Indian locomotive class WP: Difference between revisions

Created by Bahnfrend
Last edited March 19, 2026
>Bahnfrend
Fix
 
No edit summary
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Class of 755 Indian 4-6-2 locomotives}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox locomotive
{{Infobox locomotive
| name             = Indian WP
| name = Indian WP
| powertype       = Steam
| powertype = Steam
| image           = 682 IndiaDelhiMuseum 19931226.jpg
| image = 682 IndiaDelhiMuseum 19931226.jpg
| alt             = WP/P class no. 7200 at the National Rail Museum, New Delhi, in 1993
| alt = WP/P class no. 7200 at the National Rail Museum, New Delhi, in 1993
| caption         = WP/P class 7200 by [[Baldwin Locomotive Works|Baldwin]] from 1947, at the [[National Rail Museum, New Delhi]], in 1993
| caption = [[Baldwin Locomotive Works|Baldwin]]-built WP/P class no. 7200 from 1947, at the [[National Rail Museum, New Delhi]], in 1993
| designer         =  
| designer =  
| builder         = [[Baldwin Locomotive Works]] (116)<br />[[Canadian Locomotive Company]] (200)<br />[[Montreal Locomotive Works]] (120)<br />[[Fablok|Fabryka Lokomotyw]], (30)<br />[[Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf]] (30)<br />[[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] (259)
| builder = {{flag icon|USA}} [[Baldwin Locomotive Works]] (116)<br />{{flag icon|Canada|1957}} [[Canadian Locomotive Company]] (200)<br />{{flag icon|Canada|1957}} [[Montreal Locomotive Works]] (120)<br />{{flag icon|Poland}} [[Fablok]], (30)<br />{{flag icon|Austria}} [[Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf]] (30)<br />{{flag icon|India}} [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] (259)
| ordernumber     =  
| ordernumber =  
| serialnumber     =  
| serialnumber =  
| buildmodel       =  
| buildmodel =  
| builddate       = 1947–1967
| builddate = 1947–1967
| totalproduction = 755
| totalproduction = 755
| rebuilder       =  
| rebuilder =  
| rebuilddate     =  
| rebuilddate =  
| numberrebuilt   =  
| numberrebuilt =  
| whytetype       = [[4-6-2]]
| whytetype = [[4-6-2]]
| uicclass         = 2′C1′ h2
| uicclass = 2′C1′ h2
| gauge           = {{RailGauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
| gauge = {{RailGauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
| leadingdiameter = {{convert|3|ft|7|in|m|3|abbr=on}}
| leadingdiameter = {{convert|3|ft|7|in|m|3|abbr=on}}
| driverdiameter   = {{convert|5|ft|7|in|m|3|abbr=on}}
| driverdiameter = {{convert|5|ft|7|in|m|3|abbr=on}}
| trailingdiameter = {{convert|3|ft|7|in|m|3|abbr=on}}
| trailingdiameter = {{convert|3|ft|7|in|m|3|abbr=on}}
| minimumcurve     =  
| minimumcurve =  
| wheelbase       =  
| wheelbase =  
| length           = {{convert|77|ft|5+3/8|in|m|2|abbr=on}} over [[Buffer (rail transport)|buffers]]
| length = {{convert|77|ft|5+3/8|in|m|2|abbr=on}} over [[Buffer (rail transport)|buffers]]
| width           =  
| width =  
| height           =  
| height =  
| axleload         = {{convert|18.5|LT|t ST}}
| axleload = {{convert|18.5|LT|t ST}}
| weightondrivers =  
| weightondrivers =  
| locoweight       = {{convert|101.5|LT|t ST}}
| locoweight = {{convert|101.5|LT|t ST}}
| tenderweight     = {{convert|72.0|LT|t ST}}
| tenderweight = {{convert|72.0|LT|t ST}}
| locotenderweight =  
| locotenderweight =  
| tendertype       =  
| tendertype =  
| fueltype         = [[Coal]]
| fueltype = [[Coal]]
| fuelcap         = {{convert|15|LT|t ST}}
| fuelcap = {{convert|15|LT|t ST}}
| watercap         = {{convert|5500|impgal|abbr=on}}
| watercap = {{convert|5500|impgal|abbr=on}}
| sandcap         =  
| sandcap =  
| boiler           =  
| boiler =  
| boilerpressure   = {{convert|210|psi|MPa|2|abbr=on}}
| boilerpressure = {{convert|210|psi|MPa|2|abbr=on}}
| feedwaterheater =  
| feedwaterheater =  
| firearea         = {{convert|46|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
| firearea = {{convert|46|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
| tubearea         =  
| tubearea =  
| fluearea         =  
| fluearea =  
