BDŽ class 75
| Company type | Company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Locomotive manufacturing |
| Headquarters | Kassel , Germany |
The BDŽ class 75 represents a fleet of Bulgarian narrow-gauge diesel-hydraulic locomotives.
Manufactured by the German firm Henschel & Sohn based in Kassel, these were the inaugural diesel locomotives designed for the BDŽ's 760 mm gauge tracks. They commenced service in Bulgaria at the start of 1966. Upon their introduction, they quickly became the predominant narrow-gauge locomotives stationed at the Septemvri depot. They replaced earlier models on passenger duties previously handled by series 81 and 82 units, as well as freight operations formerly managed by the BDŽ 600.76 series#600.76 series locomotives locomotives, primarily along the routes between Septemvri–Dobrinishte narrow-gauge line#Septemvri - Dobrinishte and from Varvara to Pazardzhik. Additionally, their enhanced power enabled a reduction in travel time on the Septemvri to Dobrinishte line by over one hour.
These locomotives were developed adhering to BDŽ’s technical specifications and featured a diesel engine delivering 1100 hp, hydraulic transmission, and a wheel arrangement classified as B'B'. When introduced during the 1960s, they held the distinction of being the most powerful diesel engines operating on a Bosnian gauge#760 mm gauge track worldwide. Notably, this was also the first instance in Bulgaria where fuel was stored within cavities integrated into the main locomotive frame.
The earliest unit to be decommissioned was number 75 007.5 after it derailed on January 16, 1991, caused by track failure near "Dryanov Dol" on an open section of line. Although repairs were feasible, an excess of locomotives led to this unit being cannibalized for spare parts and ultimately dismantled in 1994.
Factory data and status
| Currently Active |
| Decommissioned; scrapped or written off |
| Undergoing Maintenance |
| Transferred Ownership |
| Operational Identifier | Serial Number / Year of Manufacture |
Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Designation | Post-1988 | Post-2012 | ||
| 75 – 01 | 75 001.8 | 31133/1965 | ||
| 75 – 02 | 75 002.6 | 31134/1965 | Decommissioned | |
| 75 – 03 | 75 003.4 | – | 31135/1965 | Written off in 2004 |
| 75 – 04 | 75 004.2 | 92 52 0675 004-2 | 31136/1965 | |
| 75 – 05 | 75 005.9 | 92 52 0675 005-9 | 31137/1965 | |
| 75 – 06 | 75 006.7 | 92 52 0675 006-7 | 31138/1965 | |
| 75 – 07 | 75 007.5 | – | 31139/1965 | Written off in 1994 |
| 75 – 08 | 75 008.3 | 92 52 0675 008-3 | 31140/1965 | |
| 75 – 09 | 75 009.1 | 92 52 0675 009-1 | 31141/1965 | |
| 75 –10 | 75 010.9 | 31142/1965 | ||