794

Prototype 794 001-8, photographed during tests at the Bratislava-Lamač station on April 21, 2016. Photo by Petr Štefek (source: www.commons.wikimedia.org).

794 014-1, already sporting the Metro Warszawskie livery, photographed during tests in Jihlava, Czech Republic, in April 2019. Photo by Daniel Brabenec (used by permission – many thanks!).

CZ Loko company of Česká Třebová, Czech Republic, was founded in 1995 and is involved mainly in reconstruction and modernization of locomotives. Several original designs have, however, also been developed. In September 2014 the company presented a new light switcher, classed 794. Presentation took place at the factory premises; a few days later prototype locomotive 794 001-8 was transported to Berlin and exhibited at the InnoTrans fair. It is intended as a replacement for older light switchers (e.g. classes 700 – 703), as well as an economical alternative for larger four-axle switchers, of which many are still used for auxiliary duties. Power is provided by a Caterpillar C 13 diesel engine with electric (AC/DC) transmission. Total weight was initially specified as 28 to 32 tonnes, depending on equipment and detailed requirements. Prototype locomotive weighted 30 tonnes.

Service tests with Czech state railways ČD began in Brno in March 2015. In June 2017 ČD ordered twelve examples, with a commercial name ‘EffiShunter 300’, to be delivered until February 2019. Production locomotives differ from the prototype in several details and their total weight has increased to 36 tonnes. In November 2017 Metro Warszawskie (Warsaw Underground) invited tenders for a single light diesel switcher, intended to supplement four locomotives already in use (which include Czech 797.819 from CZ Loko). Next February the CZ Loko offer for a version of class 794 was chosen. Compared to the production variant for ČD, several modifications have been introduced, in order to match the company’s vehicle gauge and other specific requirements (including couplings). Total weight is 30 tonnes. Numbered 794.014-1, the locomotive began manufacturer’s tests in March 2019. At the time of writing (August 2019) it still awaits delivery; certificate for use in Poland is to be issued in November.

Main technical data

No.	Parameter	Unit	Value
1.	Years of manufacture	-	2014 –
2.	Total built / used in Poland	-	14 / 1^1)
3.	Axle arrangement	-	B
4.	Transmission type	-	electric
5.	Design maximum speed	km/h	60
6.	Prime mover type	-	Caterpillar C 13
7.	Engine rating	kW/hp	328 / 446
8.	Bore x stroke	mm x mm	130 x 157
9.	Number of cylinders	-	6
10.	Number of electric engines	-	2 x TDM 5003
11.	Rated output of electric engines	kW
12.	Main reduction gear ratio	-
13.	Diameter of drivers	mm
14.	Total weight	kg	28 000 – 36 000^2)
15.	Axle load	T	14 – 18^2)
16.	Axle base	mm
17.	Overall length	mm	7 940
18.	Maximum width	mm
19.	Train heating	-	-
20.	Brake type	-

1) Until mid-2019.

2) Depending on version.

References and acknowledgments

- http://spz.logout.cz;

- www.transport-publiczny.pl.