| tubesandflues   =  
| tubesandflues =  
| fireboxarea     =  
| fireboxarea =  
| totalsurface     = {{convert|2920|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
| totalsurface = {{convert|2920|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
| superheatertype =  
| superheatertype =  
| superheaterarea =  
| superheaterarea =  
| cylindercount   = Two, outside
| cylindercount = Two, outside
| cylindersize     = {{convert|20+1/4|x|28|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| cylindersize = {{convert|20+1/4|x|28|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| valvegear       = [[Walschaerts valve gear|Walschaerts]]
| valvegear = [[Walschaerts valve gear|Walschaerts]]
| valvetype       = {{convert|12|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} [[Piston valve (steam engine)|piston valves]]
| valvetype = {{convert|12|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} [[Piston valve (steam engine)|piston valves]]
| valvetravel     = {{convert|7+1/2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| valvetravel = {{convert|7+1/2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| valvelap         =  
| valvelap =  
| valvelead       =  
| valvelead =  
| transmission     =  
| transmission =  
| maxspeed         =  
| maxspeed = {{cvt|115|km/h|mph}}
| poweroutput     = {{convert|2680|HP|kW|0|abbr=on}} drawbar (est.) at {{convert|74|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput = {{convert|2680|HP|kW|0|abbr=on}} drawbar (est.) at {{convert|74|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
| tractiveeffort   = {{convert|30600|lbf|kN|2|abbr=on}}
| tractiveeffort = {{convert|30600|lbf|kN|2|abbr=on}}
| factorofadhesion =  
| factorofadhesion =  
| trainheating     =  
| trainheating =  
| locobrakes       =  
| locobrakes = Originally vacuum, later modified to air
| locobrakeforce   =  
| locobrakeforce =  
| trainbrakes     =  
| trainbrakes = Originally vacuum, later modified to air
| safety           =  
| safety =  
| operator         =  
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| operatorclass   =  
| operatorclass =  
| powerclass       =  
| powerclass =  
| numinclass       =  
| numinclass =  
| fleetnumbers     = 7000–7754
| fleetnumbers = 7000–7754
| officialname     =  
| officialname =  
| nicknames       =  
| nicknames =  
| axleloadclass   =  
| axleloadclass =  
| locale           =  
| locale = India
| deliverydate     =  
| deliverydate = 1947
| firstrundate     =  
| firstrundate = 1947
| lastrundate     =  
| lastrundate = Late 1990s
| retiredate       =  
| retiredate = Late 1990s
| withdrawndate   =  
| withdrawndate = Late 1990s
| preservedunits   =  
| preservedunits = 9
| restoredate     =  
| restoredate =  
| scrapdate       =  
| scrapdate =  
| currentowner     =  
| currentowner =  
| disposition     = Nine preserved, remainder [[scrap]]ped
| disposition = 9 preserved, remainder [[scrap]]ped
| notes           =
| notes = {{sfn|Sampson|1972|page=484}}{{sfn|Hughes|1979|page=24}}{{Additional citations needed|date=December 2024}}
}}
}}
The '''Indian locomotive class WP''' was a class of [[4-6-2]] "Pacific" steam locomotives used in India. It was introduced after World War II for passenger duties, marking the change from 'X' to 'W' as the [[Locomotives of India#Classification of Locomotives|classification code]] for [[broad gauge]] locomotives.
The '''Indian locomotive class WP''' are a class of {{whyte|4-6-2}} "Pacific" passenger steam locomotives used in India introduced in 1947 for passenger services. The class were assigned the newly-implemented (and current) [[Locomotives of India#Classification|classification letter]] for broad gauge locomotives, ''W'' from the previously used ''X'', when the class and the post-war broad gauge locomotive designs for Indian railways it was part of were introduced.
WP class locomotives were capable of going up to {{convert|110|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and had bullet-nose casings fitted on their smokeboxes, which would often have a star painted on it.


