The Indian locomotive class WAG-3 is a class of 25
kV AC electric locomotive
An electric locomotive is a locomotive powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail or on-board energy storage such as a battery or a supercapacitor. Locomotives with on-board fuelled prime movers, such as diesel engines or gas ...
s that was imported from Europe in the mid 1960s for
Indian Railways
Indian Railways (IR) is a statutory body under the ownership of Ministry of Railways, Government of India that operates India's national railway system. It manages the fourth largest national railway system in the world by size, with a tot ...
. The model name stands for
broad gauge (W), AC Current (A), Goods traffic (G) engine, 3rd (3). A total of 10 WAG-3 locomotives were built by The European Group 50 Hz Group/European Group/50 Cycles Group (consortium) in 1965. They entered service in 1965.
The WAG-3 served mainly freight trains for over 35 years. As of January 2020, All locomotives have been removed from service all were scrapped.
History
Ten locomotives of this type were ordered from European Group. All these locomotives have been assembled in Europe. First locomotive was put in service in July, 1965. The typical feature of these locomotives is a Monomotor bogie. This construction results in substantial saving in weight in traction equipment and gives better adhesion. These locomotives utilize silicon rectifiers for conversion of ac power into dc. The traction motors are force ventilated and are fully suspended type. These motors are permanently grouped in parallel and controlled by tap changer and field weakening. The traction motors for the WAG3 were two units of Alstom MG1580A1 which output 23% more top power than the WAG1. This can be used for a multiple unit operation to a maximum of four locomotives. Compressed air brake for the loco and vacuum brake for the train are provided. In addition, these locomotives have been provided with rheostatic braking.
WAG-4 is based on this class.
Specification
*Build dates: 1963-66
*
Wheel arrangement
In rail transport, a wheel arrangement or wheel configuration is a system of classifying the way in which wheels are distributed under a locomotive. Several notations exist to describe the wheel assemblies of a locomotive by type, position, and c ...
: B-B ( monomotor bogies )
*
Traction motor
A traction motor is an electric motor used for propulsion of a vehicle, such as locomotives, electric vehicle, electric or hydrogen vehicles, elevators or electric multiple unit.
Traction motors are used in electrically powered rail vehicles (ele ...
s:AGEC make, type 1580 A1 (1270V, 1040A, 680 rpm. Weight 5850 kg.) Bogie mounted.
*
Gear ratio
A gear train is a mechanical system formed by mounting gears on a frame so the teeth of the gears engage.
Gear teeth are designed to ensure the pitch circles of engaging gears roll on each other without slipping, providing a smooth transmission ...
: 3.95:1
*
Transformer
A transformer is a passive component that transfers electrical energy from one electrical circuit to another circuit, or multiple circuits. A varying current in any coil of the transformer produces a varying magnetic flux in the transformer' ...
: Oerlikon BOT 3460. 32 taps.
*
Rectifier
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction. The reverse operation (converting DC to AC) is performed by an Power ...
s: Two GL 82220 silicon rectifiers, 1000A/1270 kW/1270V. Weight 650 kg each.
*Axle load: 21.3 t
*Max. Haulage: 1820 t
*
Pantographs: Two Faiveley AM-12
Locomotive shed
* All the locomotives of this class has been withdrawn from service.
See also
*
Rail transport in India#History
*
Indian Railways
Indian Railways (IR) is a statutory body under the ownership of Ministry of Railways, Government of India that operates India's national railway system. It manages the fourth largest national railway system in the world by size, with a tot ...
*
Locomotives of India
The Indian Railways primarily operates fleet of electric and diesel locomotives, along with several compressed natural gas (CNG) locomotives. Steam locomotives are operated on a few World Heritage Sites and also run occasionally as herita ...
*
Rail transport in India
Rail transport in India is an important mode of conveyance for people and goods in India. Indian Railways (IR) is the primary operator of rail operations throughout the country. IR is a state-owned organisation of the Ministry of Railways, whic ...
References
External links
[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Locomotives—Specific classes : AC Electric
* ttp://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/ACTraction-I/AcTractionI_ADDITIONAL_Data.htm 11081 Colour Photographs Indian Railways
Indian Railways (IR) is a statutory body under the ownership of Ministry of Railways, Government of India that operates India's national railway system. It manages the fourth largest national railway system in the world by size, with a tot ...
{{Broad gauge locomotives of India
25 kV AC locomotives
B-B locomotives
Electric locomotives of India
Railway locomotives introduced in 1965
5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives
Henschel locomotives