Indian locomotive class WCG-2

WCG-2
WCG2 triplets Banking near Bhor Ghats
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderChittaranjan Locomotive Works
Build date1970-1976
Total produced57
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICCo′Co′
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
BogiesALCO Asymmetric cast frame trimount
Wheel diameterNew:1,092 mm (3 ft 7 in),
Half worn:1,055 mm (3 ft 5+12 in) and
Full worn:1,016 mm (3 ft 4 in)
Length18.68 m (61 ft 3+716 in)
Width3.055 m (10 ft 14 in)
Height4.238 m (13 ft 10+78 in)
Axle load21.5 tonnes (21.2 long tons; 23.7 short tons)
Loco weight132 tonnes (130 long tons; 146 short tons)
Electric system/s1.5 kV DC Overhead
Current pickup(s)pantograph
Traction motorsHeil TM4939AZ
MU working3
Loco brakeAir/Hand
Train brakesAir, Dual and Vacuum
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 speed90 km/h (56 mph)>or80 km/h (50 mph)
Power outputMax:4,200 hp (3,130 kW)
Tractive effortStarting:35,600 kgf (350 kN)
Continuous:33,600 kgf (330 kN)
Factor of adh.0.32
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
Numbers20104-20160
NicknamesHowlers[citation needed]
LocaleCentral Railways
Last runMay 2, 2010 (Mainline operations) May 8, 2012 (Shunting)
RetiredAugust, 2012
Preserved20108 - at CLW Loco Park, 20158 - at CSMT Heritage Gully
ScrappedAugust, 2012
DispositionTwo preserved, remainder scrapped

The Indian locomotive class WCG-2 (colloquially also known as Howlers due to very noisy blowers[according to whom?]) is a class of 1.5 kV DC electric locomotives that was developed in the late 1960s by Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), DC Current (C), Goods traffic (G) engine, 2nd generation (2). They entered service in February 1971. A total of 57 WCG-2 were built at CLW between 1978 and 1983, which made them the most numerous class of DC electric locomotive.

The WCG-2 is one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways[peacock prose] having served both passenger and freight trains for over 40 years. They were famously known for doing passenger duties and banking duties in the Bhor and Thull ghats. However, with the advent of new 3-phase locomotives and conversion of Central Railways to 25 kV AC, the WCG-2 locomotives were withdrawn from mainline duties, with two of the locomotives being preserved.