The class was designed specifically for low-calorie, high-ash Indian coal, by Railway Board designers in India.
[[File:WP7200.jpg|thumb|WP no. 7200, New Delhi]]
 
[[File:Steam Engine renamed Akbar.jpg|thumb|WP no. 7161, renamed ''Akbar'']]
WP class locomotives were capable of doing up to {{convert|110|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and were easily recognized by their cone-shaped bulging nose, usually with a silver star device painted on it.


== History==
== History==
[[File:Fablok_35lat_5000Lokomotyw_1959.JPG|thumb|left|alt=Locomotive class WP by Fablok in 1959|Locomotive class WP by [[Fablok]] in 1959]]
[[File:Fablok_35lat_5000Lokomotyw_1959.JPG|thumb|alt=Fablok-built WPs in 1959|[[Fablok]]-built WPs in 1959]]
A total of 755 WPs were built between 1947 and 1967, bearing fleet numbers 7000 to 7754. The first batch of sixteen, numbers 7200–7215, came from the [[Baldwin Locomotive Works]], USA in 1947, and these were classed WP/P. (P for Prototype).
A total of 755 WPs were built between 1947 and 1967, bearing fleet numbers 7000 to 7754. The first batch of sixteen, numbers 7200–7215, came from the [[Baldwin Locomotive Works]], USA in 1947, and these were classed WP/P, with ''P'' for Prototype.{{sfn|Hughes|1979|pp=23-24}}


A main production batch of 300 locomotives followed in 1949, with production split between Baldwin (100), [[Montreal Locomotive Works]] (120), and [[Canadian Locomotive Company]] (80). The locomotives in this group were numbered 7216–7515, but the running numbers were issued in blocks as the locomotives were issued to the pre-nationalisation companies, and so bore no relation to the manufacturers' serial numbers, or even the manufacturer.{{sfn|Hughes|1996|p=16}}
A main production batch of 300 locomotives followed in 1949, with production split between [[Baldwin Locomotive Works]] (100), [[Montreal Locomotive Works]] (120), and [[Canadian Locomotive Company]] (80). The locomotives in this group were numbered 7216–7515, but the running numbers were issued in blocks as the locomotives were issued to the pre-nationalisation companies, and so bore no relation to the manufacturers' serial numbers, or even the manufacturer.{{sfn|Hughes|1996|p=16}}


A further 180 locomotives were built between 1955 and 1959, with production split between Canadian Locomotive Company (120), [[Fablok|Fabryka Lokomotyw]], of [[Chrzanów]], Poland (30), and [[Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf]] of [[Vienna]], Austria (30).
A further 180 locomotives were built between 1955 and 1959, with production split between [[Canadian Locomotive Company]] (120), [[Fablok|Fabryka Lokomotyw]], of [[Chrzanów]], Poland (30), and [[Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf]] of [[Vienna]], Austria (30).{{sfn|Hughes|1979|page=24}}


Between 1963 and 1966, 259 more were built, but these were ordered from [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] (CLW), and were manufactured in India, and classified WP/I.{{sfn|Hughes|1996|p=16}} The WP/Is were 5 tonnes heavier.{{citation needed|date=July 2011}}
Between 1963 and 1966, 259 more were built, but these were ordered from [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] (CLW), and were manufactured in India, and classified WP/I.{{sfn|Hughes|1996|p=16}} The WP/Is were 5 tonnes heavier.{{citation needed|date=July 2011}} The first WP/I locomotive rolled out from [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works]] (CLW) in February of 1963 and was named Vivenkananda.{{sfn|Hughes|1979|page=24}}
{{clear left}}
{{clear left}}


