Indian locomotive class WAG-3
| Company type | Electric locomotive |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Headquarters | India |
| Products | Electric locomotives |
The WAG-3 is an Indian electric locomotive class operating on 25 kV AC, imported from Europe during the mid-1960s for use by Indian Railways. Its designation stands for broad gauge (W), alternating current (A), freight service (G), and it is the third iteration (3). Manufactured by the European Group 50 Hz consortium in 1965, only ten units were produced and commissioned that same year.
Primarily deployed for hauling freight trains, the WAG-3 locomotives remained operational for more than three decades. By January 2020, this entire class had been retired and dismantled.
History
A batch of ten locomotives was procured from the European Group and assembled entirely in Europe. The inaugural unit entered service in July 1965. A distinctive characteristic of these locomotives was their Monomotor bogie design, which significantly reduced the weight of traction components while enhancing adhesion performance. Power conversion from AC to DC was achieved through silicon rectifiers. The traction motors were fully suspended, force-ventilated units permanently connected in parallel and regulated via tap changer and field weakening controls.
Each WAG-3 employed two Alstom MG1580A1 traction motors, delivering approximately 23% more peak power compared to the earlier WAG-1 class. These locomotives supported multiple-unit operation with up to four units coupled together. Braking systems included compressed air brakes for the locomotive itself and vacuum brakes for the train, supplemented by rheostatic braking capability. The subsequent WAG-4 class drew its design foundation from the WAG-3 platform.
Specification
- Production period: 1963 to 1966
- Wheel configuration: B-B (utilizing monomotor bogies)
- Traction motors: Manufactured by AGEC, model 1580 A1 (operating at 1270V, 1040A, 680 rpm; each motor weighs 5850 kg), mounted on bogies
- Gear ratio: 3.95:1
- Transformer: Oerlikon BOT 3460 featuring 32 tap settings
- Rectifiers: Equipped with two GL 82220 silicon rectifiers rated at 1000A/1270 kW/1270V, each weighing 650 kg
- Axle load: 21.3 tonnes
- Maximum haulage capacity: 1820 tonnes
- Pantographs: Two Faiveley AM-12 units
Locomotive shed
- This class of locomotives has been completely retired from operational service.