Indian locomotive class XE

The Indian locomotive class XE (X Eagle) was a class of 2-8-2 "Mikado" type steam locomotives used on 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge lines in India. The model was the largest of the "Pacific" class, with a 7 ft (2.1 m) diameter boiler.

Indian XE
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder William Beardmore & Co (44) Vulcan Foundry (49) Build date 1928–1930, 1945 Total produced 93
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 2-8-2  • UIC 1′D1′h2 Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Leading dia. 3 ft 0 in (0.914 m) Driver dia. 5 ft 1+1⁄2 in (1.562 m) Trailing dia. 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) Wheelbase 36 ft 5 in (11.100 m) Axle load 22.3 long tons (22.7 t; 25.0 short tons) Adhesive weight 90 long tons (91 t; 100 short tons) Loco weight 120.5 long tons (122.4 t; 135.0 short tons) Tender weight 78 long tons (79 t; 87 short tons) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 14 long tons (14 t; 16 short tons) Water cap. 6,000 imp gal (27,000 L; 7,200 US gal) Firebox: ​  • Grate area 60 sq ft (5.6 m2) Boiler pressure 210 psi (1.45 MPa) Heating surface: ​  • Firebox 260 sq ft (24 m2)  • Tubes 2,754 sq ft (255.9 m2)  • Total surface 3,014 sq ft (280.0 m2) Superheater: ​  • Heating area 763 sq ft (70.9 m2) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 23+1⁄2 in × 30 in (597 mm × 762 mm) Valve gear Walschaerts Loco brake Steam
Performance figures Tractive effort 50,920 lbf (226.50 kN) Factor of adh. 3.96
Career Operators Indian Railways Number in class IR: 93 Numbers IR: 22501–22593 Disposition Five preserved, remainder scrapped

XE 3634 on display in New Delhi in Feb 2007

Variants

AWE: Made by Baldwin Locomotive Works during and post World War II period when British manufacturers could not meet demand.

Preservation

However, there are only five XE's preserved around India, XE 3634 (22541) is restored to working order at Rewari, 22577, and 22580 are both preserved private at MP Electricity Board, XE's 22531 and 22558 are preserved privately by UP Cement Corporation,

Working	Class	Number	Location	Built	Zone	Builders	Build No	Name
Yes	XE	22541	Rewari Steam Shed	1930	NW	Vulcan Foundry	3634	Pavandut
No	XE	22531	UP Cement Corporation
No	XE	22558	UP Cement Corporation
No	XE	22577	MP Electricity Board
No	XE	22580	MP Electricity Board

See also

• Rail transport in India § History
• Indian Railways
• Locomotives of India

References

Bibliography

• Hughes, Hugh (1976). Steam in India. Truro, Cornwall: D. Bradford Barton Ltd. ISBN 0851532586.
• Hughes, Hugh (1990). Indian Locomotives: Part 1 – Broad Gauge 1851–1940. Harrow, Middlesex: The Continental Railway Circle. ISBN 0-9503469-8-5. OCLC 21871114.
• Hughes, Hugh (1996). Indian Locomotives: Part 4 – 1941–1990. Harrow, Middlesex: The Continental Railway Circle. ISBN 0-9521655-1-1. OCLC 35135033.
• Marshall, Lawrence G (2009). Indian Broad Gauge Steam Remembered. East Harling, Norfolk: Taverner Publications. ISBN 9781901470154.