EMD FT36HCW-2

The EMD FT36CW-2, classified as the Class 7000 locomotive under Korail, was a Korean semi-high-speed diesel locomotive. It was built to make the Saemaul Class trains more streamlined before the 1988 Olympics. The locomotives were built between 1986 and 1987 and were all retired between 2011 and 2012 when they reached the end of their 25-year lifespans.

EMD FT36HCW-2
FT36HCW-2 7006 running as a Mugunghwa train.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel
DesignerGeneral Motors Electro-Motive Division
BuilderHyundai Mobis
Build date1986-1987
Total produced15
Specifications
Configuration:
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 • UICCo'Co '
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Wheel diameter1,250 mm (4 ft 1 in)
Length12,497 mm (41 ft 0 in)
Loco weight119 tonnes (117 long tons; 131 short tons)
Engine typeEMD 16-645E3 (originally 16-645F3B)
Loco brakeBlended
Safety systemsATS
Performance figures
Maximum speed170 km/h (106 mph)
Power output3700 hp
Career
OperatorsKorail
Class7000
Numbers7001-7015
Nicknames"봉고:(Bongo)"
First runJune 1986
Preserved1
Scrapped2011-2012

Specifications

The FT36HCW-2 is only capable of hauling passenger cars.

The braking system is of an electric type, unlike the air brakes used on the larger GT26CW and GT26CW2 diesel-electric locomotives. However, dynamic braking was prohibited from use due to the aging of the traction motors.

The cab only had windows on one side of the train, so it was hard to see in the other side of the train. Therefore, the top speed when driving in slower speeds was limited to 25 km/h.

History
  • June 1986: Units 7001-7009 are introduced into service.
  • July 1987: Units 7010-7015 are introduced into service. These units had several slight changes.
  • 2011: Units 7001-7009 are retired. Unit 7001 is slated for preservation.
  • November 28, 2012: Units 7010-7015 are retired.

Modifications

The FT36HCW-2s were equipped with head-end power (HEP). However, the power supply caused many problems, and excessive noise and frequent maintenance led to the decision by Korail to remove HEP from the cars and instead use dynamo cars to provide the head-end power.

The locomotives also were originally powered by EMD 16-645F3B 3500-horsepower engines, but were eventually repowered with more efficient 3000-horsepower EMD 16-645E3 to satisfy passengers and customers.

The front coupler was initially housed, but was converted to an external convex to resolve efficiency problems.

Trains and statuses

There were fifteen FT36HCW-2 locomotives, all of which were classified as Class 7000 locomotives. A detailed list of the fifteen units is below.

Car NumberRetirement YearNotes
7001 2011 Preserved by the Korea Railroad Cultural Heritage Committee.
7002 Sold & scrapped in 2015[1]
7003 Damaged in an accident at Jeonui Station on June 21, 1990 as a Saemaeul train, but was repaired.
Sold & scrapped in 2018
7004 Sold & scrapped in 2015[1]
7005 Sold & scrapped in 2016[2]
7006
7007
7008
7009 Sold & scrapped in 2018
7010 2012 Sold & scrapped in 2015[1]
7011 Last unit in service, on November 28, 2012.
Sold & scrapped in 2015[1]
7012 Sold & scrapped in 2018
7013 Involved in an accident on the Daegu line on June 14, 2008 as a Mugunghwa train, but was repaired.[3]
Sold & scrapped in 2018
7014 Sold & scrapped in 2015[1]
7015 Sold & scrapped in 2015[2]

In Fiction

Titipo Titipo the korean animation character Titipo, is based on this locomotive.

References
  1. http://www.onbid.co.kr/op/ppa/plnmmn/publicAnnouncePsnsDetail.do?pbctNo=407454&plnmNo=367399
  2. http://www.onbid.co.kr/op/ppa/plnmmn/publicAnnouncePsnsDetail.do?pbctNo=423555&plnmNo=381592
  3. "YTN" 2008 years June 14 to create
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