The WP was Indian railways' crack locomotive in the 1960s and 1970s. Before the widespread introduction of diesel and electric locomotives several prestigious trains, such as the [[Taj Express]], the [[Grand Trunk Express]], Howrah-Madras Mail, [[Frontier Mail]] and the AirConditioned Express were once hauled by WP class locomotives.
The WP was the Indian Railways' fastest locomotive in the 1960s and 1970s. Before the widespread introduction of diesel and electric locomotives, several prestigious trains, such as the [[Taj Express]], the [[Grand Trunk Express]], Howrah-Madras Mail, [[Frontier Mail]] and the Air-Conditioned Express were once hauled by WP class locomotives.
 
The entire WP class remained intact into the 1980s.  Some WPs remained in service until the 1990s, and nine have been preserved. One constructed by Baldwin (7200) in 1947 and the other by Fablok in 1959 are a part of the collection of the [[National Rail Museum, New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/~shankie/nrm/outdoor_page_2.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220656/http://www.irfca.org/~shankie/nrm/outdoor_page_2.htm |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


WP7200 received a full heavy overhaul at Amritsar works in April 2015 and is now kept at Rewari shed near New Delhi for excursion service. Apart from 7200, the remaining eight engines include (7278) constructed by Montreal Locomotive Works and preserved at Charbagh Loco Works, (7581) built by Canadian Locomotive Company is preserved at Sonepur DRM, (7656) built by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works is preserved at Jhansi Institute Railway, (7000) built by Fabryka Lokomotyw or in Charznow Poland is preserved in Bhusaval shed, (7411) however its builder as of 2019 has yet to be identified and it is unclear as to whether (7411) was built by Baldwin, Canadian Builders, Montreal, Fabryka, Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf, or Chittaranjan itself, as the builders plate for (7411) was not identified, the engine is preserved in Burdwan and awaiting transfer to the Chennai Museum  however currently there are no wheels on its tender, (7015) built by Fabryka Lokomotyw or Charznow Poland is another Polish preserved WP engine and has been restored to full mainline running order and runs mainline heritage excursion special trains, being  preserved at Rewari shed, ([[7161]]) is another locomotive built by Chittaranjan which has been fully restored to full working order on mainline excursions, (7161) being preserved at Siliguri.
The entire WP class remained in service into the 1980s. Several WPs remained in service until withdrawal 1990s.


==Technical specifications==
==Technical specifications==
*Boiler: {{convert|5|ft|11|in|m|2|abbr=on}} diameter{{citation needed|date=July 2011}}
*Boiler: {{convert|5|ft|11|in|m|2|abbr=on}} diameter{{citation needed|date=July 2011}}
*Heating Surface: {{convert|3082|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}{{citation needed|date=July 2011}}
*Heating surface: {{convert|3082|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}{{citation needed|date=July 2011}}
*Maximum Train Load: 680 tonnes{{citation needed|date=July 2011}}
*Maximum train load: 680 tonnes{{citation needed|date=July 2011}}


