Indian locomotive class WAM-1

The Indian locomotive class WAM-1 is a class of 25 kV AC electric locomotives that was developed in late 1950s by the Groupement 50Hz ( a consortium of European locomotive manufacturers) for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), AC Current (A), Mixed traffic (M) engine, 1st generation (1). They entered service in 1960 thus making them India's first AC electric locomotive. A total of 100 WAM-1 were built by the European consortium between 1959 and 1961, which made them the most numerous class of mainline electric locomotive until the WAG-1.[1][2]

WAM-1
A WAM1 rests after hauling a Goods Trains
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderKraus-Maffei, Krupp, SFAC, La Brugeoise & Nivelle (50 cycles European group)
Build date1959-1961
Total produced100
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B
 • UICB-B
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
BogiesMonomotor B-B bogies
Wheel diameterNew:1,140 mm (3 ft 9 in)
Half worn: 1,120 mm (3 ft 8 in)
Full worn: 1,064 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Length14.600 m (47 ft 10 13⁄16 in)
Width3.109 m (10 ft 2 13⁄32 in)
Height4.165 m (13 ft 7 31⁄32 in)
Axle load18,640 kg (41,090 lb)
Loco weight74,000 kg (163,000 lb)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC AC Overhead
Current pickup(s)pantograph
Traction motorsSiemens/ACEC/Alstom MG 710A (740hp, 1250V, 480A, 1000 rpm, weight 2750kg). Fully suspended, force-ventilated.
Loco brakeAir
Train brakesvacuum train brakes.
Performance figures
Maximum speed112 km/h (70 mph)
Power outputMAX:3010HP Continuous: 2,870 hp (2,140 kW)
Tractive effortStarting : 25,000 kgf (250 kN; 55,000 lbf)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
Numbers20200-20299
LocaleAll over India
DispositionRetired

The WAM-1 served both passenger and freight trains for over 40 years. This class though were initially not a great successes provided the basic design for the WAM-4 which a number of other locomotives is based on. However, with the advent of new 3-phase locomotives like WAP-5 and WAP-7, the aging fleet of WAM-1 locomotives were relegated to hauling freight and doing shunting duties. Now the WAM-1 locomotives have been fully withdrawn from service and all expect one have been scrapped. The single surviving unit named 'Jagjivan Ram' has been preserved at NRM New Delhi.

Locomotive shed
  • All the locomotives of this class has been withdrawn from service.

See also

References
    1. https://24coaches.com/electric-locomotive-roster-the-wap-series/
    2. "[IRFCA] A Brief History of Railway Electrification in India". www.irfca.org. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
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