Indian locomotive class WL (1955)

The Indian locomotive class WL of 1955 was a class of light axle load 4-6-2 "Pacific" type steam locomotives used on 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge lines in India between 1955 and 1995. A total of 109 of them were built in two batches.

Indian WL (1955)
WL 15084 at Amritsar Jn, 1993.
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Vulcan Foundry (10) Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (94) Build date 1955, 1966–1969 Total produced 104
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-2  • UIC 2′C1′ h2 Gauge 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Driver dia. 5 ft 7 in (1.702 m) Axle load 16.9 long tons (17.2 t; 18.9 short tons) Loco weight 88.1 long tons (89.5 t; 98.7 short tons) Tender weight 62.59 long tons (63.59 t; 70.10 short tons) Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 12 long tons (12 t; 13 short tons) Water cap 4,500 imp gal (20,000 L; 5,400 US gal) Boiler pressure 210 psi (1.45 MPa) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 19+1⁄4 in × 28 in (489 mm × 711 mm) Valve gear Walschaerts
Performance figures Tractive effort 27,640 lbf (122.95 kN)
Career Operators Indian Railways Number in class 104 Numbers 15000–15009 15014–15107 Disposition No. 15005 preserved

The first batch, of 10 engines, was built by Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England, in 1955. The second, main, batch, totalling 94 engines, was built in India by the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works between 1966 and 1969.

The WL class of 1955 is not to be confused with the WL class of 1939, all of which went to Pakistan upon partition in 1947. The two classes bore no resemblance to each other according to Vulcan.

WL 15005 renamed as Sher e Punjab was brought from Rewari loco shed to NRM delhi for display in 2013

See also

• History of rail transport in India
• Indian Railways
• Locomotives of India
• Rail transport in India

References