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Indian locomotive class WCAM-1

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The Indian locomotive class WCAM-1 was a class of dual-voltage (25 kV AC and 1.5 kV DC) electric locomotives that was developed in 1973 by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), DC Current (C), AC Current (A), Mixed traffic (M) locomotive, 1st generation (1). They entered service in March 1973. A total of 53 WCAM-1 were built at CLW between 1973 and 1979, which made them the most numerous class of mainline dual-power AC-DC electric locomotive.

WCAM-1[1]
Pune-based 11095 with the Ahimsa Express.
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
DesignerRDSO
BuilderChittaranjan Locomotive Works
Build date1973-1979[2]
Total produced53
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo'Co'
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
BogiesALCo High-Adhesion Tri-mount cast
Wheel diameterNew: 1,092 mm (3 ft 7 in)
Half-worn: 1,055 mm (3 ft 5+1⁄2 in)
Full-worn: 1,016 mm (3 ft 4 in)
Wheelbase14,432 mm (47 ft 4+1⁄4 in)
Length:
​
 • Over couplers20.950 m (68 ft 8+3⁄4 in)
 • Over headstocks19.680 m (64 ft 6+3⁄4 in)
Width3.055 m (10 ft 1⁄4 in)
Height4.121 m (13 ft 6+1⁄4 in)
Axle load18.8 tonnes (18.5 long tons; 20.7 short tons)
Loco weight112.8 tonnes (111.0 long tons; 124.3 short tons)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC
1.5 kV DC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph (a separate one for AC and DC)
Traction motorsAlstom TAO-659A1
MU workingNot possible
Loco brakeAir/Parking
Train brakesVacuum/Air[3]
Safety systemsSlip Control, Main Overload relay, Motor Overload Relay, Over Voltage relay, Earth fault relay, Low Pressure Governor and Brake Cylinder Cutoff Valve
Performance figures
Maximum speed
  • Starting: 100 km/h (62 mph) (DC)/120 km/h (75 mph) (AC)
  • Continuous: 60 km/h (37 mph) (AC)/35 km/h (22 mph) (DC)
Power output:
​
 • 1 hour3,850 hp (2,871 kW) (AC)
 • Continuous2,350 hp (1,752 kW) (DC)
3,640 hp (2,714 kW) (AC)
Tractive effort:
​
 • Starting33,840 kgf (331.9 kN; 74,600 lbf) (AC)
23,200 kgf (228 kN; 51,000 lbf) (DC)
 • Continuous22,800 kgf (224 kN; 50,000 lbf) (DC)
16,000 kgf (160 kN; 35,000 lbf) (AC)
Factor of adh.Dry:
  • 0.3 (AC)
  • 0.25 (DC)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
Numbers21800-21852
NicknamesVallabh (No.21800)
LocaleWestern Railway, Central Railway
First run1973
Last run2015
DispositionAll scrapped

The WCAM-1 was one of the most successful locomotives of Indian Railways, having served both passenger and freight trains for over 40 years between 1973 and 2015. This class was a bi-current version of the WAM-4 class. However, with the advent of new 3-phase locomotives like WAP-5 and WAP-7, the aging fleet of WCAM-1 locomotives were relegated to hauling smaller passenger trains and have been fully withdrawn from mainline duties. All units have been scrapped with no locomotives preserved.

History

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The WCAM-1 was a class of locomotive used in the Indian Railways system. They were the first locomotives from the WCAM class. These locos were operational in routes around Mumbai. These locomotives worked on both AC as well as DC as their classification suggested.[4] They hauled trains from DC section of suburban railway to AC section and thus performed a very critical task as they could easily operate on both AC and DC. However they performed poorly in DC mode compared to AC mode but they were very robust and had easy operating and handling characteristics.

