Indonesian Railways Class BB302
| Industry | Locomotive manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | West Germany |
| Products | Diesel-hydraulic locomotives |
The BB302 series comprises diesel-hydraulic locomotives manufactured by Henschel & Sohn in West Germany specifically for the Indonesian state railway company, Perusahaan Negara Kereta Api (PNKA). These units commenced operation in the year 1970 and were exclusively deployed within the North Sumatra region.
Design and description
Measuring approximately [convert: invalid number] in length, with a width of around [convert: invalid number] and a height near [convert: invalid number], the BB302 locomotives have a service weight of about [convert: invalid number]. Their top operational speed reaches up to [convert: invalid number]. Initially, these locomotives were equipped with a Maybach Mercedes-Benz model 12V 493 TZ10B diesel engine delivering an output of roughly [convert: invalid number]. During a midlife refurbishment carried out between 1998 and 2000, all units underwent engine replacement with MTU models to boost their power to approximately [convert: invalid number]. The locomotive features two bogies arranged in a B′B′ axle configuration, each bogie containing two interconnected drive shafts. The BB302 is typically utilized as a versatile locomotive capable of hauling both passenger and freight trains as well as performing shunting duties.
This class belongs to the Henschel DHG1000BB family, which also includes the similar Indonesian Railways Class BB303. The BB302 units closely resemble the later BB303 series; however, they are marginally heavier. Another distinction lies in the control stand placement within the cab: the BB302’s controls are situated on the right-hand side. Early production models of the BB302 were fitted with spoked wheels, which were subsequently replaced by solid wheels common to later units.
History
The BB302 series is distinctive, consisting of only six units that exclusively operated within North Sumatra. These locomotives were introduced in 1970 to complement the existing BB300 class as part of the initiative to transition the railway system to diesel power.
Throughout their operational life, the BB302s, alongside their counterparts—the Henschel-manufactured BB303 and BB306 classes—served as versatile locomotives for mixed traffic duties in North Sumatra. Originally, the BB302s were equipped with the Maybach Mercedes Benz MB 12V 493 TZ10B engine.
After a quarter-century of use, these locomotives underwent a significant overhaul that included replacing their original engines with MTU units. This refurbishment took place from 1998 to 2000, concurrently with similar upgrades performed on the BB303 class in the same region.
Following the arrival of newer BB203 and CC201 locomotives in North Sumatra, the BB302s were gradually reassigned to shorter and medium-haul routes before ultimately being designated for shunting tasks. By 2021, only two out of the initial six BB302 locomotives remained operational.
Allocations
At present, BB302 70 01 is the sole active locomotive of its class stationed at the Medan depot, distinguished by its yellow-green livery characteristic of PJKA. Meanwhile, BB302 70 06 was deemed unfit for mainline service and reassigned to shunting duties at Pulu Brayan workshop, also bearing PJKA's classic livery. The remaining units of this class have been retired from service.
Gallery
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BB302 70 01 as seen in March 2019
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BB302 70 04 pulling the Sri Lelawangsa train in 2020
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BB302 70 05 at Template:Sta station, August 2008
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See also
References
External links
Media related to Indonesian BB302 series at Wikimedia Commons
Template:Kereta Api Indonesia locomotives and multiple units