PKP class EU20

The EU20 is an East German standard gauge electric locomotive specially built for, and used by, the Polish national rail operator, PKP.

EU20
EU20-24 at the Warsaw Railway Museum, 2006.
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Lokomotivbau Elektrotechnische Werke (LEW) Build date 1955–1958 Total produced 34
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co′Co′ Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in) Wheel diameter 1.35 m (4 ft 5 in) Length 18.5 m (60 ft 8 in) Width 3.05 m (10 ft 0 in) Loco weight 120 tonnes (120 long tons; 130 short tons) Current pickup(s) Pantograph Traction motors 6 of, gear-ratio 81:21 Loco brake Knorr
Performance figures Maximum speed 110 km/h (68 mph) Power output 2,520 kW (3,380 hp)
Career Operators PKP Numbers EU20-01 to EU20-34 Retired 1976–81 Preserved EU20-24 Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped

History

In production for a mere three years (1955–1958), the series was built at the Lokomotivbau Elektrotechnische Werke works — commonly shortened to LEW — in Hennigsdorf, East Germany. During this time, 34 units were produced with the intention for use as a mixed traffic locomotive – hence its EU designation – though the reality is that the EU20 saw more use as a freight locomotive than a passenger one. EU20s were the first electric locomotives to be used on the route between Warsaw and Silesia.

The class gained notoriety for its frequent breakdowns due to overheating of resistors, and the lack of additional cooling facilities found in other locomotives.

Technical data

Mechanically, the EU20 was identical to the earlier EU04 (also built by LEW), sharing the same traction engines, rectifiers, and gas compressors.

Operational history

During the series' 26-year service, most units were assigned to the Piotrków Trybunalski depot. EU20s were withdrawn over a 6-year period, beginning in 1976, with the last locomotive being withdrawn in 1981.

Current status

EU20-24 has been preserved as an exhibit at the Warsaw Railway Museum, and is the only surviving example from the series.