Indian locomotive class WCM-1: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Class of 1950s electric locomotives}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = May 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = May 2020}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=October 2024}}
{{Original research|date=October 2024}}
{{Rewrite|date=October 2024}}
}}
{{Infobox locomotive
{{Infobox locomotive
| name             = Indian locomotive class WCM-1
| name = Indian locomotive class WCM-1
| image           = File:An-Rail-Engine-display-in-ICF-Rail-Museum-Chennai.JPG
| image = File:An-Rail-Engine-display-in-ICF-Rail-Museum-Chennai.JPG
| alt             =  
| alt =  
| caption         = A WCM-1 preserved at ICF Rail Museum,Chennai
| caption = A WCM-1 preserved at ICF Rail Museum, Chennai
| powertype       = Electric
| powertype = Electric
| designer         = [[Vulcan Foundry]], [[English Electric]]
| designer = [[Vulcan Foundry]], [[English Electric]]
| builder         = [[English Electric]]
| builder = [[English Electric]]
| ordernumber     = M3559/53261/51
| ordernumber = M3559/53261/51
| serialnumber     =  
| serialnumber =  
| buildmodel       = EM/1
| buildmodel = EM/1
| builddate       = 1951
| builddate = 1954–1955
| totalproduction = 7
| totalproduction = 7
| rebuilder       = [[Electric Loco Shed, Kalyan]]
| rebuilder = [[Electric Loco Shed, Kalyan]]
| rebuilddate     = 1968
| rebuilddate = 1968
| numberrebuilt   = 7
| numberrebuilt = 7
| website         =  
| website =  
| aarwheels       = [[AAR wheel arrangement#C-C|C-C]]
| aarwheels = [[AAR wheel arrangement#C-C|C-C]]
| uicclass         = Co′Co′
| uicclass = Co′Co′
| Britishclass     = [[Co-Co locomotives|Co-Co]]
| Britishclass = [[Co-Co locomotives|Co-Co]]
| gauge           = {{RailGauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
| gauge = {{RailGauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
| bogies           = 3 Axle fabricated frame, Swing bolster with Equalizer beams  
| bogies = 3 Axle fabricated frame, Swing bolster with Equalizer beams
| wheeldiameter   = New:{{convert|1220|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}},<br/>Half worn:{{convert|1182|mm|ftin|abbr=on|frac=2}} and<br/>Full worn:{{convert|1114|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| wheeldiameter = New: {{convert|1220|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}},<br/>Half worn: {{convert|1182|mm|ftin|abbr=on|frac=2}} and<br/>Full worn: {{convert|1114|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase       = {{convert|2400|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2400|mm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| length           =  
| length =  
| over couplers   = {{convert|20.836|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=16}}
| over couplers = {{convert|20.836|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=16}}
| body           = {{convert|19.5|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=16}}
| body = {{convert|19.5|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=16}}
| width           = {{convert|3.169|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=16}}
| width = {{convert|3.169|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=16}}
| height           = {{convert|4.292|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=16}}
| height = {{convert|4.292|m|ftin|abbr=on|frac=16}}
| pantodown       = <!-- electrics -->
| pantodown = <!-- electrics -->
| bodyonly       = <!-- electrics -->
| bodyonly = <!-- electrics -->
| frametype       = 3 Axle fabricated frame
| frametype = 3 Axle fabricated frame
| axleload         = {{convert|20.83|t}}
| axleload = {{convert|20.83|t}}
| locoweight       = {{convert|123.98|t}}
| locoweight = {{convert|123.98|t}}
| sandcap         = 8+8 sandboxes
| sandcap = 8+8 sandboxes
| powersupply     = 110 V [[Direct current|DC]]  
| powersupply = 110 V [[Direct current|DC]]
| electricsystem   = 1.5 kV [[Direct current|DC]] [[Overhead line|Overhead]]
| electricsystem = 1.5 kV [[Direct current|DC]] [[Overhead line|Overhead]]
| collectionmethod = [[pantograph (rail)|pantograph]]
| collectionmethod = [[pantograph (rail)|Pantograph]]
| alternator       =  
| alternator =  
| generator       =  
| generator =  
| tractionmotors   = E.E.514/2C
| tractionmotors = E.E.514/2C
| t/m amps 1 hr   = 700A
| t/m amps 1 hr = 700A
| t/m amps cont   = 600A
| t/m amps cont = 600A
| transmission     =  
| transmission =  
| gear ratio       = 16:59
| gear ratio = 16:59
| multipleworking = Not possible
| multipleworking = Not possible
| locobrakes       = [[Railway air brake|Air]]/[[Parking brake#Railroad hand brakes|Hand]], [[Regenerative braking]]
| locobrakes = [[Railway air brake|Air]]/[[Parking brake#Railroad hand brakes|Hand]], [[Regenerative braking]]
| trainbrakes     = [[Vacuum brake|Vacuum]]
| trainbrakes = [[Vacuum brake|Vacuum]]
| reservoircap     =  
| reservoircap =  
| compressorcap   = 7 kg/cm
| compressorcap = 7 kg/cm
| exhaustercap     =  
| exhaustercap =  
| safety           = Slip control, Over voltage relay, No volt relay, Earth fault relay, Low pressure governor, Train parting alarms, and Brake cylinder cutoff valve
| safety = Slip control, Over voltage relay, No volt relay, Earth fault relay, Low pressure governor, Train parting alarms, and Brake cylinder cutoff valve
 