These were 1st class of Wide Gauge's (W) Bi-current charged (CA - runs both under AC and DC) and Mixed load series (M - hauls both passenger and freight trains). These were the first electric locomotives to enter Western Railway's Mumbai division; prior to that steam and diesel locomotives used to haul trains in Western Railway's Mumbai division. These brought an end to the steam era in this division. They were also the first locomotives allotted to Valsad (BL) shed. Their top speed under DC was the lowest, as compared to other Bi-current charged locomotives. They were the first Bi-current charged locomotives in the country. Initially all were vacuum braked but were retrofitted with air brakes to make them dual braked. Some also had their vacuum brakes replaced with air brakes. Introduced in 1975. One of the single pantographs on the WCAM-1 is used in DC traction; the other one carries AC current. The two pantographs were not identical, though similar in design. Originally built with vacuum brakes only, although a few (Nos. 21805, 21807, 21812, 21828, 21838, 21844, 21845, and 21850) had both vacuum and air brakes. They lacked dynamic brakes. The WCAM-1 did not use a variable ratio auto-transformer in AC mode like the others; it used a fixed-ratio transformer and rectifier bank to convert the OHE supply to 1500 V DC. The design of the transformers and notches made this a hard machine to operate, with the fusible links tending to blow often. Of the 28 notches, notches 4, 14, 21, and 28 were used for continuous operation, although notch 4 was intended for low-speed shunting and was very ineffective. Notches 14, 21, and 28 were the terminal notches of the series, series-parallel, and parallel circuit notch sequences. In DC mode, the WCAM-1 used resistor banks for speed control. However they were very robust machines and relatively easy in the handling characteristics. WCAM-1's had three traction modes (series, series-parallel, parallel) in both DC and AC mode, but using the parallel mode in DC was discouraged because of power problems. In practice this was not restrictive since series-parallel notches allowed reaching 75 km/h or so. In AC mode, the locos were almost always used with the motors in all-parallel mode. Unlike the WCAM-2 and WCAM-3 locos, no reconfiguration has been carried out to force the use of all-parallel mode with AC. Weak field operation was available. They were briefly tried out for freight use by CR, but all finally ended up with WR. The top ones getting the WCAM-2P (see below). [5/02] However, CR's Indore-Pune weekly train had been hauled by a WR WCAM-1. Max. speed 100 km/h, 110 km/h after regearing. Traction motors were nose-suspended and axle-hung.

Technical specifications

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Source:[4]

Of all the 30 notches, 1-21 were DC notches allowing series operation of traction motors. Rest of the 8 notches allow series-parallel combination under DC. Under AC, the combinations were 3S-2P and 2S-3P. These locomotives could run in parallel combination but it was discouraged due to power problems under DC. Under AC, the locomotives were run under parallel notches nearly always. Although these engines were not rebuilt to use only parallel combination under AC. Field weakening of traction motors was possible at 21st and 30th notches. Voltage control was done by Tap changer operation under AC and Resistance notching under DC. Traction motors were charged by DC. Its prototypes were tested in the year 1971.[5][6]