==Class table==
==Class table==
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
{| class="wikitable sortable" style=text-align:center
|+ Table of orders and numbers
|+ Table of orders and numbers
! Year !! Manufacturer !! Serial Nos. !! Qty !! First Nos. !! All-India Nos. !! Notes
! Year !! Manufacturer !! Serial Nos. !! Qty !! First Nos. !! All-India Nos. !! Notes
|-
|-
| 1947 || Baldwin || 73408–73423 || 16 || — || 7200–7215 || Prototypes
| 1947 || [[Baldwin Locomotive Works|Baldwin]] || 73408–73423 || 16 || — || 7200–7215 || Prototypes
|-
| 1949 || [[Baldwin Locomotive Works|Baldwin]] || 74294–74393 || 100 || 1–100 ||  || In range 7216–7515
|-
| 1949 || [[Canadian Locomotive Company|Canadian]] || 2544–2623 || 80 || C251–C330 ||  || In range 7216–7515
|-
| 1949 || [[Montreal Locomotive Works|Montreal]] || 77200–77259<br />77345–74399<br />77576–77580 || 120 || M1–M120 ||  || In range 7216–7515
|-
| 1955–56 || [[Canadian Locomotive Company|Canadian]] || 2730–2849 || 120 || — || 7516–7635 ||
|-
| 1958–59 || [[Fablok]] || 4997–5006<br />5031–5050 || 30 || 3000–3029 || 7000–7029 ||
|-
| 1957 || [[Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf|Floridsdorf]] || 17827–17856 || 30 || 3030–3059 || 7030–7059 ||
|-
| 1963 || [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]] || — || 36 || — || 7060–7095 || 7060 named Vivenkananda
|-
| 1963–64 || [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]] || — || 50 || — || 7096–7145 ||
|-
| 1964–65 || [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]] || — || 33 || — || 7146–7178 ||
|-
|-
| 1949 || Baldwin || 74294–74393 || 100 || 1–100 || || In range 7216–7515
| 1965 || [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]] || || 73 || || 7179–7199<br />7636–7687 ||  
|-
|-
| 1949 || Canadian || 2544–2623 || 80 || C251–C330 || || In range 7216–7515
| 1966 || [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]] || || 37 || || 7688–7724 ||  
|-
|-
| 1949 || Montreal || 77200–77259<br />77345–74399<br />77576–77580 || 120 || M1–M120 || || In range 7216–7515
| 1966 || [[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]] || || 30 || || 7725–7754 ||  
|-
|-
| 1955–56 || Canadian || 2730–2849 || 120 || — || 7516–7635 ||  
|}
 
==Preservation==
Nine WP class locomotives have been preserved. Among them, one built by Baldwin, number 7200, in 1947 and another by Fablok in 1959 are part of the collection of the [[National Rail Museum, New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/~shankie/nrm/outdoor_page_2.htm |title=Pressing ahead with the outdoor exhibits |access-date=2014-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220656/http://www.irfca.org/~shankie/nrm/outdoor_page_2.htm |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
WP7200 received a complete overhaul at Amritsar works in April 2015 and is now kept at Rewari shed near New Delhi for excursion service. Apart from 7200, the remaining eight engines include 7278 constructed by Montreal Locomotive Works and preserved at Charbagh Loco Works, 7581 built by Canadian Locomotive Company is preserved at Sonepur DRM, 7656 built by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works is preserved at Jhansi Institute Railway, and 7000 built by Fablok is preserved in Bhusaval shed.
 
7411 is preserved in Burdwan and awaiting transfer to the Chennai Museum. The engine is missing its builder's plates, thus its builder is not known, however, records indicating its 1949 allocation to the then still existing [[Great Indian Peninsula Railway]] (GIPR){{sfn|Hughes|1979|page=27}} suggest it is a product of one of the North American builders. 7015 built by Fablok is another Polish-built preserved WP and has been restored to full mainline running order and runs mainline heritage excursion special trains, being  preserved at Rewari shed; 7161 is another locomotive built by Chittaranjan which has been fully restored to full working order on mainline excursions, being preserved at Siliguri. One additional engine is believed to be in existence; however, its details and whereabouts are not known.
 
