Indian locomotive class WDS-8
The Indian locomotive class WDS-8 is a class of diesel-electric locomotive that was developed in 1979 Chittaranjan Locomotive Works for Indian Railways but went to private sector. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Diesel (D), Shunter (S) engine, 8th generation (8). They entered service in 1979. A total of 5 WDS-8 was built at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), Varanasi between 1979 and 1982.
Indian locomotive class WDS-8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A brand new WDS-8 at CLW | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All WDS-8 units were exported to Steel Authority of India. As of January 2020, the locomotives are withdrawn from service.
History
The history of WDS-8 begins in early 1970s with the aim of addressing the shortcomings of the previous WDS-4 classes and remove steam locomotives from IR by a target date of 1990. The WDS8 was a competing bid from CLW to Diesel Locomotive Works WDS-6 class in the industrial private sector.[1] The WDS-8 had MAK 800hp diesel engine which was similar to engine used in the newly upgraded YDM-1 class.They had Short cabs with a single long narrow hood. But it was under under-powered compared to the WDS-6 class.[2]
CLW decided not to produce any more units after these 5 units and they were transferred them to Steel Authority of India (SAIL).[3]
None of the locomotives of this class are in service.
References
Notes
- "[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Diesel and Electric Locomotive Specifications". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
- "[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Locomotives -- Specific classes : AC Electric". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
- "[IRFCA] Indian / South-Asian Industrial Locos : Builders: Chittaranjan Locomotive Works". www.irfca.org. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
Bibliography
- Hughes, Hugh (1996). Indian Locomotives: Part 4 – 1941–1990. Harrow, Middlesex: The Continental Railway Circle. ISBN 0-9521655-1-1.