Russian locomotive class L

The Soviet locomotive class L (Russian: Л) was a Soviet main freight steam locomotive type. They were nicknamed "Swan" [1]

Soviet locomotive class Л
Locomotive Л-3653 near Moscow
Type and origin Power type Steam Designer L.S. Lebedyanskiy Builder Kolomna Locomotive Works Build date 1945—1955 Total produced 4,199
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-10-0 Driver dia. 1,500 mm (59.06 in) Height 4,873 mm (15.99 ft) Axle load 18 t (18 long tons; 20 short tons) Fuel type Coal Firebox:  • Firegrate area 6 m^2 (65 sq ft) Boiler pressure 14 kgf/cm^2 (1.37 MPa; 199 psi) Superheater: ​  • Heating area 113 m^2 (1,220 sq ft) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 650 mm × 800 mm (25.59 in × 31.50 in) bore x stroke
Performance figures Maximum speed 85 km/h (53 mph) Tractive effort 271.5 kN (61,040 lbf)
Career Operators Russian Railways Locale Russia First run 1945 Withdrawn 1975

Description

The L class 2-10-0 was the first Russian locomotive to use Boxpok-type wheels, which were commonplace in steam locomotive design post-World War II. A casing between the dome and chimney covered a steam drier pipe.

History

It was designed and built by the Kolomna Locomotive Works shortly after World War II under supervision by L.C. Lebedyanski. It was originally designated Class P (for Pobyeda, "victory"), but was redesignated Class L in honor of its designer.

In conjunction with the FD class 2-10-2, it was primarily used to haul mainline goods across the terrain of the Soviet Union. Over 4,000 L class locomotives were constructed from 1945-1955, and they operated with the Soviet Railways until 1975.

See also

• History of rail transport in Russia
• Russian Railway Museum, Saint Petersburg

References

1. Ross, David, ed. (2003). The Encyclopedia of Trains and Locomotives. Barnes & Noble, p. 206. ISBN 978-0-7607-9679-5.