VL8

The VL8 (Russian: ВЛ8)[2][1]is an electric two-unit mainline DC freight locomotive used in the Soviet Union, still operated today by the state owned Russian rail company RZhD and Ukrainian Railways. The initials VL are those of Vladimir Lenin (Russian: Владимир Ленин), after whom the class is named.

ВЛ8
VL8м-459 in the suburbs of Dnipro
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
Builder Soviet Union
Tbilisi Electric Locomotive Works, Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant
Build date1953, 1955–1967
Total produced1,722 + 1 VL8v
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B + B-B
 • UICBo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′[1]
Gauge1,520 mm (4 ft 11 27⁄32 in) Russian gauge
Wheel diameter1,200 mm (47.24 in)
Length27,520 mm (90 ft 3 1⁄2 in)
Width3,106 mm (10 ft 2 1⁄4 in)
Height5,080 mm (16 ft 8 in)
Loco weight180 tonnes (180 long tons; 200 short tons)
Electric system/s3 kV DC Catenary[1]
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Traction motors8×TED НБ-406А
Loco brakeRegenerative
Performance figures
Maximum speedVL8: 80 km/h (50 mph)
VL8м: 100 km/h (62 mph)[1]
Career
OperatorsРЖД (RZhD), УЗ (UZ), Azerbaijan Railways, Georgian Railway
Locale SUN Soviet Union
 RUS Russia
 Ukraine
 Georgia
 Azerbaijan

History

The VL8 series was built as a replacement for the ageing VL22м which, by 1953, no longer met Soviet rail requirements. The VL8s were manufactured at the Tbilisi Electric Locomotive Works (ТЭВЗ) between 1957–1967, as well as the Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant.[3]

See also

References
  1. RZD DC electric locomotives at www.railfaneurope.net
  2. Johnston, Howard & Harris, Ken (2005). Jane's Train Recognition Guide. Harper Collins Publishers. p. 327. ISBN 0-06-081895-6.
  3. В. А. Раков (1999). «Локомотивы отечественных железных дорог. (1956—1975 гг.). М.: «Транспорт». ISBN 5-277-02012-8.


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