Indian locomotive class WCM-1

The Indian locomotive class WCM-1 is a class of 1.5 kV DC electric locomotives that was developed in 1951 by Vulcan Foundry and English Electric for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Direct Current (C), Mixed traffic (M) engine, 1st generation (1). They entered service in 1955. A total of 7 WCM-1 were built in England between 1954 and 1955.

Indian locomotive class WCM-1
A WCM-1 preserved at ICF Rail Museum,Chennai
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
DesignerVulcan Foundry, English Electric
BuilderEnglish Electric
Order numberM3559/53261/51
ModelEM/1
Build date1951
Total produced7
RebuilderElectric Loco Shed, Kalyan
Rebuild date1968
Number rebuilt7
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo′Co′
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Bogies3 Axle fabricated frame, Swing bolster with Equalizer beams
Wheel diameterNew:1,220 mm (4 ft 0 in),
Half worn:1,182 mm (3 ft 10 1⁄2 in) and
Full worn:1,114 mm (3 ft 8 in)
Wheelbase2,400 mm (7 ft 10 in)
Length:
​
 • Over couplers20.836 m (68 ft 4 5⁄16 in)
 • Body19.5 m (63 ft 11 11⁄16 in)
Width3.169 m (10 ft 4 3⁄4 in)
Height4.292 m (14 ft 1 in)
Frame type3 Axle fabricated frame
Axle load20.83 tonnes (20.50 long tons; 22.96 short tons)
Loco weight123.98 tonnes (122.02 long tons; 136.66 short tons)
Sandbox cap.8+8 sandboxes
Power supply110 V DC
Electric system/s1.5 kV DC Overhead
Current pickup(s)pantograph
Traction motorsE.E.514/2C
 • Rating 1 hour700A
 • Continuous600A
Gear ratio16:59
MU workingNot possible
Loco brakeAir/Hand, Regenerative braking
Train brakesVacuum
Compressor7 kg/cm
Safety systemsSlip control, Over voltage relay, No volt relay, Earth fault relay, Low pressure governor, Train parting alarms, and Brake cylinder cutoff valve
Performance figures
Maximum speed120.5 km/h (75 mph)
Power output:
​
 • StartingMax:3,700 hp (2,760 kW)
 • 1 hourMax:3,700 hp (2,760 kW)
 • ContinuousMax:3,170 hp (2,360 kW)
Tractive effort:
​
 • Starting31,000 kgf (300 kN)
 • 1 hour21,772 kgf (210 kN)
 • Continuous17,690 kgf (170 kN)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
ClassEM/1
Numbers20066-20072
LocaleCentral Railways
Delivered1954-1955
First run1955
Last run19
RetiredJanuary 2000
WithdrawnApril 2001
Preserved1
ScrappedMay 2001
Current ownerChennai Rail Museum
DispositionOne is preserved, rest all have been scrapped.

The WCM-1 served both passenger and freight trains for over 45 years. With the introduction of more modern types of locomotives and 25 KV AC electrification, all were withdrawn by early 2000s after repeated failures. Today 1 locomotive is preserved with rest of the units being Scrapped.

History

The history of WCM-1 begins in the early 1950s with the stated aim of the Indian Railways (IR) to remove the aging fleet of WCG-1 and WCP-1 class locomotives working in the Central Railways (CR) .[1] So IR to procure 7 1500 V DC electric locomotives from English Electric and Vulcan Foundry, the latter previously supplied Steam locomotives to India. They are manufactured in England and shipped to India in 1954-1955.

These locomotives were the first mixed class electric locomotive to roam India as well as the first electric locomotive with now common Co-Co wheel arrangement.[2] They were also the longest non steam locomotive in India until the arrival of the WAG-12 class. Initially the WCM-1 class were known as EM/1 class. They were easily recognizable with their huge size and round smooth noses. They had their cab doors placed in the middle of the body instead of being near the cab.

The WCM-1 locomotives were used on many Express trains like the Deccan Queen, Indrayani Express and as well as in Freight Duties. In 1968, the placement of the entry doors were moved to near the cab for better practicality. The Deccan Queen had WCM-1 with a matching livery until 1990s. In the mid 1990s the aging WCM-1 began to fail regularly causing disruption in train services. So Central Railways decided to withdraw these locomotives from services and by 2000, all units were withdrawn.

Preserved Examples
Class Manufacturer Loco Number Previous shed Name LIvery Location ref
WCM-1 Vulcan Foundry and English Electric 20069 Kalyan (KYN) White/blue with red lining Preserved at Chennai Rail Museum [3]

Former sheds
  • Pune
  • Kalyan (KYN)
  • All the locomotives of this class has been withdrawn from service.

See also

References
  1. Gudgin, D.S.E. (1976). Vulcan Foundry Locomotives 1832–1956. Truro: Bradford Barton. ISBN 978-0-85153-215-8.
  2. "Refer pg 252" (PDF).
  3. "Railway Museum Chennai". erail.in. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
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