Série 1960 are a class of diesel-electric locomotives built for Portuguese Railways (CP). They were constructed by Bombardier Transportation and entered service in 1979.[1] Of the 13 built, 5 remain in service in 2012. They have a top speed of 120 km/h and weigh 121 tonnes.

CP Class 1960
Locomotive 1970, at Vila Nova de Gaia
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBombardier-MLW
Build date1979
Total produced13
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICCo′Co′
Gauge1,668 mm (5 ft 5+2132 in) Iberian gauge
Wheel diameter1,016 mm (40 in) (new)
Loco weight121 t (119 long tons; 133 short tons)
Prime moverBombardier 251/E
AlternatorGeneral Electric GTA-17 PC 1
Traction motorsGeneral Electric CGE-785 PA 1, 6 off
MU workingWithin own class only
Train heatingElectric train heating
Loco brakeAir
Train brakesAir
Safety systemsConvel
Performance figures
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Power outputEngine: 3,042 hp (2,268 kW)
at rail: 2,250 hp (1,680 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 474 kN (107,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsComboios de Portugal
Numbers1961-1973
Disposition1 destroyed by accident, 7 withdrawn
Locomotive 1962 at Campanhã station, Oporto, in 2009

The locomotives were purchased for use on the steeply-graded Beira Alta line [pt], with heavily loaded international services from Lisbon to Spain and France, including the "Sud Express". On 11 September 1985, locomotive 1961 was destroyed in an accident near Alcafache whilst operating the Lisbon-Paris international service. Officially, 56 people were listed at being killed in the accident. The Beira Alta line was electrified in 1996 and the Série 1960 locomotives were reassigned to freight duties.[2]

The remaining locomotives are expected to be withdrawn during 2012, with high fuel consumption being a contributing factor.[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ CP official website
  2. ^ a b Article by D N Clough, Today's Railways (Europe), issue 195 (March 2012), pages 28-30, ISSN 1354-2753