Traction Motors Alstom/CLW TAO 659 A1 2,800 kg (6,200 lb). Axle-hung, nose-suspended and force ventilated. Temperature rise by resistance in Armature - 140 degrees Celsius (284 degrees Fahrenheit)/Field - 160 °C (320 °F). Coil resistance at 110 °C (230 °F) in Armature - 0.0151 ohms/Main pole - 0.0145 ohms/Interpole - 0.0078 ohms. Starting current - 1100 A. 1 hour rating - 798 hp (595 kW), 750 V, 870 A and 1070 RPM. Continuous rating - 585 kW (784 hp), 550 V, 840 A and 1095 RPM. Air gap in main pole - 5.5 mm (0.217 in)/Interpole - 6 mm (0.236 in). Grade of brushes - EG 367, 6 brush holders and 3 brush per holder
Gear Ratio 61:16, 58:21
Transformer BHEL made BOT 34600. 11,500 kg (25,400 lb), Forced Oil cooling, Class 'A' insulation and 32 taps. Primary rating - 3646 kVA, 22.5 kV and 162 A. Secondary rating - 3460 kVA, 1730 V (DC) and 2x1000 A (DC). Tertiary rating - 274 kVA, 1470 V and 186 A
Silicon Rectifiers 48 cells (321 UFR200) per bridge. Continuous rating - 1000 A each cubicle. 1 hour rating - 1270 V. Max starting current - 1650 A. Forced air cooling.
Pantographs Faiveley AM-12 (AC) and Faiveley AM-18B (DC)
Bogie Drive Arrangement Gear pinion
Auxiliaries 2 Headlights (750 W and 32 V). Lead Acid battery (50 cells), Rating - 110 V and 5 hours.
Motor-Alternator Set SOA-749 Alternator by Kirloskar Group (180 kVA, 400 V, 270 A, 1500 RPM and 3 phase). AY100AZ Motor by AEI (2,106 hp or 1,570 kW, 1500 RPM, 1400 V and 136 A continuous).
Number of sand boxes 16
Main Starting Resistance blower Four PETA-60 types by SF Product (11,400 m3/h or 400,000 cu ft/h). ILA2-116.2 type Motor by Siemens(9.3 kW or 12 hp, 400 V, 18 A and 2925 RPM).
Auxiliary Rectifier Rating with 2 bridges in parallel - 180 A (Continuous) and 1000 A (5 seconds)/1 bridge - 90 A (Continuous), 140 A (30 minutes) and 900 A (2 seconds). Natural Air cooling. Twenty four 324-UFR200 type cells connected by bridges.
2EC388 type Compressor by Kirloskar Rating - 792 L/min (174 imp gal/min; 209 US gal/min) at 7 kg/cm2 (100 psi). Motor - 7.5 kW or 10 hp, 38 V, 15 A and 1390 RPM.
2 Exhausters by Gresham and Craven Northey-250RE type. Two 385 V motors.
2 Traction Motor Blowers by SF Product MLBRX-42.5-1-H4 type (16,200 m3/h or 570,000 cu ft/h). 2 Motors by Siemens(22 kW (30 hp), 385 V, 41 A and 3000 RPM).
PFTA-50 Arr 6 type Smoothing Reaction Blower by SF Product Capacity - 4,200 m3/h (150,000 cu ft/h). Motor - 2.2 hp (2 kW), 380 V and 2860 RPM
MLBR-60-1-H2 type Oil Cooler Blower by SF Product Capacity - 22,200 m3/h (29,000 cuyd/h). Motor - 22 kW (30 hp), 380 V, 43 A and 1470 RPM
2 Silicon Rectifier Blowers by SF Product PHMX-40-6 type (3,400 m3/h or 120,000 cu ft/h). 2 Motors - 2 kW (3 hp), 380 V, 4.4 A and 2860 RPM.
Oil Pump by Best and Company Private Limited Capacity - 750 L/min (160 imp gal/min; 200 US gal/min) Motor - 3.3 kW (4 hp), 380 V, 66 A and 2865 RPM
SL-42 type Smoothing Reactor Rating - 1250 V and 950 A. 0.00718 ohms resistance at 110 °C (230 °F).
Notches Total 30

Locomotive shed

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All 53 WCAM-1s were based at Valsad Electric Loco Shed in Gujarat, and were withdrawn from service after the conversion of entire Mumbai region into AC traction.

Trains Hauled by WCAM-1

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The WCAM-1 were employed on all express trains, including Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express (till Vadodara), until AC electrification of Mumbai area. The arrival of WCAM-2P engines did not reduce their work loads. Later on, with introduction of more modern AC locomotives and need for faster trains, the WCAM-1s were relegated to secondary passenger trains, including:

These trains were being hauled by the WCAM-1 locomotives, before their final retirement in 2015.

Performance

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Source:[7]

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive with gear ratio 16:61 under AC for 4 wheeler wagons (in tonnes) :-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Level 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 5950 4530 3380
1 in 500 6000+ 6000+ 5850 4880 3640 3325 2675 2100
1 in 200 2900 2900 2900 2735 2100 1970 1630 1310
1 in 150 2250 2250 2250 2185 1690 1595 1330 1080
1 in 100 1535 1535 1535 1535 1195 1145 960 780
1 in 50 965 925 915 795 610 - - -

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive with a gear ratio of 16:61 under AC for BOX wagons (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Level 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 5675
1 in 500 4300 4300 4300 4300 4300 4160 3460 2820
1 in 200 2975 2975 2975 2975 2340 2245 1900 1570
1 in 150 2530 2530 2530 2360 1845 1775 1505 1250
1 in 100 1945 1910 1880 1635 1275 1235 1050 870
1 in 50 1120 950 940 815 630 615 - -

