Fablok G1C

Sole G1C (Fablok 406/1931), location and date unknown. Source: Fablok monograph (see References).

Side drawing of the G1C; source: LSPP.

Pierwsza Fabryka Lokomotyw w Polsce S.A. (First Locomotive Factory in Poland JSC) of Chrzanów, later commonly known as Fablok, was founded in May 1919. Their first product was the Tr21 freight locomotive, designed in close co-operation with Austrian Maschinenfabrik der priv. österreichisch-ungarischen Staatseisenbahnen-Gesellschaft (StEG). Following 36 examples of this engine assembled in Austria or from Austrain components, first ‘Polish’ Tr21-37, the very first locomotive built in Poland, was outshopped in February 1924. Steam era at Fablok finally ended in 1963, but diesel locomotives had made their appearance much earlier. Between 1929 and 1930 Fablok team designed a small, two-axle locomotive with electric transmission, intended for minor industrial establishments and auxiliary duties. Designated G1C (origin of this designation is not known), it was powered by a two-cylinder 60 hp Warchalowski-Diesel engine imported from Austria, which drove two 35 kW electric motors and axles via chain transmission. The locomotive featured electrically welded frame, then a novelty.

The sole example, numbered 406/1931, was completed in late 1931 and delivered for tests to the Brzeszcze colliery. However, it was soon returned to the manufacturer, as it proved too weak for service at the company’s sidings. Until 1939 it was used by Fablok for various tests and works transport. During the war (the factory operated as Oberschlesische Lokomotivwerke AG Krenau, a division of Henschel), the locomotive was dismantled and converted into a flat car, which was used for works transport until 1970s.

Further development of standard-gauge diesel locomotives at Fablok was based on German designs, documentation of several types being purchased from Deutz. Their output was modest, with only fifteen examples (including the G1C) built until 1939. First post-war type, the Ls40 of 1952, was also based on pre-war Deutz design.

Main technical data

No.	Parameter	Unit	Value
1.	Years of manufacture	-	1931
2.	Total built / used in Poland	-	1 / 1
3.	Axle arrangement	-	B
4.	Transmission type	-	electric
5.	Design maximum speed	km/h	20
6.	Prime mover type	-	Warchalowski-Diesel
7.	Engine rating	kW/hp	44 / 60
8.	Bore x stroke	mm x mm
9.	Number of cylinders	-	2
10.	Number of electric engines	-	2
11.	Rated output of electric engines	kW	2 x 35
12.	Main reduction gear ratio	-
13.	Diameter of drivers	mm	1000
14.	Total weight	kg	12 100
15.	Axle load	T	6.05
16.	Axle base	mm	2 000
17.	Overall length	mm	5 500
18.	Maximum width	mm	2 360
19.	Train heating	-	-
20.	Brake type	-

References and acknowledgments

- LSPP;

- Fablok w Chrzanowie. Monografia (Fablok of Chrzanów. A Monograph) by Bogusław Krasnowolski (ed.), 2004.