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center
! Working !! Class !! Number !! Location !! Built !! Zone !! Builders !! Build No !! Name
|-
|-
| 1958–59 || Fablok || 4997–5006<br />5031–5050 || 30 || 3000–3029 || 7000–7029 ||  
| Yes||WP/P||7200||Rewari Steam Shed||1947||NW||[[Baldwin Locomotive Works|Baldwin]]||73408||Shahanshah/Azad
|-
|-
| 1957 || Floridsdorf || 17827–17856 || 30 || 3030–3059 || 7030–7059 ||  
| No||WP||7278||Charbagh Loco Works||1949||NR||[[Montreal Locomotive Works|Montreal]]||||
|-
|-
| 1963 || Chittaranjan || || 36 || || 7060–7095 ||  
| No||WP||7411||Burdwan Loco Shed||1949||ER||[[Baldwin Locomotive Works|Baldwin]]/[[Canadian Locomotive Company|Canadian]]/[[Montreal Locomotive Works|Montreal]]||||
|-
|-
| 1963–64 || Chittaranjan || || 50 || || 7096–7145 ||  
| No||WP||7581||DRM Office, Sonepur||1955||ECR||[[Canadian Locomotive Company|Canadian]]||||
|-
|-
| 1964–65 || Chittaranjan || || 33 || || 7146–7178 ||  
| No||WP||7000||Rewari Steam Shed||1958||CR||[[Fablok]]||4997||Shaktiman
|-
|-
| 1965 || Chittaranjan || || 73 || || 7179–7199<br />7636–7687 ||  
| Yes||WP||7015||Rewari Steam Shed||1958||NW||[[Fablok]]||5036||
|-
|-
| 1966 || Chittaranjan || || 37 || || 7688–7724 ||  
| Yes||WP/I||7161||Rewari Steam Shed||1965||NW||[[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]]||||Akbar
|-
|-
| 1966 || Chittaranjan || || 30 || || 7725–7754 ||  
| No||WP/I||7656||Senior Institute, Jhansi||1968||NCR||[[Chittaranjan Locomotive Works|Chittaranjan]]||||
|-
|-
| No||WP||7???||?||19??||?||Possibly [[Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf|Floridsdorf]]||?||
|}
|}


==See also==
==See also==


*[[History of rail transport in India]]
*{{section link|Rail transport in India|History}}
*[[Indian Railways]]
*[[Indian Railways]]
*[[Locomotives of India]]
*[[Locomotives of India]]
Line 161: Line 190:
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
*{{Hughes-SII}}
*{{Hughes-SII}}
*{{Hughes-SteamLocosIndia3}}
*{{Hughes-IndianLocos4}}
*{{Hughes-IndianLocos4}}
*{{Marshall-IBGSR}}
*{{Marshall-IBGSR}}
* {{cite book |last=Sampson |first=Henry |author-link= |date=1972 |title=Jane's World Railways, 1971-1972 |url=https://archive.org/details/janesworldrailwa00samp/mode/2up |location=London |publisher=Haymarket Publishing Group |page= |isbn= |url-access=registration |series=[[Janes World Railways]]|via=[[Internet Archive]]}}{{ISBN missing|date=December 2024}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


Line 168: Line 199:
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-loco-steam.html Indian steam locomotives]
*[http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-loco-steam.html Indian steam locomotives]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061113132424/http://www5.brinkster.com/sundar/WP.htm The WP class locomotive]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061113132424/http://www5.brinkster.com/sundar/WP.htm The WP class locomotive] (archived 13 November 2006)
*[http://www.irfca.org/~shankie/wpglory/wpglorymain.htm The WP glory]
*[http://www.irfca.org/~shankie/wpglory/wpglorymain.htm The WP glory]
*[http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=166940&PHPSESSID=a7584420f5875cb58a024a24bb27e65b Image of WP pacific in service]
*[http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=166940&PHPSESSID=a7584420f5875cb58a024a24bb27e65b Image of WP pacific in service]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKnP10nc39A Video of preserved WP/P 7200]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKnP10nc39A Video of preserved WP/P 7200] on [[YouTube]]


{{Broad gauge locomotives of India |state=collapsed}}
{{Broad gauge locomotives of India |state=collapsed}}
Line 184: Line 215:
[[Category:Steam locomotives of India|WP]]
[[Category:Steam locomotives of India|WP]]
[[Category:4-6-2 locomotives]]
[[Category:4-6-2 locomotives]]
[[Category:2′C1′ h2 locomotives]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:Passenger locomotives]]
[[Category:Passenger locomotives]]