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive with gear ratio 16:61 under AC for ICF coaches (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
Level 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1340
1 in 500 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1200 885
1 in 200 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1445 1175 995 760 565
1 in 150 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1400 1175 960 815 625 465
1 in 100 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1295 1175 995 840 690 590 450 330
1 in 50 1165 970 955 840 655 595 505 435 345 290 215 145

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive with a gear ratio of 16:61 under AC for BOXN wagons (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Level 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+
1 in 500 5015 5015 5015 5015 4900 4340 3600 2980
1 in 200 3305 3305 3305 3225 2530 2295 1945 1645
1 in 150 2770 2770 2770 2515 1980 1805 1535 1300
1 in 100 2085 1990 1960 1730 1365 1250 1070 905
1 in 50 1165 980 975 860 670 615 525 440

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive with gear ratio 16:61 under DC for 4 wheeler wagons (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Level 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 4300 2800 1815
1 in 500 4710 4710 4710 4710 3640 2390 1635 1110
1 in 200 2470 2470 2470 2470 2100 1400 980 675
1 in 150 1900 1900 1900 1900 1690 1125 790 545
1 in 100 1390 1390 1390 1390 1195 800 555 -
1 in 50 875 875 875 875 610 - - -

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive fitted with TAO659A1 with a gear ratio of 16:61 under DC for BOX wagons (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Level 5100 5100 5100 5100 5100 5100 4500 3045
1 in 500 3950 3950 3950 3950 3950 2980 2115 1490
1 in 200 2700 2700 2700 2700 2340 1590 1140 805
1 in 150 2310 2310 2310 2310 1845 1255 895 630
1 in 100 1770 1770 1770 1635 1275 865 610 -
1 in 50 1020 950 940 815 630 - - -

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive with gear ratio 16:61 under DC for ICF coaches (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Level 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1380 1040
1 in 500 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1135 810 630
1 in 200 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1450 965 660 475 370
1 in 150 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1040 770 525 375 290
1 in 100 1500+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 1215 785 535 360 250 190
1 in 50 1050 960 930 805 610 380 245 150 95 60

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive fitted with TAO659 with a gear ratio of 16:61 under DC for BOX wagons (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Level 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 6000+ 4540 2970
1 in 500 4545 4545 4545 4545 4545 2980 2050 1410
1 in 200 2995 2995 2995 2995 2375 1560 1085 750
1 in 150 2505 2505 2505 2415 1855 1220 845 585
1 in 100 1885 1885 1885 1660 1275 835 575 390
1 in 50 1080 970 945 820 625 395 255 160

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive with a gear ratio of 21:58 under AC for ICF coaches (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
Level 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+
1 in 500 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1300 1070
1 in 200 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1435 1360 1295 1175 985 830 695
1 in 150 1500+ 1330 1290 1245 1195 1145 1095 1050 960 805 680 575
1 in 100 1470 905 880 855 830 800 775 745 690 580 490 410
1 in 50 810 420 415 405 400 390 380 370 345 285 240 195

Following is the capacity of WCAM-1 locomotive with gear ratio 21:58 under DC for ICF coaches (in tonnes):-

Grade\km/h Start 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Level 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1290
1 in 500 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1135 1155 790
1 in 200 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1335 990 690 475
1 in 150 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ 1500+ +1500 1325 1075 800 555 190
1 in 100 1285 1350 1315 1285 1180 930 760 560 390 260
1 in 50 700 660 650 640 590 460 370 265 170 100

See also

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References

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Notes

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  1. ^ "Indian Railway".
  2. ^ "IRFCA Specs".
  3. ^ "Indian Railway".
  4. ^ a b "[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Locomotives -- Specific classes : DC & Dual Current Electric". www.irfca.org. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Chronology of railways in India, Part 5 (1970 - 1995)". irfca.org. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Additional Electric Locomotive Specifications". irfca.org. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Trainweb".

Bibliography

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