| coupling =  
| coupling         =  
| maxspeed = {{convert|120.5|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}
| maxspeed         = {{convert|120.5|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput =  
| poweroutput     =  
| poweroutput start = Max: {{convert|3700|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput start= Max:{{convert|3700|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput 1 hr = Max: {{convert|3700|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput 1 hr= Max:{{convert|3700|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput cont = Max: {{convert|3170|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput cont= Max:{{convert|3170|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}}
| tractiveeffort =  
| tractiveeffort   =
| t/e starting = {{convert|31000|kgf|kN|-1|abbr=on}}
| t/e starting   = {{convert|31000|kgf|kN|-1|abbr=on}}
| t/e 1 hr = {{convert|21772|kgf|kN|-1|abbr=on}}
| t/e 1 hr       = {{convert|21772|kgf|kN|-1|abbr=on}}
| t/e continuous = {{convert|17690|kgf|kN|-1|abbr=on}}
| t/e continuous = {{convert|17690|kgf|kN|-1|abbr=on}}  
| factorofadhesion =  
| factorofadhesion =  
| f/adh starting =  
| f/adh starting =  
| f/adh 1 hr     =  
| f/adh 1 hr =  
| f/adh continuous=  
| f/adh continuous =  
| operator         = [[Indian Railways]]
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| operatorclass   = EM/1
| operatorclass = EM/1
| fleetnumbers     = 20066-20072
| fleetnumbers = 20066-20072
| officialname     =  
| officialname =  
| nicknames       =  
| nicknames =  
| axleloadclass   =  
| axleloadclass =  
| locale           = Central Railways  
| locale = Central Railways
| deliverydate     = 1954-1955  
| deliverydate = 1954-1955
| firstrundate     = 1955
| firstrundate = 1955
| lastrundate     = 19
| lastrundate = 1999
| retiredate       = January 2000
| retiredate = January 2000
| withdrawndate   = April 2001
| withdrawndate = April 2001
| preservedunits   = 1
| preservedunits = 1
| restoredate     =  
| restoredate =  
| scrapdate       = May 2001
| scrapdate = May 2001
| currentowner     = [[Chennai Rail Museum]]
| currentowner = [[Chennai Rail Museum]]
| disposition     = One is preserved, rest all have been scrapped.
| disposition = One preserved, remainder scrapped.
| notes           =          
| notes =  
}}
}}
The Indian locomotive class '''WCM-1''' is a class of 1.5 [[Volt|kV]] [[Direct current|DC]] [[electric locomotive]]s that was developed in 1951 by [[Vulcan Foundry]] and [[English Electric]] for [[Indian Railways]]. The model name stands for [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge (W)]], Direct Current (C), Mixed traffic (M) engine, 1st generation (1). They entered service in 1955. A total of 7 WCM-1 were built in England between 1954 and 1955.
The Indian locomotive class '''WCM-1''' is a class of 1.5 [[Volt|kV]] [[Direct current|DC]] [[electric locomotive]]s that was developed in 1954 by [[Vulcan Foundry]] and [[English Electric]] for [[Indian Railways]]. The model name stands for [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge (W)]], Direct Current (C), Mixed traffic (M) engine, 1st generation (1). They entered service in 1955. A total of 7 WCM-1 locomotives were built in England between 1954 and 1955.
 
