Indian locomotive class WDM-6

The Indian locomotive class WDM-6 is a class of Diesel locomotive that was developed in 1981 by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Diesel (D), Mixed traffic (M) engine, 6th generation (6). They entered service in 1981. A total of 2 WDM-6 was built at between 1981 and 1982. They were decommissioned at Burdwan (BWN) in 2011.

Indian locomotive class WDM-6
Type and origin Power type Diesel Builder BLW Build date 1981-1982 Total produced 2 units
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Bo′Bo′  • Commonwealth Bo-Bo Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Bogies fabricated design,similar to those seen on the WDP-1 Wheel diameter 1,092 mm (42.99 in) Length 19.60 m (64 ft 3+5⁄8 in) Width 3,130 mm (10 ft 3+1⁄4 in) Height 3,635 mm (11 ft 11+1⁄8 in) Axle load 12,000 kg (26,000 lb) Loco weight 70,000 kg (150,000 lb) Fuel type Diesel Fuel capacity 3,000 L (660 imp gal; 790 US gal) Lubricant cap. 530 L (120 imp gal; 140 US gal), 630 L (140 imp gal; 170 US gal) DLW Water cap. 22 L (4.8 imp gal; 5.8 US gal), 28 L (6.2 imp gal; 7.4 US gal) DLW Prime mover ALCO 251-D RPM range 400-1100 Engine type Inline-6 diesel Aspiration Turbo-supercharged Displacement (?) Generator DC Traction motors 6 DC Cylinders 6 Cylinder size 228 mm × 267 mm (8.98 in × 10.51 in) bore x stroke Transmission Diesel-electric transmission MU working 2 Loco brake 28LV-1, Air brake for Locomotive using SA-9 brake handle Train brakes Originally Vacuum using A-9 brake handle, some modified to Dual
Performance figures Maximum speed 70 km/h (43 mph) Power output Max:1,350 hp (1,010 kW) Site rated:1,300 hp (970 kW) Tractive effort 19.200 t (19 long tons; 21 short tons)
Career Operators Indian Railways, some Sri Lankan industrial concerns Numbers 18901, 18902 Nicknames Maruti Locale Burdwan,Liluah Workshop Delivered 1981 First run 1981 Retired 2011 Withdrawn 2011 Preserved Both units earmarked Current owner Indian Railway Disposition Withdrawn from service

History

WDM-6 was developed to address the need for locomotive to haul commuter and suburban services. They had the same 1350 hp engine and hood superstructure as the YDM-4 locos with WDM-2 under frame. but these locos were underpowered and subsequently relegated to shunting and departmental duties. They were based at the diesel locomotive shed in Burdwan (BWN) since the 1980s. One unit was seen shunting at Liluah Workshop. By the late 2010s they were withdrawn from services. Both units are earmarked for preservation.

Preserved Examples

Class	Manufacturer	Loco Number	Previous shed	Name	Livery	Location	ref
WDM-6	DLW	18901	Barddhaman/Burdwan (BWN)		Brown with yellow lining	Earmarked for preservation: I.R. Heritage Website [November 2018]
WDM-6	DLW	18902	Barddhaman/Burdwan (BWN)		Brown with white stripe	Earmarked for preservation: I.R. Heritage Website [November 2018]

Former shed

• Barddhaman/Burdwan (BWN): All the locomotives of this class has been withdrawn from service.

See also

• Rail transport in India § History
• List of diesel locomotives of India
• Rail transport in India
• Indian locomotive class WDM-2

References

Bibliography

• Hughes, Hugh (1996). Indian Locomotives: Part 4 – 1941–1990. Harrow, Middlesex: The Continental Railway Circle. ISBN 0-9521655-1-1. OCLC 35135033.