating systems, were intended for passenger traffic on local lines.
Since about mid-1990s several modernization packages have been proposed.
Initially the principal aim was to replace the obsolete a8C22 diesel engine
with a modern prime mover, more economical and compliant with current
emission standards. Later modernization projects evolved into almost entirely
new locomotives, retaining merely frames, trucks and traction motors of the
original design, albeit with certain modifications. Type 6Dg, developed by Newag,
was ordered in quantity by PKP Cargo
and several private operators. All locomotives were conversions of old SM42s.
In
2009 PESA proposed type 6Dk, a radically modernized version with two Caterpillar C15 diesels. Newag responded with type 6Dl, which
also featured two separate diesel-generator units, but facilitating electric
power supply to passenger cars. This conversion was intended mainly for light
passenger trains and provides a reasonable replacement for elderly SU45s, of
which only a handful still remains in use. Type 6Dl is fitted with two Caterpillar C18 diesels, rated at 765
hp each; either one or both may be employed to develop tractive effort.
Modern design features include air-conditioned cab, energy-absorbing bumpers
and state-of-the-art emission control systems, compliant with current
European standards (Stage IIIB). Crew comfort is enhanced by refrigerator,
wash-basin, kitchenette and efficient heating system. In September 2013 PKP InterCity ordered ten modernized locomotives, all rebuilt from
old SM42s. They were delivered between August 2014 and May 2015 and are
currently assigned to regional managements in Gdynia (seven) and Poznań
(three). Due to their characteristics, they are considered universal
locomotives and were classed SU42, with service numbers from 1001 to 1010. In
April 2018 they were re-classed SU4210, probably to distinguish them from rebuilt
SP42s. Further conversions may follow, but ‘new’ SU42 will have to face the
competition of class SU160 (factory type 111Db) from PESA. In fact these two locomotives are complementary rather than
competitive, as SU160 is a typical main line locomotive, while SU42 is
intended for branch lines. Time will tell… Main
technical data
1)
SM42 conversion. 2)
Until late 2018. References and acknowledgments
-
www.kolejowaklatka.org (website by Marek Dąbrowski); -
www.newag.pl; |
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