The WCM-1 served both passenger and freight trains for over 45 years. With the introduction of more modern types of locomotives and 25 KV [[Alternating current|AC]] electrification, all were withdrawn by the early 2000s after repeated failures. One locomotive has been preserved, with the rest being scrapped.


The WCM-1 served both passenger and freight trains for over 45 years. With the introduction of more modern types of locomotives and 25 KV [[ Alternating current|AC]] electrification, all were withdrawn by early 2000s after repeated failures. Today 1 locomotive is preserved with rest of the units being Scrapped.
== History ==
== History ==


The history of WCM-1 begins in the early 1950s with the stated aim of the [[Indian Railways]] (IR) to remove the aging fleet of WCG-1 and WCP-1 class locomotives working in the [[Central Railway zone|Central Railways]] (CR) .<ref>{{Cite book| title=Vulcan Foundry Locomotives 1832–1956| last=Gudgin| first=D.S.E.| publisher=Bradford Barton| location=Truro| year=1976| isbn=978-0-85153-215-8}}</ref> So IR to procure 7 1500 V DC electric locomotives from [[English Electric]] and [[Vulcan Foundry]], the latter previously supplied Steam locomotives to India. They are manufactured in England and shipped to India in 1954-1955.  
The WCM-1 were designed in the mid-1950s with the intent for the [[Indian Railways]] (IR) to remove the aging fleet of [[Indian locomotive class WCP-1|WCP-1]], [[Indian locomotive class WCP-2|WCP-2]], [[Indian locomotive class WCP-3|WCP-3]] and [[Indian locomotive class WCP-4|WCP-4]] class locomotives working on the [[Central Railway zone|Central Railway]] (CR).<ref>{{Cite book| title=Vulcan Foundry Locomotives 1832–1956| last=Gudgin| first=D.S.E.| publisher=Bradford Barton| location=Truro| year=1976| isbn=978-0-85153-215-8}}{{Page needed|date=October 2024}}</ref>{{Or inline|date=October 2024}} Thus IR purchased seven 1500 V DC electric locomotives from [[English Electric]] and [[Vulcan Foundry]], the latter having previously supplied steam locomotives to India. They were manufactured in England and shipped to India in 1954-1955.


These locomotives were the first mixed class electric locomotive to roam India as well as the first electric locomotive with now common [[Co-Co locomotives|Co-Co]] wheel arrangement.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Refer pg 252|url=https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/Data%20Book%20of%20Electric%20Locomotives%202016(3).pdf}}</ref> They were also the longest non steam locomotive in India until the arrival of the [[Indian locomotive class WAG-12|WAG-12]] class. Initially the WCM-1 class were known as EM/1 class. They were easily recognizable with their huge size and round smooth noses. They had their cab doors placed in the middle of the body instead of being near the cab.
These locomotives were the first mixed class electric locomotive to roam India as well as the first electric locomotive with the [[Co-Co locomotives|Co-Co]] wheel arrangement.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Refer pg 252|url=https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/Data%20Book%20of%20Electric%20Locomotives%202016(3).pdf}}</ref> They were also the longest serving non-steam locomotives in India until the arrival of the [[Indian locomotive class WCG-2|WCG-2]], [[Indian locomotive class WCAM-1|WCAM-1]], [[Indian locomotive class WCAM-2|WCAM-2]], [[Indian locomotive class WCM-6|WCM-6]], [[Indian locomotive class WCAM-3|WCAM-3]] and [[Indian locomotive class WCAG-1|WCAG-1]] class.{{Or inline|date=October 2024}} Initially the WCM-1 class were known as EM/1 class.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} They had a distinct appearance, with their large size and round noses. They had their cab doors placed in the middle of the body instead of being near the cab.


