Indian locomotive class WCAG-1

Specifications
Configuration:;
• UIC	Co'Co'
Gauge	5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Bogies	Alco High-Adhesion bogies
Wheel diameter	New: 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)
Wheelbase	13,380 mm (43 ft 11 in)
Length	19,880 mm (65 ft 3 in)
Width	3,000 mm (9 ft 10 in)
Height	4,100 mm (13 ft 5 in)
Axle load	21.33 tonnes (20.99 long tons; 23.51 short tons)
Loco weight	128 tonnes (126 long tons; 141 short tons)
Electric system/s	25 kV 50 Hz AC; 1.5 kV DC (past)
Current pickup(s)	Pantographs one each for AC and DC(past) (both now used for AC)
Traction motors	6 Hitachi HS15250A
Gear ratio	16:65
MU working	3 ;
Loco brake	Air and Regenerative
Train brakes	Air
Safety systems	TPWS (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

Type and origin
Power type	Electric
Builder	Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Build date	1999–2000
Total produced	12

WCAG–1
	Kalyan based WCAG-1 twins roaming near Wardha Jn.
Type and origin
Power type	Electric
Builder	Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Build date	1999–2000
Total produced	12
Specifications
Configuration:;
• UIC	Co'Co'
Gauge	5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Bogies	Alco High-Adhesion bogies
Wheel diameter	New: 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)
Wheelbase	13,380 mm (43 ft 11 in)
Length	19,880 mm (65 ft 3 in)
Width	3,000 mm (9 ft 10 in)
Height	4,100 mm (13 ft 5 in)
Axle load	21.33 tonnes (20.99 long tons; 23.51 short tons)
Loco weight	128 tonnes (126 long tons; 141 short tons)
Electric system/s	25 kV 50 Hz AC; 1.5 kV DC (past)
Current pickup(s)	Pantographs one each for AC and DC(past) (both now used for AC)
Traction motors	6 Hitachi HS15250A
Gear ratio	16:65
MU working	3 ;
Loco brake	Air and Regenerative
Train brakes	Air
Safety systems	TPWS (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 speed	100 km/h (62 mph) DC, 100 km/h (62 mph) AC
Power output	4,600 hp (3,400 kW) DC; 5,000 hp (3,700 kW) AC
Tractive effort	Starting : 300 kN (67,000 lbf)
Career
Operators	Central Railways
Numbers	21970 - 21981
Locale	Central Railways (Kalyan)
Delivered	1999-2000
First run	1999
Disposition	Active

WCAG–1 is a class of dual-power AC/DC series locomotives used in the Indian Railways system. They are the only class of the WCAG locomotives. They were specifically designed for use by Central Railways in the Ghat section towards Nashik and Pune.

History

The WCAG-1 locomotives were developed after Central Railways faced a massive locomotive crisis in the 1990s. During this period, many of the WCM locomotives, which began to show their age, suffered several failures. As a result, CR had a tough time in maintaining train schedules, which led to the demand for a locomotive similar to the WCAM-2/2P, which was already successful in the Western Railways. Thus the WCAG-1 was introduced along with the WCAM-3, with more power and traction.

The locomotive class was jointly developed by RDSO and BHEL in 1997. Components were shared with the WCAM-3 locos (see below). Co-Co fabricated bogies (High-Adhesion—shwered with WCAM-3, WAG-7, WDG-2, etc.) with secondary suspension. Monocoque underframe. Air brakes were original equipment. They were originally manufactured under a BOLT (build-own-lease-transfer) contract with BHEL, and were probably still owned by BHEL rather than by IR. Axle-hung, nose-suspended, force ventilated, taper roller bearings Speed control by tap changers in AC mode and resistance notching in DC mode. Motors can be placed in different series-parallel combinations. Auxiliaries from Elgi, S F India, Best, Gresham & Craven, etc.

Static converter from ACEC for auxiliary supply. In DC mode, rheostatic braking by self-excitation of traction motors available until 17 km/h. Elgi compressor, other auxiliaries from S F India. Rated for 105 km/h in DC mode (AC mode rated speed was quoted at 120 km/h although it can figuratively go up to 125 km/h). But these locomotives have been restricted to run upto speeds of 100 km/h only. Traction motor configurations as in the WCAM-1/2 and WAM-4 (all 6 in series, 2S 3P, or all parallel—the latter was the only one used under AC traction, enforced now by modifications to the locos).

Current Usage

The class are in active service in the Central Railway zone. CR uses WCAG-1 locos on Mumbai-Pune and Mumbai-Igatpuri sections which had ghat portions as well as speed restrictions of about 80 km/h. WCAG-1 locomotives now also serve in routes in and around Nagpur, Bhusaval. Due to exclusivity in operation/maintenance of these locomotives, they do not go beyond the Central Railway's zone limits. These dual-traction models deliver 4600 hp in DC mode and 5000 hp in AC mode, and post 25 kV transformation, WCAG-1s were fully transformed into pure AC locomotives, and the performance was even more improved.

Freight rakes double-headed by WCAG-1 (upgraded models) are a common sight on the ghat sections. MU operation possible with 3 (4?) units.

Locomotive shed

Zone	Name	Shed Code	Quantity
Central Railway	Kalyan	KYN	12
Total Locomotives Active as of 01-07-2020[1]			12

Technical specifications[2]

Class	WCAG–1
Year	1999-2000
Maker	BHEL
Traction Motors	Hitachi HS15250A. Axle-hung, nose-suspended, force-ventilated.
Transformer	BHEL 5400 kVA. 32 taps
Power(hp)	4600 DC / 5000 AC Max., 5000 AC cont.
Rectifiers	Two silicon rectifier units D1800N44 (Siemens), 16 cells per bridge. 1000 V / 3600 A.
Speed	100 DC / 100 AC
Weight(tonnes)	128

References

"e-Locos".
WCAM-2 at Indian Railways Fan Club

External links

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[1] "e-Locos".

[IRFCA-2] WCAM-2 at Indian Railways Fan Club