Israel Railways JT 42BW
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Locomotive manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Vossloh España |
| Headquarters | Valencia , Spain |
| Parent | Alstom (previously Vossloh, currently Stadler) |
The JT 42BW represents a series of four-axle Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives constructed at the Meinfesa facility in Spain, operated by Alstom (previously Vossloh, currently Stadler), specifically for Israel Railways (IR). Produced over a decade from 1996 to 2006, this group of 48 units functioned as the main passenger locomotives for Israel Railways during the 2000s. They are equipped with a GM EMD 12N710G3B prime mover generating 3,000 horsepower and can reach speeds up to 140 km/h. The design emphasizes durability and safety, featuring electropneumatic braking systems alongside sophisticated safety technologies such as PZB and Sifa, ensuring dependable passenger service.
Description
These locomotives belong to the Prima family and were manufactured at Alstom's Valencia plant in Spain through a partnership with GM-EMD. They incorporate EMD traction components and utilize the EMD 710 engine. The procurement of these units was driven by the expansion of passenger rail services in the 1990s, which included the reopening of multiple routes. Typically, they operate in push-pull configurations consisting of one locomotive, five double-deck coaches, and a double-deck driving trailer. By 2007, they accounted for approximately half of Israel Railways' locomotive inventory.
The fleet was delivered in multiple orders between 1996 and 2006. The introduction of a second batch comprising ten units enabled the JT 42CW freight locomotives to return exclusively to freight operations after a period during which they had been temporarily redeployed to passenger duties due to a shortage of locomotives. Additionally, two locomotives (numbers 739 and 741) underwent reconstruction following accidents at Ahuzam and Beit Yehoshua.
In 2011, Israel Railways placed an order for 24 four-axle Bo'Bo' Euro 3000 AC locomotives from Vossloh España (the successor to Alstom Valencia). These newer locomotives maintain certain design aspects from the JT 42BW series, such as the EMD 710 engine; however, they differ by employing AC traction motors managed via IGBT electronic systems.
See also
- Israel Railways JT 42CW, freight locomotives from the same manufacturer operating contemporaneously