The WCM-1 locomotives were used on many Express trains like the [[Deccan Queen]], [[Indrayani Express]] and as well as in Freight Duties. In 1968, the placement of the entry doors were moved to near the cab for better practicality. The Deccan Queen had WCM-1 with a matching livery until 1990s. In the mid 1990s the aging WCM-1 began to fail regularly causing disruption in train services. So Central Railways decided to withdraw these locomotives from services and by 2000, all units were withdrawn.
The WCM-1 locomotives were used on many express trains such as the [[Deccan Queen]] and the [[Indrayani Express]], and as well as on freight duties. In 1968, the placement of the entry doors were moved to near the cab for {{Clarify span|better practicality|date=October 2024}}. The Deccan Queen had WCM-1 with a matching livery until the 1990s. During that period, the aging WCM-1s began to fail regularly, causing disruption on train services. Thus Central Railways decided to withdraw these locomotives from service by 2000, with only one being preserved.


== Preserved Examples ==
== Preserved Examples ==
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!Previous shed
!Previous shed
!Name
!Name
!LIvery
!Livery
!Location
!Location
!ref
!ref
Line 123: Line 129:
* Pune
* Pune
* [[Electric Loco Shed, Kalyan|Kalyan]] (KYN)
* [[Electric Loco Shed, Kalyan|Kalyan]] (KYN)
*  All the locomotives of this class has been withdrawn from service.
All the locomotives of this class has been withdrawn from service.


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


*[[History of rail transport in India]]
*[[Rail transport in India#History]]
*[[Indian Railways]]
*[[Indian Railways]]
*[[Locomotives of India]]
*[[Locomotives of India]]
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{{Broad gauge locomotives of India |state=collapsed}}
{{Broad gauge locomotives of India |state=collapsed}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:WCM-1}}
[[Category:Electric locomotives of India]]
[[Category:Electric locomotives of India]]
[[Category:1500 V DC locomotives]]
[[Category:1500 V DC locomotives]]
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[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:English Electric locomotives]]
[[Category:English Electric locomotives]]
[[Category:Streamlined electric locomotives]]