Latest revision as of 01:31, 19 March 2026


Indian WP
WP/P class no. 7200 at the National Rail Museum, New Delhi, in 1993
Baldwin-built WP/P class no. 7200 from 1947, at the National Rail Museum, New Delhi, in 1993
Type and origin
Power typeSteam
BuilderUnited States Baldwin Locomotive Works (116)
Canada Canadian Locomotive Company (200)
Canada Montreal Locomotive Works (120)
Poland Fablok, (30)
Austria Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf (30)
India Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (259)
Build date1947–1967
Total produced755
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte4-6-2
 • UIC2′C1′ h2
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Leading dia.3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Driver dia.5 ft 7 in (1.702 m)
Trailing dia.3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Length77 ft 5+38 in (23.61 m) over buffers
Axle load18.5 long tons (18.8 t; 20.7 short tons)
Loco weight101.5 long tons (103.1 t; 113.7 short tons)
Tender weight72.0 long tons (73.2 t; 80.6 short tons)
Fuel typeCoal
Fuel capacity15 long tons (15 t; 17 short tons)
Water cap5,500 imp gal (25,000 L; 6,600 US gal)
Firebox:
 • Firegrate area
46 sq ft (4.3 m2)
Boiler pressure210 psi (1.45 MPa)
Heating surface2,920 sq ft (271 m2)
CylindersTwo, outside
Cylinder size20+14 in × 28 in (514 mm × 711 mm)
Valve gearWalschaerts
Valve type12 in (305 mm) piston valves
Valve travel7+12 in (191 mm)
Loco brakeOriginally vacuum, later modified to air
Train brakesOriginally vacuum, later modified to air
Performance figures
Maximum speed115 km/h (71 mph)
Power output2,680 hp (1,998 kW) drawbar (est.) at 74 mph (119 km/h)
Tractive effort30,600 lbf (136.12 kN)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
Numbers7000–7754
LocaleIndia
Delivered1947
First run1947
Last runLate 1990s
RetiredLate 1990s
WithdrawnLate 1990s
Preserved9
Disposition9 preserved, remainder scrapped
[1][2]Template:Additional citations needed

The Indian locomotive class WP are a class of 4-6-2 "Pacific" passenger steam locomotives used in India introduced in 1947 for passenger services. The class were assigned the newly-implemented (and current) classification letter for broad gauge locomotives, W from the previously used X, when the class and the post-war broad gauge locomotive designs for Indian railways it was part of were introduced. WP class locomotives were capable of going up to 110 km/h (68 mph) and had bullet-nose casings fitted on their smokeboxes, which would often have a star painted on it.

WP no. 7200, New Delhi
WP no. 7161, renamed Akbar

History[edit | edit source]

Fablok-built WPs in 1959
Fablok-built WPs in 1959

A total of 755 WPs were built between 1947 and 1967, bearing fleet numbers 7000 to 7754. The first batch of sixteen, numbers 7200–7215, came from the Baldwin Locomotive Works, USA in 1947, and these were classed WP/P, with P for Prototype.[3]

A main production batch of 300 locomotives followed in 1949, with production split between Baldwin Locomotive Works (100), Montreal Locomotive Works (120), and Canadian Locomotive Company (80). The locomotives in this group were numbered 7216–7515, but the running numbers were issued in blocks as the locomotives were issued to the pre-nationalisation companies, and so bore no relation to the manufacturers' serial numbers, or even the manufacturer.[4]

A further 180 locomotives were built between 1955 and 1959, with production split between Canadian Locomotive Company (120), Fabryka Lokomotyw, of Chrzanów, Poland (30), and Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf of Vienna, Austria (30).[2]

Between 1963 and 1966, 259 more were built, but these were ordered from Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), and were manufactured in India, and classified WP/I.[4] The WP/Is were 5 tonnes heavier.[citation needed] The first WP/I locomotive rolled out from Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) in February of 1963 and was named Vivenkananda.[2]

The WP was the Indian Railways' fastest locomotive in the 1960s and 1970s. Before the widespread introduction of diesel and electric locomotives, several prestigious trains, such as the Taj Express, the Grand Trunk Express, Howrah-Madras Mail, Frontier Mail and the Air-Conditioned Express were once hauled by WP class locomotives.

