Indian locomotive class WAG-8

The Indian locomotive class WAG-8 is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was developed in the 1990s by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), AC Current (A), Freight traffic (G) engine, 8th generation (8). They were only prototypes locomotives .

Indian locomotive class WAG–8
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderBharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Build date1996
Total produced1 or 2
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
BogiesAlco High-Adhesion bogies
Wheel diameterNew: 1,029 mm (3 ft 5 in)
Half-worn: 1,055 mm (3 ft 5 1⁄2 in)
Full-worn:1,016 mm (3 ft 4 in)
Wheelbase13,380 mm (43 ft 11 in)
Length19,880 mm (65 ft 3 in)
Width3,000 mm (9 ft 10 in)
Height4,100 mm (13 ft 5 in)
Axle load21.33 tonnes (20.99 long tons; 23.51 short tons)
Loco weight128 tonnes (126 long tons; 141 short tons)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC
Current pickup(s)Pantographs
Traction motors6 Hitachi HS15250A
Gear ratio16:65
MU working3
Loco brakeAir and Regenerative
Train brakesAir
Safety systemsTPWS (Train Protection and Warning System), Vacuum Control, Slip/Slide Control, Main Overload Relay, Motor Over Load Relay, No Volt Relay, Over Voltage Protection and Earth Fault Relay, Oil Pressure Governor
Performance figures
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph) DC, 100 km/h (62 mph) AC
Power output5,000 hp (3,700 kW)
Tractive effortStarting : 300 kN (67,000 lbf)
Career
NumbersNo IR numbers
LocaleInside BHEL, Jhansi
DispositionAll locomotives scrapped

This class provided the basic design for a number of other locomotives like WCAM-2, WCAM-3 and WCAG-1.

History

The history of WAG-8 begins in the early 1990s with the aim of addressing the shortcomings of the previous WAG-5 class and remove steam locomotives from IR by a target date of 1990. The WAG-5 though were greatly successes, had become underpowered to meet the growing demands of the Indian Railways. So in early 1990s decided to look for a successor the WAG-5 class. The required specification was of a 5000 horsepower locomotive.

Initially, the Indian railways invited tenders to build locomotives to the new specification. The following responses were received:

  • CLW submitted their upgraded WAG-5 model with 5000 hp with Co-Co bogies.
  • BHEL submitted a 5000 hp locomotive with thyristors control and Co-Co bogies

Each company submitted their prototypes and Indian Railways designated these prototypes as the WAG-7 class and WAG-8 class respectively.[1] Development on the WAG-8 class in 1990 while BHEL was also manufacturing WAG-5HS. Technologically the BHEL WAG-8 was meant to be superior to the WAG-7 which was effectively using tap-changer technology from the 1960s. They most likely had the Hitachi HS15250A seen in present day WCAM-3 and WCAG-1.These locos were to be handed it over to Railways for trial in December, 1992, but the whole project was cancelled due to arrival of the WAG-9 and thyristors control had become obsolete to 3 Phase AC technology. The prototype locomotive was subsequently condemned and parked on an unused rail sliding at BHEL, Jhansi.[2][3]
* This locomotive was never went into service in railway.

See also

References

Notes
  1. "[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Locomotives - General Information - I". www.irfca.org. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  2. Naphade, Ankit. "2906557-0: The only WAG-8 prototype of India, lying - Railway Enquiry". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  3. "Diesel Locomotive Roster – The WAG Series". 24 Coaches. 30 October 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2020.

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