Latest revision as of 10:10, 12 March 2026


Indian locomotive class WCM-1
A WCM-1 preserved at ICF Rail Museum, Chennai
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
DesignerVulcan Foundry, English Electric
BuilderEnglish Electric
Order numberM3559/53261/51
ModelEM/1
Build date1954–1955
Total produced7
RebuilderElectric Loco Shed, Kalyan
Rebuild date1968
Number rebuilt7
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo′Co′
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Bogies3 Axle fabricated frame, Swing bolster with Equalizer beams
Wheel diameterNew: 1,220 mm (4 ft 0 in),
Half worn: 1,182 mm (3 ft 10+1⁄2 in) and
Full worn: 1,114 mm (3 ft 8 in)
Wheelbase2,400 mm (7 ft 10 in)
Length:
​
 • Over couplers20.836 m (68 ft 4+5⁄16 in)
 • Body19.5 m (63 ft 11+11⁄16 in)
Width3.169 m (10 ft 4+3⁄4 in)
Height4.292 m (14 ft 1 in)
Frame type3 Axle fabricated frame
Axle load20.83 tonnes (20.50 long tons; 22.96 short tons)
Loco weight123.98 tonnes (122.02 long tons; 136.66 short tons)
Sandbox cap.8+8 sandboxes
Power supply110 V DC
Electric system/s1.5 kV DC Overhead
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Traction motorsE.E.514/2C
 • Rating 1 hour700A
 • Continuous600A
Gear ratio16:59
MU workingNot possible
Loco brakeAir/Hand, Regenerative braking
Train brakesVacuum
Compressor7 kg/cm
Safety systemsSlip control, Over voltage relay, No volt relay, Earth fault relay, Low pressure governor, Train parting alarms, and Brake cylinder cutoff valve
Performance figures
Maximum speed120.5 km/h (75 mph)
Power output:
​
 • StartingMax: 3,700 hp (2,760 kW)
 • 1 hourMax: 3,700 hp (2,760 kW)
 • ContinuousMax: 3,170 hp (2,360 kW)
Tractive effort:
​
 • Starting31,000 kgf (300 kN)
 • 1 hour21,772 kgf (210 kN)
 • Continuous17,690 kgf (170 kN)
Career
OperatorsIndian Railways
ClassEM/1
Numbers20066-20072
LocaleCentral Railways
Delivered1954-1955
First run1955
Last run1999
RetiredJanuary 2000
WithdrawnApril 2001
Preserved1
ScrappedMay 2001
Current ownerChennai Rail Museum
DispositionOne preserved, remainder scrapped.

The Indian locomotive class WCM-1 is a class of 1.5 kV DC electric locomotives that was developed in 1954 by Vulcan Foundry and English Electric for Indian Railways. The model name stands for broad gauge (W), Direct Current (C), Mixed traffic (M) engine, 1st generation (1). They entered service in 1955. A total of 7 WCM-1 locomotives were built in England between 1954 and 1955.

The WCM-1 served both passenger and freight trains for over 45 years. With the introduction of more modern types of locomotives and 25 KV AC electrification, all were withdrawn by the early 2000s after repeated failures. One locomotive has been preserved, with the rest being scrapped.

History[edit | edit source]

The WCM-1 were designed in the mid-1950s with the intent for the Indian Railways (IR) to remove the aging fleet of WCP-1, WCP-2, WCP-3 and WCP-4 class locomotives working on the Central Railway (CR).[1]Template:Or inline Thus IR purchased seven 1500 V DC electric locomotives from English Electric and Vulcan Foundry, the latter having previously supplied steam locomotives to India. They were manufactured in England and shipped to India in 1954-1955.

These locomotives were the first mixed class electric locomotive to roam India as well as the first electric locomotive with the Co-Co wheel arrangement.[2] They were also the longest serving non-steam locomotives in India until the arrival of the WCG-2, WCAM-1, WCAM-2, WCM-6, WCAM-3 and WCAG-1 class.Template:Or inline Initially the WCM-1 class were known as EM/1 class.[citation needed] They had a distinct appearance, with their large size and round noses. They had their cab doors placed in the middle of the body instead of being near the cab.

The WCM-1 locomotives were used on many express trains such as the Deccan Queen and the Indrayani Express, and as well as on freight duties. In 1968, the placement of the entry doors were moved to near the cab for better practicality[clarify]. The Deccan Queen had WCM-1 with a matching livery until the 1990s. During that period, the aging WCM-1s began to fail regularly, causing disruption on train services. Thus Central Railways decided to withdraw these locomotives from service by 2000, with only one being preserved.

Preserved Examples[edit | edit source]

Class Manufacturer Loco Number Previous shed Name Livery Location ref
WCM-1 Vulcan Foundry and English Electric 20068 Kalyan (KYN) White/blue with red lining Preserved at Chennai Rail Museum [3]

Former sheds[edit | edit source]

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

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Gudgin, D.S.E. (1976). Vulcan Foundry Locomotives 1832–1956. Truro: Bradford Barton. ISBN 978-0-85153-215-8.[page needed]
  2. ↑ "Refer pg 252" (PDF).
  3. ↑ "Railway Museum Chennai". erail.in. Retrieved May 21, 2020.

External links[edit | edit source]

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