The entire WP class remained in service into the 1980s. Several WPs remained in service until withdrawal 1990s.

Technical specifications[edit | edit source]

Class table[edit | edit source]

Table of orders and numbers
Year Manufacturer Serial Nos. Qty First Nos. All-India Nos. Notes
1947 Baldwin 73408–73423 16 7200–7215 Prototypes
1949 Baldwin 74294–74393 100 1–100 In range 7216–7515
1949 Canadian 2544–2623 80 C251–C330 In range 7216–7515
1949 Montreal 77200–77259
77345–74399
77576–77580
120 M1–M120 In range 7216–7515
1955–56 Canadian 2730–2849 120 7516–7635
1958–59 Fablok 4997–5006
5031–5050
30 3000–3029 7000–7029
1957 Floridsdorf 17827–17856 30 3030–3059 7030–7059
1963 Chittaranjan 36 7060–7095 7060 named Vivenkananda
1963–64 Chittaranjan 50 7096–7145
1964–65 Chittaranjan 33 7146–7178
1965 Chittaranjan 73 7179–7199
7636–7687
1966 Chittaranjan 37 7688–7724
1966 Chittaranjan 30 7725–7754

Preservation[edit | edit source]

Nine WP class locomotives have been preserved. Among them, one built by Baldwin, number 7200, in 1947 and another by Fablok in 1959 are part of the collection of the National Rail Museum, New Delhi.[5]

WP7200 received a complete overhaul at Amritsar works in April 2015 and is now kept at Rewari shed near New Delhi for excursion service. Apart from 7200, the remaining eight engines include 7278 constructed by Montreal Locomotive Works and preserved at Charbagh Loco Works, 7581 built by Canadian Locomotive Company is preserved at Sonepur DRM, 7656 built by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works is preserved at Jhansi Institute Railway, and 7000 built by Fablok is preserved in Bhusaval shed.

7411 is preserved in Burdwan and awaiting transfer to the Chennai Museum. The engine is missing its builder's plates, thus its builder is not known, however, records indicating its 1949 allocation to the then still existing Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR)[6] suggest it is a product of one of the North American builders. 7015 built by Fablok is another Polish-built preserved WP and has been restored to full mainline running order and runs mainline heritage excursion special trains, being preserved at Rewari shed; 7161 is another locomotive built by Chittaranjan which has been fully restored to full working order on mainline excursions, being preserved at Siliguri. One additional engine is believed to be in existence; however, its details and whereabouts are not known.

Working Class Number Location Built Zone Builders Build No Name
Yes WP/P 7200 Rewari Steam Shed 1947 NW Baldwin 73408 Shahanshah/Azad
No WP 7278 Charbagh Loco Works 1949 NR Montreal
No WP 7411 Burdwan Loco Shed 1949 ER Baldwin/Canadian/Montreal
No WP 7581 DRM Office, Sonepur 1955 ECR Canadian
No WP 7000 Rewari Steam Shed 1958 CR Fablok 4997 Shaktiman
Yes WP 7015 Rewari Steam Shed 1958 NW Fablok 5036
Yes WP/I 7161 Rewari Steam Shed 1965 NW Chittaranjan Akbar
No WP/I 7656 Senior Institute, Jhansi 1968 NCR Chittaranjan
No WP 7??? ? 19?? ? Possibly Floridsdorf ?

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. Sampson 1972, p. 484.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hughes 1979, p. 24.
  3. Hughes 1979, pp. 23-24.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Hughes 1996, p. 16.
  5. "Pressing ahead with the outdoor exhibits". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
  6. Hughes 1979, p. 27.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]